TreesUpstate Turkey Day Run

8k Run | 5k Trot | Corral Start by Pace

Date: Thanksgiving Morning | Thursday 11/26/2026

Start Time: Corral Start by Pace 8:30am to 8:45am

5k Course: New this year, the proposed 5k course is all roads. 

8k Course: The 8k course still uses Cancer Survivors Park, Falls Park, and Unity Park.

Corral Start by Pace: Both races will start together.  The fastest corral will begin at 8:30am.  If your pace is less than a 9min/mile, you will start at 8:30am sharp regardless of being in the 8k or the 5k. The last corral will start before 8:45am. If you are walking, you will start in the last corral regardless of being in the 8k or the 5k. 

8k Course Cutoff: The 8k course will close at Mile 2.5 at 9:35am.  If you do not clear Mile 2.5 before 9:35am you will head to the finish line on the 5k course and we will move you to the 5k event for your results. 

Families and Friends: If you'd like to start together, your corral will be based on the greatest estimated finish time.  When registering, enter the maximum finish time of your group when registering. You can edit your corral until packet pick-up by signing into RunSignUp and going to My Registrations.  You can also contact us for help.

Costume Contest Sponsored by Fleet Feet Greenville

To enter the contest, take a photo with your bib and post it to Instagram, tag @FleetFeetGreenville and @TreesUpstateTurkeyDay

One of our favorite things about this race is the costumes!  We love seeing all of the pilgrims, turkeys, creative fall motifs, and TREES.  Winners get great swag from Fleet Feet Sports of Greenville. 

2026 Courses

All race courses are subject to change as a result of natural disasters and unforeseen circumstances.  Draft 2026 Courses.

The 5k course has been updated and is roads only this year (unless there is a natural disaster or unforeseen circumstance). 

The 8k course is similar to previous years and does utilize small portions of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail and includes Falls Park and Unity Park.

There will be 1 water stop on the 5k course in Cleveland Park.  There will be 2 water stops on the 8k course (Cleveland and Unity Park).

E-Packet

Will be posted the week before Turkey Day. 

Packet Pick-Up | Monday - Wednesday

Monday, November 23rd – Fleet Feet Sports Greenville

• Fleet Feet Sports Greenville, 635 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605 | 10am - 7pm

Tuesday, November 24th – Fleet Feet Sports Greenville

• Fleet Feet Sports Greenville, 635 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605 | 10am - 7pm

Wednesday, November 25th - Yee Haw Brewing Company

• 307 E. McBee Ave, Greenville SC 29601
• Wednesday, November 25th | 10 am - 7 pm

Online Registration Closes Wednesday @ 6pm

• Online Registration and Race Registration will close at 6pm on Wednesday, November 25th. 
• There is no Race Day Registration.
• There is no Race Day Packet Pick-up.
• All events are $30 until 9/1, $35 until 11/1, and then $40.

No race day packet pick-up.  No race day registration.

Overall Awards 

Cash awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place female and male finishers in the 8k and 5k will be based on gun time.  

8k Cash Awards: $100, $75, $50 | 5k Cash Awards: $75, $50, $35

Age Group Awards

Age Group Awards for the top 3 female and male finishers in each age group will be based on chip time. The age division award is a TreesUpstate Turkey Day Run elite Boco Running Hat.   

Cash Awards & Age Group Awards Pick-Up Address

All cash and age group awards will be available for in-store pick-up at Fleet Feet Sports Greenville, 635 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29605. Starting November 27th, during regular store hours. Check their website for hours. 

Age Groups 

9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

2026 Race Shirt 

We're using the same shirt type as the 2018 and 2020-2025 race shirts.  Adult shirts are long sleeve and a super soft blend. Based on runner feedback; THE SHIRTS RUN SMALL. ORDER A SIZE UP.  Size fit guide.

Free Trees

TreesUpstate Energy-Saving Trees, presented by Duke Energy - There will be a limited number of free trees available on a first-come, first-served basis during packet pick-up. One free tree per registration. This giveaway is while supplies last. Learn more about this program. 

Parking - Free in City of GVL Garages on Thanksgiving Day

We strongly recommend you have a parking plan for Thanksgiving Morning. Look at course maps and road closures to help you make your plan. The best parking maps and info are here.  Please note: there are private parking garages, and they are not free.  Only City of Greenville Garages.

FAQ's

Is there Race Day Registration? No. Not anymore.  We held on to this as long as we could for your convenience.  You can send someone to pick it up though Monday-Wednesday.  The volume of people last year on Race Day Morning was too great.  We can't process over 1000 people in 45 minutes.  Contact the Race Director jteachey@treesupstate.org with any additional questions. 

Is there Race Day Packet Pick-up? No. Packet Pick-up options are Monday - Wednesday only.  You do not need an ID and you can pick up for others. 

Does this race benefit a nonprofit? Yes, it benefits TreesUpstate. Thanks for running with us!

What is TreesUpstate? TreesUpstate is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that plants, promotes, and protects trees in Upstate. Your registration supports our work. Learn more about us at TreesUpstate.org

Can my company sponsor this awesome race?  Yes, you can!  Please contact Mandy Oglesby at moglesby@treesupstate.org to learn more about sponsorships.

Will there be an awards ceremony?  There is no formal awards ceremony.  All cash awards and age group awards can be picked up at Fleet Feet starting Friday, 11/27, during regular business hours. Check their website for store hours.

Can I bring my dog? If you bring your FRIENDLY dog, they need to be on a leash. Please start in the back, and stay away from people who look like they don't like dogs.  Give people and other animals space.  Bring a bag in case your dog uses the restroom along the way.  Dogs aggressive towards other dogs and or people are NOT allowed.  

Can I wear headphones?  Doesn't bother us. Stay safe out there.

Do I need to register my child who will be riding in a stroller or a running jogger? No. 

Can I pick up my bib and shirt after Thanksgiving? Sorry. Packet pick-up is only available race week at the designated dates, locations and times.

What if I don't make it to the 8k course cutoff before the 8k course close?  You will finish on the 5k course and your results will be part of the 5k.  If you disregard our volunteer at the course cutoff and continue on the 8k course your result will be a DNF in the 8k results. 

What time will the finish line close? The finish line will close at 10:15am.

Is the event rain or shine? Yes. This is the largest fundraiser for TreesUpstate, a 501 c3 founded in 2005.  The event is rain or shine. No alternate date. No refunds for unforeseen circumstances or natural disasters.