Thanksgiving enjoyable runs in Asheville, Hendersonville

“Running races are up across the country, there’s a lot to choose from,” Daphne Kirkwood, organizer of the Black Bear Half Marathon and 8K, advised the Times-News in October.

Fall, with its cooler climate, is “prime time” for all types of operating races – 5Ks, 8Ks, 10Ks, marathons, half-marathons and enjoyable runs,

But turkey trots, the customarily festive enjoyable runs held throughout the nation on Thanksgiving could be among the many hottest, with more than 1 million people participating last year, USA TODAY reported.

RaceSignup, an internet site the place folks can register for operating races throughout the nation, reported 977 turkey trots throughout all 50 states this yr, in keeping with its web site. That’s up by more than 175 races in comparison with 2023, in keeping with earlier USA TODAY reporting.

“The energy of a race atmosphere is just very intoxicating and energizing and positive and uplifting. And I think that in this day and age, people need to feel that in their lives,” Kirkwood stated.

There are 4 turkey trots within the Asheville and Hendersonville space to select from if you wish to attempt it for your self. And they’re spaced out so to even make a couple of when you’ve got it in you.

The National Weather Service forecasts sunny climate with a excessive of 44 levels Fahrenheit in Asheville Nov. 27 and sunny with a excessive of 45 levels Fahrenheit in Hendersonville Nov. 28. It needs to be sunny with a excessive of 41 levels Fahrenheit in Black Mountain Nov. 27.

Black Mountain Turkey Trot and 1-Mile Wishbone Fun Run (SOLD OUT)

7 a.m. Nov. 27, Black Mountain Parks and Recreation, 304 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain.

“Get ready for an unforgettable Thanksgiving morning at Black Mountain’s inaugural Turkey Trot! Choose your challenge: a chip-timed 5K weaving through charming mountain streets or a breezy 1-mile Wishbone Fun Run perfect for families,” its web site says.

“The first-year support of this event has been amazing! Next year we’ll be ready for many more of you,” in keeping with its web site.

Asheville Turkey Trot 5K and Gobble Wobble 1-Mile Fun Run

Gobble Wobble at 8:30 a.m., Turkey Trot at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 27

Registration is 3-6 p.m. Nov. 26 at Fred Anderson Subaru, 110 S. Bear Creek Road, Asheville, and 7-8:30 a.m. Nov. 27 at Pack Square.

The course begins on the Asheville YMCA, 30 Woodfin St.

“We are proud to say that for years the proceeds from out Turkey Trot benefit MANNA Foodbank. In 2023, over 2,600 runners helped created 34,000 meals for MANNA during the holiday season. By registering for our event, you help give back to the community. Together, we can help increase food security and fight hunger for our neighbors in Western North Carolina,” it says on the Asheville Turkey Trot’s web site.

South Asheville Turkey Trot

9 a.m. Nov. 27, Biltmore Park Town Square, 1 Town Square Boulevard, Asheville.

“Thanksgiving is the most popular running holiday in the U.S.,” Kirkwood, who additionally organizes this race, stated. “Whether you’re running, walking, or just trotting it out for the pie, this event is for everyone. Awards for festive costumes and top finishers in each age group!” its web site says.

Hendersonville Turkey Trot 5k

8:30 a.m. Nov. 28, Hendersonville City Hall, intersection of 5^th Ave. and King St., Hendersonville.

Packet pickup is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 26-27 at City Hall, 160 6^th Ave. E.

“Registrations are closed but you’re invited out to enjoy the day and get some exercise. Any race packets not picked-up by 9:00 race day will be resold,” in keeping with town.

“Start your Thanksgiving morning with a fun-filled dash through downtown Hendersonville at the City’s 12th Annual Turkey Trot 5K! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or just in it for the costumes, this all-ages event is open to everyone,” town’s web site says.

“This isn’t your typical race – it’s all about fun! Costumes are encouraged, so break out your best turkey, pilgrim, or pumpkin getup. The race goes on rain, shine, or snow. While it’s a non-sanctioned event, we’ll still hand out four fun prizes: farthest traveled, first male, first female, and a mystery time prize,” it says.

More upcoming vacation races and enjoyable runs

Ugly Sweater Races 10K and 5K

9 a.m. Dec. 6, Brevard

“The Ugly Sweater Run returns to Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, NC! Ugly sweaters, festive miles, and holiday fun—be part of the 6th annual Ugly Sweater Run presented by Hunter Subaru! This year’s event features a scenic, mostly flat course running through the beautiful greenways, around the Brevard Sports Complex, and the charming streets of Brevard,” its web site says.

Sock it to me Santa 5K

9 a.m. Dec. 13, Brevard

“Every December, the streets of South French Broad area of Asheville, North Carolina, come alive with the festive energy of the Sock It to Me Santa 5K race. It’s more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community and holiday cheer, all for a good cause,” supporting native college music packages, an occasion web page says.

Pace for Pasta 5K

11 a.m. Dec. 13, Fletcher

Pace for Pasta advantages Veritas Christian Academy’s senior class journey to Italy, in keeping with an occasion web page. “Come run or walk through the taste of Italy with a bowl of pasta at the finish line!” is says.

More: Small WNC turkey farmers are in ‘prime time’ forward of Thanksgiving

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George Fabe Russell is the Henderson County Reporter for the Hendersonville Times-News. Tips, questions, feedback? Email him at GFRussell@gannett.com.