2026 Willow Spring High School Turkey Trot

STORM THE SPRING BEFORE YOU GOBBLE!!

Established in 2022, Willow Spring High School is BACK with its Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5k Run!  

The USATF-certified 5K course will start and end on the track and include a loop that will take you around campus, down the Park-Depot Greenway Trail, and into the South Lakes neighborhood before your return. The Kids Fun Run (9 and under), and Diaper Dash (4 and under) will all occur on the school track.

We will again offer the competitive 5K for those faster runners who can finish within 30 minutes and want to run with less congestion on the course. In the competitive 5K there will be overall awards for the top 3 and age group awards for the top two. Awards will be given following the competitive 5K. For an added bonus, the course record holder always gets a free entry!

Our current record holders are Dylan Buffington in 16:25.8 and Maggie Verwiel in 19:36.30. 

The Fun Family 5K includes walkers, runners, and strollers (no pets). In the Family Fun 5K, we will have a costume contest that will be judged during the race. So come out in your most fun Thanksgiving costume, get your picture taken and have a chance to win the Trophy!

All participants will receive a medal at the end of their race.  Participants who run the Competitive 5k or the Fun Family 5K who sign up before October 23rd will also receive a t-shirt. If you register after October 23rd, t-shirts are not guaranteed.

This event is open to ANY and EVERYONE!!

Proceeds will benefit the Willow Spring High School Cross Country and Track Teams. This is going to be a FUN event that you don't want to miss.

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LOCATION AND PARKING:
The race will be held at Willow Spring High School, starting on the Track,  located at 1704 Old Honeycutt Road, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526. Because the 5K course utilizes the entrance off of Old Honeycutt, all race day traffic will be directed to the parking lot off of Kennebec Road. Please follow the signs and plan to park in the Kennebec Road parking lot. Also, be cautious when driving as some races cross parking areas and streets.  Be on the lookout for any runners.

PACKET PICK UP: 
Participants will have the choice to pick up race packets on two occasions: the afternoon of November 25 as well as Thanksgiving morning. 

Early Bird Check-In: Wednesday, November 25, 1-4 PM @ Willow Spring High School Stadium

Race Day Check-In: Thursday, November 26 starting at 7:00 AM @ Willow Spring High School Stadium

At Check-In, you will confirm your information and pick up your race bib and a shirt if applicable. 

If opting for race day check in, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your event start time. The Competitive 5K, time limit of 30 minutes, is our first race and will start promptly at 7:45 AM. No strollers are allowed in the competitive 5K. 

Please note:  The Starting Line for all races is on the Track.

TIMING AND AWARDS:
Race timing will be done using electronic Bib Tags. Please be sure not to bend, fold, or remove the chip on your race number. For all events, bibs must be worn and be visible to officials at the finish line. Do not cover the bib. 

Competitive 5K Awards - Top 3 male and female in the 5K and Top 2 finishers in each age category for both male and female: 10 & under, 11-16, 17-25, 26-39, 40-55, 55 - 64 and 65+. 

5K COURSE:
Link to 5K Course Map
All course turns will be marked with directional signs, and if needed, coned and chalked. A portion of the course will have two-way traffic. Please share the course and stick to the right side if necessary. 

Volunteers will be placed on the course to assist in direction and a police officer will be stationed where the greenway crosses Jones Lake Road to stop vehicular traffic. Roads will not be closed during the race; pay attention to car traffic and stay on the sidewalks while in the residential areas of the course. 

Water will be available at a Water Stop stationed near the halfway mark. The same station is accessible again soon after the second mile. 

RULES:
- Runners must pick up and wear their assigned race bib on their FRONT.
- Runners may not participate with someone else’s bib number or exchange bib numbers. 
- Runners should obey all course monitors and safety personnel. 
- Unregistered participants, skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates or other motorized devices are not allowed. 
- No pets or animals allowed on the course. 
- Strollers are permitted for the Family Fun 5K only. If running with a stroller, please start at the back of the group. 
- Please be courteous and move over to the side when faster runners are passing. 
- Failure to adhere to course signage and run direction or impeding other runners can result in disqualification. 

POST-RACE REFRESHMENTS:
Complimentary water and bananas/snacks will be available at the 5K Finish Line. 

BATHROOMS:
Real, warm, and stocked bathrooms are in the stadium at Willow Spring High School and will be open! The high school building will be closed. 

Sponsorship Information

Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the 5th Annual Willow Spring Turkey Trot. The event will be held Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026. Events include a 5K (competitive and family fun categories), Kids Fun Run (400 M for ages 9 and under) and a Diaper Dash (50 M for ages 4 and under). All proceeds go to the school’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams. 

The event will start and finish at the Willow Spring High School Stadium.  The USATF certified 5K course is a loop that takes participants around the school track, down the Park-Depot Greenway Trail, and into the South Lakes Neighborhood. The Kids Fun Run and Diaper Dash will occur on the school track. We expect to have over 1000 participants, spectators, and family members attend the event.

Sponsorship Packages:

Event Sponsorship: $1,000 (6 available)

Official sponsor of 1 event: Competitive 5K, Family 5K, Kids Fun Run or Diaper Dash (your choice)
“Event Sponsored By” title in all event marketing materials, event webpages, press releases and social media promotions for specific events.
Prominent logo placement on t-shirt
Prominent logo placement on race day signage at registration
5 free race registrations
Verbal recognition before the start of the individual event as the Official Sponsor
Verbal recognition at the awards ceremony as the Official Sponsor for the event
Display Booth/Vendor Table available at the race
Add giveaway/advertisement to the swag bag that each runner will receive

Mile Marker/Water Stop Sponsor: $750 (4 available)

Logo featured prominently on race course at Mile Marker 1, 2, 3 or water stop (your choice)
Logo on T-shirt
Logo displayed on race day signage at registration
3 free race registrations
Verbal recognition at the start of the 5K races
Verbal recognition at the Awards Ceremony
Display Booth/Vendor Table available at race
Add giveaway/advertisement to the swag bag that each runner will receive

Supporting Sponsor $500 (unlimited)

Logo on T-shirt
Logo displayed on race day signage at registration 
Verbal Recognition at the Awards Ceremony 
Display Booth/Vendor Table available at race
1 free race registrations
Add giveaway/advertisement to the swag bag that each runner will receive

Sponsor $250 (unlimited)

Name on T-shirt
Name displayed on race day signage at registration
Verbal Recognition at the Awards Ceremony
Display Booth/Vendor Table available at race
Add giveaway/advertisement to the swag bag that each runner will receive

Please note that sponsorships are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Deadlines for inclusion on t-shirts is October 23rd and the deadline for inclusion on race day signage is November 6th.

Contact:

Coach Ana Bolchalk - abolchalk@wcpss.net

Or Click the Donate Button above