The Ultimate Guide To The Johnson City Turkey Trot 2024: Everything You Need To Know
Planning your Thanksgiving morning in Northeast Tennessee for 2024? The Johnson City Turkey Trot is not just a race; it's a cherished community tradition that has become the definitive "place to be" before the holiday feast. This annual 5K Road Race and Family Fun Run/Walk offers a perfect opportunity to earn your holiday calories, support vital local causes, and connect with thousands of runners and walkers in a festive atmosphere.
As of December 24, 2025, the Johnson City Turkey Trot, hosted by Up & At 'Em, Inc., is gearing up for another massive turnout. The event is a cornerstone of the region’s running calendar, consistently drawing participants from across the Tri-Cities area and beyond to kick off Thanksgiving Day with a burst of healthy activity and community spirit.
The 2024 Johnson City Turkey Trot: Essential Race Day Details
The Johnson City Turkey Trot is a professionally organized event that caters to elite runners, casual walkers, and entire families looking for a fun, non-competitive outing. The event is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and its significant charitable impact on the Johnson City and Washington County communities.
Official Event Schedule and Location
The Turkey Trot always takes place on Thanksgiving morning, ensuring your run is complete well before the main holiday festivities begin. It is one of the largest and most popular Thanksgiving Day races in the region.
- Event Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Race Start Time: 8:30 AM EST
- Location: The race begins and ends near the Memorial Park Community Center in Johnson City, TN.
- Official Start Line: The 5K Road Race and Family Fun Run/Walk officially start on Legion Street.
- Host Organization: Up & At 'Em, Inc.
Registration and Packet Pickup Information
To ensure a smooth race day experience, organizers strongly encourage early registration. In a crucial update for 2024, there will be no race-day registration, so planning ahead is essential to secure your spot and your official race shirt.
- Registration Options: Participants can register online through the official Up & At 'Em, Inc. website or by mailing in a printed registration form.
- Tiered Pricing: The event utilizes a tiered pricing structure, meaning the earlier you register, the lower your entry fee. Prices typically increase closer to the race date, encouraging early commitment to the event.
- Packet Pickup: Race packets, including bibs and T-shirts, are typically available for pickup at the Memorial Park Community Center (510 Bert St) in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Check the official website for specific dates and times, usually Tuesday and Wednesday before the race.
Unpacking the 5K Course and Route Map
The Johnson City Turkey Trot 5K course is a favorite among local runners for its manageable elevation and scenic route through a residential and park area of Johnson City. The course is a certified 5K (3.1 miles), providing an accurate distance for those chasing a personal best (PB).
The course begins on Legion Street and quickly moves onto one of the main stretches of the race. Runners will traverse the route, which includes a significant portion along Prosperity Church Road. The turnaround point is typically located near the Benfield Road intersection, from where participants head back to the start/finish area near the Memorial Park Community Center.
The route is designed to be accessible to all fitness levels, including the Family Fun Run/Walk participants. While the course is generally flat, there are gentle slopes that provide a nice challenge without being overly strenuous, making it ideal for a pre-holiday run. Traffic restrictions are put in place on Thanksgiving morning to ensure the safety of all participants.
The Immense Community Impact: More Than Just a Race
The Johnson City Turkey Trot is deeply rooted in philanthropy. The event is the primary fundraiser for Up & At 'Em, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and quality of life throughout Johnson City and Washington County. This charitable focus is one of the main reasons the event has grown into such a massive success.
A Legacy of Giving
Since its inception, the annual Turkey Trot has raised a substantial amount of money for the local community. The organization proudly reports that it has donated over $250,000 to various organizations in the area. These funds are crucial for supporting local programs that align with the mission of promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Instead of naming a single beneficiary, the Turkey Trot structure encourages broad community participation. The event donates a significant sum—historically $3,500—to the top participating organizations based on the number of registered runners they bring in. This competitive, yet charitable, model motivates local schools, churches, and non-profits to rally their members, boosting both participation and fundraising efforts across the region.
Key Entities and Community Partners
The success of the race relies on a network of volunteers, sponsors, and community entities. Key partners and relevant entities include:
- Up & At 'Em, Inc.: The official organizing non-profit.
- Memorial Park Community Center: The central hub for packet pickup and the race’s start/finish area.
- Johnson City Parks and Recreation: Providing logistical support and use of facilities.
- Local Law Enforcement: Crucial for course safety and traffic management on Legion Street and Prosperity Church Road.
- Regional Running Clubs: Such as The Goose Chase, which often supports the event.
- Participants: Thousands of runners and walkers from Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and surrounding areas in Northeast Tennessee.
Tips for Your Best Turkey Trot Experience
Whether you’re aiming for a personal record (PR) or just enjoying a brisk walk with your family, a few tips can help you get the most out of your Johnson City Turkey Trot experience.
Preparing for Race Day
- Register Early: Take advantage of the tiered pricing and ensure you get your preferred shirt size. Remember, there is no race-day registration.
- Know the Course: Familiarize yourself with the route, especially the turnaround point on Prosperity Church Road, to manage your energy effectively.
- Packet Pickup: Pick up your packet on Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving to avoid any last-minute stress on race morning.
- Parking: Arrive early! Parking near the Memorial Park Community Center can fill up quickly due to the high volume of participants.
The Family Fun Run/Walk
The Family Fun Run/Walk is a non-competitive, shorter distance event perfect for young children, strollers, and anyone who prefers a leisurely pace. It starts simultaneously with the 5K, allowing families to enjoy the festive atmosphere without the pressure of a 5K race. This is a wonderful way to start a new Thanksgiving tradition with your loved ones.
The Johnson City Turkey Trot is more than just a 5K; it is a vital part of the Tri-Cities' Thanksgiving celebration, bringing together the community for fitness, fun, and philanthropy. Mark your calendar for November 28, 2024, and be ready to join one of Northeast Tennessee’s most iconic holiday events.
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