Hilton Head Turkey Trot

Hilton Head Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day race on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on November 26, 2026. The single format is a 5K (3.1 miles) starting at 8:00 a.m. The island setting and mild coastal climate make this an appealing holiday 5K for locals and for visitors spending Thanksgiving week on the coast.

Coastal South Carolina in late November is usually far more comfortable than the northern states, so you can expect pleasant running conditions at 8:00 a.m., though a light layer for the start is still a good idea. If you are aiming for a fast time, six weeks of easy running with one weekly interval session and a few strides will sharpen you up nicely, and the flat terrain typical of the Lowcountry favors an even, steady effort. If you are on vacation and simply want to join in, a few relaxed jogs during the weeks before will make the distance enjoyable, and a short warm-up before the start will help you settle in from the first stretch.