Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K is a running race on November 26, 2026 in Garner, NC, with entry fees from $15 to $25.
From the Organizer
The Freedom Ride Rescue 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 Freedom Ride Rescue's mission to help abandoned, neglected and abused animals in North Carolina.
Race options include 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. Virtual 'racers' are welcome to support us from a far and will receive a race shirt whlle supplies last!
Since its inception, The Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K has been a very popular and well attended event. The first year was capped at 500 participants and we sold out. This year's race will be limited to 1,000 participants. Registration fees increase as race day approaches, so register early!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
58°
Typical Low
33°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Garner, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
32,543
as of 2023
City Elevation
266 ft
Nearest Airport
RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport · 17 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
126
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
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From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Garner than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to GarnerFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K
Nov 26, 2026