Online registration is now closed...but you can still register at any of our packet pickups listed below. Cash only please.
Competitive 5K and Recreational 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Ages 6-12 $20.00
Ages 13+ $35.00
Thanksgiving Morning
Race Day Schedule
8:10 Runners Yoga Warmup
8:20 Announcements
8:30 Start Time Competitive 5K
8:35 Start Time Recreational 5K
8:40 Start Time 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
9:30 Awards (Competitive 5K Only)
10:30 Finish Line Closes
*All races will begin and end at the entrance to the White Deer Park Nature Center Parking Lot.
**Participants with dogs, strollers and/or wagons are asked to please start at the rear of each race.
RUN THE RACE BEFORE YOU STUFF YOUR FACE!
What is the TeddyRox Turkey Day 5K?
The TeddyRox Turkey Day 5K is the annual Thanksgiving Day race held in Garner’s White Deer and Lake Benson Parks. Family and friends, both human and canine, gather to enjoy a brisk holiday morning run or walk through the parks to help raise money in support of the TeddyRox Foundation’s mission to help abandoned, neglected and abused animals in North Carolina.
Race options include a Competitive 5K, Recreational 5K and a 1M Fun Run Both the 5K and 1M courses are relatively flat paved trails and the seasonal beauty of these two parks is spectacular. Thanksgiving themed costumes, decorated wagons, strollers and baby joggers are encouraged. Well socialized dogs are welcome on a 6’ or shorter leash - retractable leashes are not permitted
Why support the TeddyRox Turkey Day 5K?
A study by Best Friends Animal Society found that in 2018, 55,900 dogs and cats were killed in North Carolina shelters. Only California and Texas had higher numbers. Local shelters and rescue organizations do great work but finances are always an issue. All too often the lack of funding is the difference between life and death.
The TeddyRox Foundation provides support to animal shelters and rescues to save lives. The TeddyRox Turkey Day 5K is our major fundraiser each year and provides the money necessary to ensure more of North Carolina's homeless pets get the help and ultimately the loving homes they deserve. The TeddyRox Foundation is an all volunteer 501(c)3 organization.
Register Early!
Since it's inception, The TeddyRox Turkey Day 5K has been a very popular and well attended event. The first year was capped at 500 participants and we sold out. Year we exceeded 600 and we expect more this year! This year's race will be limited to 750 participants. First 400 registered participants will receive a runner's bag from Body Wellness Massage Therapy of Garner. Registration fees increase as race day approaches so register early!
The Virtual Race
If you'd like to support The TeddyRox Foundation but you're going to be out of town or don't really want to get out of bed early on Thanksgiving morning you can register for the Virtual Run and we'll mail you a race t-shirt. Tell your friends and family you ran the race...it will be our little secret! 🙂
5K Course
1 Mile Course
Race Shirts
This year's race shirt, A4 Cooling Performance Crew, provides sun defense, rash guard, moisture-wicking technology, stain release, and comfortable fit.
You MUST be registered by MIDNIGHT November 14 to receive this year's race shirt. We will not be ordering extras.
Awards - Competitive Race Only
Overall: 1st & 2nd Place Male & Female
*Overall winners are not eligible for age category awards.
Age Categories - 1st & 2nd Place Male & Female
6-9 years
10-12 years
13-15 years
16-19 years
20-29 years
30-39 years
40-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
Saturday, November 23
8:30 - 11:00 AM
Aversboro Coffee
1401 Aversboro Rd, Ste 103
Garner, NC 27529
Sunday, November 24
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Dick's Sporting Goods
145 Shenstone Blvd
Garner, NC 27529
Tuesday, November 26
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Zin Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge
1411 Aversboro Rd Suite 309
Garner, NC 27529
Race Day
Thursday, November 28
7:30 - 8:15 AM
White Deer Nature Park Parking Lot
Parking
The only parking for the event is in Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Rd, Garner. It is a short walk from Lake Benson Park to the race staging area in White Deer Park. For your safety, please cross Buffaloe Road at the crosswalk where a Garner Police Officer will be stationed. Signs will direct you to the starting line!
Sponsorship Opportunities
We have many sponsorship opportunities available. Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $10,000. If you are interested in more information regarding becoming a race sponsor click here or email teddyroxfoundation@gmail.com. TeddyRox Foundation is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Directional Signs
To keep all runners and walkers on course, the 5K and 1M routes will be marked with directional signage. Directional signs with your pet's photo and name or your company logo can be purchased for $100 by clicking here. Please remember to send a high quality photo or your logo to teddyroxfoundation@gmail.com . (No people in the photos please!)
Looking forward to seeing you Thanksgiving morning!