Hilton Head Turkey Trot
The Island Rec Center's Thanksgiving-morning 5K, out of the Boathouse lot and into Hilton Head Plantation.
- Next dates: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving)
- Thanksgiving morning, 8 a.m.: 5K start at Island Rec Center
- Tickets: $40 from Sept. 16 through Oct. 31, then $50 from Nov. 1 (the early-bird $35 ended Sept. 15)
- Hosted by: Island Rec Center
- Packet pickup: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Island Rec Center
- Included: Race shirt, finisher medal and entry to the afterparty
- Good to know: Turkey costumes encouraged; strollers start at the back; no pets
The Hilton Head Turkey Trot, which islanders also call the HHI Turkey Trot, is the Island Rec Center's annual 5K on Thanksgiving morning. It starts in the Boathouse parking lot on Squire Pope Road, winds into Hilton Head Plantation, turns around and finishes back where it began.
Thanksgiving morning has more than one 5K on the island. This one is the Rec Center's. The beach race at Palmetto Dunes is the Turtle Trot, and Sea Pines holds its Dolphin Dash the day before. All are listed on the 5K races page.
The course and Thanksgiving morning
The route is an out-and-back: from the Boathouse parking lot into Hilton Head Plantation and back to the start. It is a family-friendly run or walk, and runners are encouraged to dress as turkeys. Strollers are welcome but must start at the back of the pack, and pets are not allowed.
Packet pickup
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Island Rec Center
Pick up your shirt and bib the day before so Thanksgiving morning is only the run.
The 5K
8 a.m., Boathouse parking lot
Start and finish are the same place, so there is no shuttle to plan.
Shirt, medal and afterparty
Every registration includes a race shirt, a finisher medal and entry to the afterparty.
Food for The Deep Well Project
The race collects food donations for The Deep Well Project, so bring a few items along.
Other Thanksgiving-week 5Ks
If this is not the right fit, two other races fall on the same days. The Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot is the same morning on the beach and its proceeds go to the Sea Turtle Patrol. Sea Pines' Dolphin Dash is a beach 5K on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The full year of races is on the 5K races page.
More Hilton Head races
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hilton Head Turkey Trot?
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, which is Thanksgiving, at 8 a.m. at the Island Rec Center on Squire Pope Road.
How much is it to register?
Registration is $40 from Sept. 16 through Oct. 31 and $50 from Nov. 1. The early-bird price of $35 ended Sept. 15.
Where is the course?
It starts in the Boathouse parking lot, winds into Hilton Head Plantation, turns around and finishes at the start.
When is packet pickup?
Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Island Rec Center.
Is the Turkey Trot the same race as the Turtle Trot?
No. The Turtle Trot is a separate Thanksgiving-morning 5K on the beach at Palmetto Dunes. See the Turtle Trot page.
Can I bring a stroller or a dog?
Strollers are allowed but must start at the back. Pets are not allowed.
Local guides like this come standard for Guests of Partner Properties — one small part of what a Partner Property gives every guest.
Book Partner Properties