Hot to Trot 5k/10k/Fun Run

The Hot to Trot 5k, 10k and Fun Run are great ways to start your Thanksgiving Day! The 5K course starts on Parkside Drive in front of Fleet Feet Knoxville and runs through Turkey Creek area then loops back. The 10K course is a 2-loop course. The Fun Run is out and back on Parkside Drive for a total of one mile.

• 5k/10k - Next Level, long-sleeved unisex t-shirt for adults; cotton long sleeved t-shirt for youth
• Fun Run - Cotton long sleeved unisex t-shirt

Note:  Shirt inventory is set on November 8th. After this date there is no guarantee on size availability. There will be no shirt re-orders. 

Race Morning Schedule:

• 6:00 - Packet Pickup opens
• 6:45 - 5k/10k Registration closes
• 7:30 - 5k/10k Start
• 8:30 - Fun Run Registration closes
• 9:00 - Fun Run Start
   

Early Packet Pickup:

• Tue, Nov 24 | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Fleet Feet Knoxville, 11619 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 (865) 675-3338
• Wed, Nov 25| 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Fleet Feet Knoxville, 11619 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 (865) 675-3338

Race Morning Packet Pickup:

•  Thu, Nov 26 | 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM: Fleet Feet Knoxville tent at race start.

NO REFUNDS AND NO TRANSFERS

Awards:

Handmade awards by local artist Stony Clay Station in Lenoir City.

Overall awards:

1st Male, 1st Female, 1st Master Male, 1st Master Female, 1st Grand Master Male, & 1st Grand Master Female, 1st Senior Grand Master Male & 1st Senior Grand Master Female

Age group awards:

1st, 2nd & 3rd in the following male and female age groups:<10, 11-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+  

CHARITIES:

 -  Hand Up for Women
 -  Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry - bring non-perishable food items to donate

1. Are the Thanksgiving morning races timed?  

The 5k and 10k races are timed events on a certified course. The Fun Run is untimed and is approximately 1 mile.

2. Is there race day registration for the 5K or 10K?

If the events are not sold out, we will allow registration until 7:00am when we close the packet pickup area.  With the first wave of 5K/10K runners departing at 7:30 am, we need to make sure everyone is lined up appropriately for the start.  We will announce on the website if the events are sold out and close down the registration site. 

3. Is there race day registration for the Fun Run?

As this is an ‘untimed’ and ‘fun’ event, we will allow you to sign up until 8:40am. The Fun Run starts at 9:00 am.   

4. Are strollers allowed in the race?  

Our insurance is with RRCA and they strongly discourage the use of strollers in a running race. That being said, we want our race to be a family-oriented event, so we have allowed strollers to participate as long as they start near the back of the pack. It is very congested the first mile of the race and want to keep everyone safe. So please use extra caution and please stay safe.

5. Are dogs allowed to run the hot to trot race with us?

Our insurance is with RRCA and they strongly discourage the participation of dogs in a running race. That being said, we want our race to be a family-oriented event so we have allowed pets to participate as long as they are well trained, on a short leash, and start near the back of the pack. It is very congested the first mile of the race and want to keep everyone safe. So please use extra caution and please stay safe. 

6. I am unable to race.  Can I get a refund?

As we clearly post on our registration sites, the race is non-refundable.  We hope to see you next year!

7. I am injured and need to change from 10K to 5K. Is this possible?

We allow event transfer for someone who is already registered.   Visit the Help Desk during packet pickup to complete the transfer.  If you finish in the wrong event, your time will not count.  

8. I am registered for the 5K and cannot run.  Can I transfer my registration to a friend?

This race is a no-transfer, no-refund race. Recently, we have decided to institute a transfer process at a nominal fee of $10 to offset the cost of the transfer for those who reach out to us early in the registration process.  Visit the Help Desk during packet pickup to complete the transfer. If you finish in the wrong event, your time will not count. 

9. If the 5K/10K races are sold out, can I still register for the Fun Run and run the 5K or 10K?

Absolutely NOT.  We have spotters monitoring bibs for the appropriate 5K and 10K colors.  If you are running under the wrong colored bib, you will be considered a “bandit”.  

10. I tried to register for the race but either I am unable to reach the site or it says “Closed”.  Can you help me register for this event? 

Once the races are sold out, we cannot accept any additional entries. 

11. My husband and I are planning to run the race with our children.  Can they run without a number and being registered?  

Due to insurance reasons, we cannot allow anyone to participate in the race if they have not registered. 

12. Can someone else pick up my packet? 

Yes.  Just make sure they can verify your personal information when picking up your packet, including your DOB and age.

13. Can someone pick up packets for multiple racers? 

Yes.  As in previous question, just make sure they can verify personal information for each person on the list when picking up their packets, including their DOB and ages.  

14. I need to change my shirt size.  Can I exchange it at the packet pickup? 

We allow shirt exchange only on race day shortly after the packet pickup area closes (7 am).  Shirt exchange is on a first come first serve, and is dependent on what sizes are available.  We will not do a shirt reorder.

15. Since I live far from the race, can I pick up my registration packet on the day of the race (Thursday)?

Yes, we will have packet pickup at race start from 6:00 am – 7:00 am.  

16. Can I volunteer for the event? 

We can always use more volunteers, especially in the 6:00am-7:30am timeframe.  Go to our Volunteer registration site for more information.   

17. I have to leave early after the race.  Can I pick up my award later? 
 
We will have the awards at the store during the Thanksgiving weekend beginning on Friday (10am-7pm), Saturday (10am-6pm), and Sunday (1pm-5pm).  Afterwards, you may schedule a pickup by contacting the store at 865-675-3338.  We will not mail out awards. 
 
18. Are there medals, sweatshirts, or some item given to the racers?   

All participants will receive a high quality race shirt (while supplies last).  Age group and Overall 5K and 10K winners will win a handmade ceramic mug by local artist group, Stony Clay Station. Also, the kids who complete the Fun Run will receive a fun plastic medal.  

Simplify your race day experience with the info below!

Packet Pickup 

You can pick up your packet for the event at the following time/location:

Early Packet Pick-Up

Tuesday, November 24th 10am-7pm
Location: Fleet Feet Knoxville at 11619 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934

Wednesday, November 25th 10am-7pm
Location: Fleet Feet Knoxville at 11619 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934

Race Morning Packet Pick-Up

Thursday, November 26th 6am - 7am for 5K/10K; until 8:40am for Fun Run only.
Location: Packet Pickup tent outside Fleet Feet Knoxville at 11619 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 

 ***Please note that race day packet pickup for 5K/10K will close at 7:00AM, so you must arrive early on race day if you need to pick up your bib. Any 5K/10K participant who does not have a bib assigned by 7 AM can still participate in the race, but will not be assigned a bib, will not receive a race time, and will not be eligible for awards.***

You can pick up packets for other runners in your group as well, as long as you have their exact information, including their DOB.  And don't forget to use your bib to get last minute racing supplies as it will be good for a $5 off a $25 purchase at the store.

Race Day Registration - Available until 7:00 am

Dynamic bib assignment process will be used again this year.  As such, we will leave registration open for all races until 30 minute before the start of each race.  So don't wait too long and sign up as soon as possible to secure your shirt and ensure a smooth start.

Troubleshooting & Registration Issues -

To switch events or to resolve other registration issues, come to the Help Desk during the Packet Pickup at the store.  We will be glad to help you.

IMPORTANT!  You must run the race for which you have registered otherwise your time will not count.  This is to ensure speedy and accurate results on race morning.  There will be limited time to switch events on race morning while the Help Desk is open. 

Shirts 

We will allow exchanging shirt sizes during the packet pickup hours at store as long as we have the inventory.  Visit the Help Desk to check on inventory for an alternate size.  If the size is available, you be instructed on how to make the exchange.  Please note you CAN NOT swap shirts at the Shirt Table without checking with Help Desk first.  On race day, once the 5K/10K starts, we will allow shirt swaps at the Packet Pickup tent.  

Race Day Schedule of Events

6:00 AM - Race Day Packet Pickup Opens; Race Day Registration Opens
7:00 AM - Packet Pickup Closes for 5K/10K;  remains open for Fun Run
7:00 AM - Start staging 5K/10K near the start line (near 1st Horizon Bank)
7:30 AM - 5K/10K Starts in waves (usually 7 waves at 1 min interval)
7:50 AM - 5K Awards will be ready to be picked up as soon as the results are verified; there will be no Awards Ceremony!
8:10 AM - 10K Awards should be ready to be picked up as soon as the results are verified; there will be no Awards Ceremony!
8:45 AM - Fun Run packet pickup closes and Fun Run stages at the start line
9:00 AM - 5K/10K Course Closes and Fun Run Begins
9:30 AM - Check Presentations to A Hand Up For Women and The Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry 

Starting Waves

5K & 10K starts will be done in waves.  The following waves will be staged at the start line and we ask that you start in an appropriate wave to ensure a smooth and fun racing experience for everyone.  Each wave will start approximately at 1 min interval.  Look for signs indicating your wave.

Wave 1 - Faster than 8 min/mile
Wave 2 - 8 to 9 min/mile
Wave 3 - 9 to 10 min/mile
Wave 4 - 10 to 11 min/mile
Wave 5 - 11 to 12 min/mile
Wave 6 - Slower than 12 min/mile
Wave 7 - Walkers
The awards are based on Chip Time not Gun Time and there will be a start mat.  So place yourself accordingly in the waves to allow less congestion.

Please be courteous of 10K runners on their 2nd lap. If you plan on being out there for 45+ min for the 5K, please keep to the right, keep to smaller groups, and allow space for the 10K runners to pass you by safely on the left.

Race Results & Awards

Thanks to our friends at Total Race Solutions, you will be able to get your results shortly after you finish.  To check on your results online, click here!

https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/37669/IndividualResult

You can look up your own results by adding a hash mark followed by a bib number to the end of this URL. For example, https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/37669/IndividualResult#123 will show the results for the participant with bib number 123.

To Collect Age Group Awards

We will make an announcement that the results are ready!
Head over to the Results table to get a print-out of your finish or just look up your results on RunSignUp. Remember, you can search results using the link above.
If you placed, Head to the Awards tent and pick up your award (a mug of choice from Stony Clay Pottery)
If you are one of the overall winners, shortly after the race, you will receive an Email with a $20 Merchandise Certificate at Fleet Feet Knoxville. These will be ready for you to use starting on Friday morning.

Parking Information

With over 3,000 people coming to the Turkey Creek area on race morning, we recommend arriving early. 

Available Parking: Publix, JC Penney, At Home (old Gander Mountain) parking lots
Please make sure to leave your valuables at home or hidden in the car.  Don't let the opportunistic thief ruin the day for you.
Road Closure: Parking lot in front our shopping center is part of the race course and will be closed off during the race. Also from most parking lots, you will not be able to turn left onto Parkside Drive while the race is underway.  
Handicapped Parking: Available at Yamato Ramen House, in the shopping center just East of Fleet Feet Knoxville.
Click Here to see the Course Map

Volunteer

We can always use more volunteers. We have a lot to do before, during, and after the race and could use your help. If you are planning on racing, there are plenty of positions that allow you to volunteer and race. Please visit our volunteer page to see where help is most needed.

All race day volunteers will be treated with coffee, hot chocolate, and delicious continental breakfast courtesy of many local businesses.

Water Stop 

There will be a water stop near the 1.5 mile mark for 5k & 10k. 10k Runners will pass this again at the 4.5 mile mark.

Weather Policy

We will not cancel the race due to cold temps, snowfall, rain, or air quality. We all know that the weather changes quickly here in East Tennessee. Please remember to check the forecast and dress accordingly!

Awards handmade by Stoney Clay Station.