Running of the Turkeys 5k

The Running of the Turkeys 5k is the new City of Roswell Thanksgiving Day tradition!! Participate LIVE or VIRTUALLY! Come earn your turkey with us as we run down Canton Street in Downtown Roswell and support Friends Of Roswell Police . The Friends of Roswell Police raises money to support local families and seniors in need for the holidays and throughout the year

All participants get a cool Turkey themed giveaway  and an awesome tri-blend long sleeve   t-shirt.  

This live event will start and finish on the famous Canton street in Downtown Roswell and will have limited  participants, so sign up early!. This race is stroller friendly so the ENTIRE FAMILY can participate!! Sorry no pets :(

Early Packet Pickup - Mandatory 
Monday, 11/23/2026 - 4:00pm to 8:00Pm -  Hampton Inn  –  10740 Westside way Alpharetta, Georgia, 30009

Tuesday, 11/24/2026 - 2:00PM to 9:00PM - Gate City Brewing Company - 43 Magnolia St, Roswell, GA 30075 Park free behind Gate City or at the Roswell United Methodist Church lot located at the corner of Magnolia and Mimosa which is about 200 yards from Gate City Brewing 

Wednesday, 11/25/2026- 12:00PM to 6:00PM- Big Peach Running Company EAST COBB Marietta - Woodlawn Point Shopping Center, 1062 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068

 

Race Day Packet Pickup
Due to the size of the race we are requesting runners to pick up packets ( race number - shirt - giveaway ) at one of our 3 convenient locations on the 23rd, 24th and 25th. Runners can pick up multiple packets for friends and family.  The size of the race of 4000+ runners and items to be given will make a race day packet pick up impossible for our volunteers and runners so we are making a mandatory early pick up so that race day will go smoothly for all.  We do have 2 options for those that can not make that happen -  1) You can have your race number mailed to you 2 weeks before the race ($10) your bib will be mailed to your house and you will pick up your shirt and gift on race day 2) Race day pick up charge ($10) This can be added during sign up

WHAT YOU NEED TO PICK UP YOUR BIB 

Please print and bring your registration confirmation to packet pick up. You can also have this on your phone and even in your apple wallet which will make it eary to find at check in !! At the top of your registration email there is a icon " ADD TO APPLE WALLET" BUT if you are picking up for multiple people it will be easier to have printed registrations for each person or have all in your Apple Wallet.  It is important to have the barcode visible that is on your registration as this is how we will check you in.  Your registration confirmation was emailed to you after you signed up with the title of the email "Running of the Turkeys 5k Registration Confirmation"  that was sent to you by RUNSIGNUP ..if you can not locate this you can have it resent to you simply by logging into WWW.RUNSIGNUP.COM and choosing my profile where you will see your current races. Choose Resend confirmation. 

Thursday November 27th  Start 8:00am and finish by 9:30am

Virtual Turkey runners will receive (shirt + gloves)   Virtual runners can pick up at any of our packet pick ups or items will be mailed out week after the event.

HOTEL
YES WE HAVE A HOST HOTEL !!!  Most of you are already in the area but many of you have family coming into town or some are coming into town just to get the coolest Turkey hat ever !!! EITHER way we have an amazing Hotel sponsor that is giving you amazing deals !!  Even if you just need a place to put the inlaws here is the DEAL !!

HOST HOTEL
Hampton Inn Alpharetta / Roswell 1074 Westside way Alpharetta Ga 30009      Ask for Running of the Turkeys block 

 

 

 

Contact - Jason@Junction311.com

Race: The Running of the Turkeys 5K 

Location: Canton Street, Downtown Roswell GA

Time: 8:00 am 

Created: 2021
Website: https://www.roswellturkeyrun.com/

Participation: Race cap 3500

Charity: Roswell Police Department 

Friends of Roswell Police 

Roswell Running of the Turkeys is raising money to support RPD GIVES (formerly RPD Shop with a Cop). RPD GIVES raises money to support local families and seniors in need for the holidays! 

Roswell Police Department GIVES. The Roswell Police Department has a longstanding history of participating in the Heroes and Helpers event in conjunction with the Target Corporation. In 2020, as most did, we had to pivot and adapt to a changed environment. Unwilling to pull back from our community, the new "RPD Gives" program was born out of the desire to continue to provide for the needs and smiles of Roswell. Rather than us bringing children to the gifts as in years past, we brought the gifts to the children and their families. RPD Gives raised over $17,000 last year, allowing us the privilege of providing 27 families with over 400 gifts of both necessity and joy. It's our hope to be able to continue to grow this program, providing for even more families and making positive, lifelong community connections. 

 

What time should we arrive?  The race begins promptly at 8:00am I would recommend no later than 7:30 am but truly I would say 7:00 am as you will need to park and get over to the starting area.  There will be pre race set up just outside the Tap Room at Gate City  with Vendors , Race information tent , Music and restrooms. At 7:45am we will be sending everyone to the starting area where we will do announcements, national anthem, and starting of the race 

Where do we park? Roswell City hall parking lot at 38 Hill Street Roswell GA and Roswell United Methodist Church lot on Magnolia are 2 large areas of parking. Please note Canton street at the intersection to of Magnolia /Atlanta street around the race start area will be closed at 6:30am that area will be closed up to Norcross street .  At 7:45 am all of Canton Street and Woodstock road that are a part of the race course will be closed completely . Parking map can be found here https://www.roswellturkeyrun.com/Race/runningoftheturkeysga/Page-4

Will there be a photographer ?  YES We will have someone taking photos before, during, and after, and they will be published to the website at NO CHARGE .. YUP! FREE PICTURES !! OH and a video of your finish will be attached to your results after the race !!

How do the shirts fit -- can I just pick the size I want on the day I pick it up ? The color of the shirt will be a surprise this year. All shirts are unisex sizing but fit true-to-size.  The shirts are a Blend, so they will not shrink. Shirt size only guaranteed if registered by November 10th.  After that, we will only have what is available in inventory.  We have to pre-order and sometimes it is tough to guess what people will want, which often leads to us having tons of extra shirts (but not in the size you want)  :(  Please do not ask to exchange your shirt size when you pick it up.  If you bring your shirt on race day, after the race starts you can exchange it for a different size if it is available 

If I'm virtual participant, how do I submit my time and receive packet? Any platform is acceptable.  We will not require proof of time, but ask virtual participants to submit run time under results tab.  Click here to submit virtual results. All virtual swag can be picked up at our live early/race day packet pickup. If you're not comfortable with that option, our race director will mail packets post live event.

Who is handling the water stations? Junction 311 Endurance Sports will own and take full responsibility for all water this year and beyond. Junction 311 Endurance Sports employees, along with some of our charitable partners, will be fully dedicated to the water stations.

Is this a hard race? Well ... it does have only 100 feet of elevation gain and "hard" is relative !!  I think the better question would be "Is this race fun" and that answer could be quoted from Mr Kool-aid  " OH YEAH "  By far the most fun race I have ever ran !! I mean seriously its Thanksgiving and there are 3000 people running with turkey hats and gloves WE ARE TALKIN FUN !!

Can I use headphones? USATF has changed their rule to a suggestion, for the most part.  Now, instead of telling you that you can’t use them, I can just recommend that you don’t use them. It’s really your call. Check the USATF web site for more info about all their rules. My only addition to this is ... If you have headphones in how will you hear all the cheers and Turkey that are chasing you ??

Can someone else pick up my race packet? Yes, you can pick up packets for friends, family, and coworkers.  We are super laid back .. You just need the bar code /qr code from their registration email

Awards? 1st Place Overall Male/Female.   Three deep in twelve different age groups. Overall awards are based on Gun Time and Age group awards are based on Chip Time!  

Can I get a refund or sell my entry to someone else? NO REFUNDS! Refunds will not be issued for any reason unless you have purchased the "No Questions Asked Refund" option..  Registrations are not refundable. If you get injured or something, you can defer to next year, but you must do it before race day, and it is $10 fee when you offically transfer to the next year. You can transfer your entry to another person FREE. It must be done at least one week before race day.

If I do not like running with the Turkeys because they scare me or I am Vegan or I am superstitious should I run? Absolutely!  It is just a theme ... Lets have fun earning your turkey!

Are Cartoon Turkeys real? Will they really be Chasing me? HMMM depends on who you ask.. It's best that I not be the one to break that to you.. and see above -- it's just a theme, Turkeys will not actually be running after you :)

Will you cancel this race if it is too Cold? WHAT?! NO !!! Its Thanksgiving !! Run before you eat even if it's cold, otherwise it will go right to your waist. Lightning is the only thing that can delay or cancel the race. If the race is cancel due to lightning please note the waiver policy at sign up as there are no refunds you will just go home talk politics and eat turkey  

I am an elite runner but missed the registration because it sold out. Because I am a special person will you invite me to run in your race and give me an extra slot? Aw Hell NO! You are still a human being right? Then register in the appropriate window of time that every other human being has to register in. Turkeys don’t care if you do a sub 5-minute mile and somebody else does a 20-minute mile. They will go after either of you. And trust me they are faster than you anyway. They are used to getting chased for dinner.

Can I take a Baby Jogger on the course? YES Strollers are WELCOME for this race !! We just ask you be polite to the other runners.  If you plan to push slower please do not start in the front.  Also, we ask that you not run over any of the turkeys in front of you

Is this Race PET FRIENDLY ? NO ... We love our furry family members, but unfortunately with the amount of people running it is not safe to have your pet running as it could endanger others. Trust me, I understand -- my dog is amazing and is so well-behaved.  However the leash can trip runners and as well-behaved as you may think.. When a turkey runs by, you cannot predict your dog's behavior !!

Do you have TIME LIMITS?  The race starts at 8:00 AM and you will have until 9:15 AM to clear the course.  A slow walk is about 20 minutes per mile.  If you have not cleared Woodstock Road by 9:00 AM, the Police will direct you to the sidewalk to finish the remaining part of the race ... HOWEVER, most walkers will do this in an hour or less so you should be fine :)

Finisher Medals, will there be any? NO ... Your medal is your Thanksgiving themed gift  .. and trust me its WAY cooler than any cheap medal you would get for a 5K anyway

What’s the course like? Its 5K ..  3.10 miles ..Starts on Canton Street, turns left on HWY 9, turns left on Green Street.. Turns Left on Woodstock .. Turns right into Roswell Area Park ... Goes to the middle of RAP and comes back the way you came in, Turns left on Woodstock and then Right on Canton street to the finish .  The first mile is downhill  - The second mile is rolling with one hill - The third mile is flat to downhill for a fast finish see Course link on main page for more detail 

Chip timed? Yup. GOBBLE GOBBLE 

What are my options if a "live" event is postponed, cancelled or virtual? Mother nature is typically good on Thanksgiving BUT see race waiver when signing up for more details 

Will Gate City Be Open before and after race ? YES !!  Make sure to bring your credit card .. You can also use Apple Pay . YES I KNOW ITS THANKSGIVING BUT .... Even I was shocked at how many people were drinking before and after the race !!  ITS TIME TO CELEBRATE and Gate City is there to help !!

Suppose that I’ve carefully read all of these questions and answers and I STILL can’t figure out what the heck is going on. How do I contact the race director? Well, you can email the race director, at jason@junction311.com and ask your question. Keep in mind there ARE silly questions and if you ask for an entry after it is sold out you may not get a response.

HOTEL
YES WE HAVE A HOST HOTEL !!!  Most of you are already in the area but many of you have family coming into town or some are coming into town just to get the coolest Turkey hat ever !!! EITHER way we have an amazing Hotel sponsor that is giving you amazing deals !!  Even if you just need a place to put the in-laws here is the DEAL !!

HOST HOTEL
Hampton Inn and Suites Alpharetta / Roswell  –  10740 Westside way , Alpharetta , Georgia, 30009
(770) 640-5511    Ask for Running of the Turkeys block 

Book by using this link to receive special Running of the Turkeys block  deal this can be for you or for friends and family coming in town to visit even if they are not running !!

 https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/runningoftheturkeys2025/

Early Packet Pickup - Mandatory 

Monday, 11/23/2026 - 4:00pm to 8:00Pm -  Hampton Inn & Suites Alpharetta Roswell – 10740 Westside Way, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30009,

Tuesday, 11/24/2026 - 2:00PM to 9:00PM - Gate City Brewing Company - 43 Magnolia St, Roswell, GA 30075 Park free behind Gate City or at the Roswell United Methodist Church lot located at the corner of Magnolia and Mimosa which is about 200 yards from Gate City Brewing 

Wednesday, 11/25/2026- 12:00PM to 6:00PM- Big Peach Running Company EAST COBB Marietta - Woodlawn Point Shopping Center, 1062 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068

 

Race Day Packet Pickup

Due to the size of the race we are requesting runners to pick up packets ( race number - shirt - gloves ) at one of our 3 convenient locations on the 24th, 25th and 26th. Runners can pick up multiple packets for friends and family.  The size of the race and items to be given will make a race day packet pick up very difficult for our volunteers and runners so we are making a mandatory early pick up so that race day will go smoothly for all.  We do understand some will not be able to make or will be coming in from out of town and we ask that you reach out to us. We will approve race day pick up on a case by case basis. Just send us an email to RoswellTurkeyRun@Gmail.com  Thank you for your understanding - GOBBLE GOBBLE   

WHAT YOU NEED TO PICK UP YOUR BIB 

Please print and bring your registration confirmation to packet pick up. You can also have this on your phone and even in your apple wallet which will make it eary to find at check in !! At the top of your registration email there is a icon " ADD TO APPLE WALLET" BUT if you are picking up for multiple people it will be easier to have printed registrations for each person or have all in your Apple Wallet.  It is important to have the barcode visible that is on your registration as this is how we will check you in.  Your registration confirmation was emailed to you after you signed up with the title of the email "Running of the Turkeys 5k Registration Confirmation" if you can not locate this you can have it resent to you simply by logging into WWW.RUNSIGNUP.COM and choosing my profile where you will see your current races. Choose Resend confirmation. 

Roswell City Hall 

38 Hill St, Roswell, GA 30075

At Junction 311, we love our community of runners and walkers and we value creating memorable race experiences for all.  Part of that experience is giving you peace of mind when you register, because we understand that life can throw you unexpected curve balls. We are proud to offer a few options if for some reason you are not able to participate in the event after registering.

 

Our Race Protection Policy allows you to choose from the following:

 

1.      Our “No Questions Asked” Refund Policy can be purchased for $9.95 during registration.  If you choose this option, registration fees can be refunded (minus processing fee) at any time, for any reason up to 72 hours prior to race day.   Email:  RoswellTurkeyRun@Gmail.com to activate this option.
 

2.      You may defer your registration to participate with us in the same race the following year for a $10 change fee for any reason up to 72 hours prior to race day.  Click “manage registration” in your RunSignUp profile to choose this option.
 

3.      You may switch  to virtual, within the same event.  Click “manage registration” in your RunSignUp profile to choose this option.

 

4.      You may transfer your registration to another event within the Junction 311 portfolio, of equal or lesser value up to 72 hours prior to race day. Email RoswellTurkeyRun@Gmail.com to activate this option

 

5.      You can transfer your registration to a friend or family member 72 hours prior to race day. Click “manage registration” in your RunSignUp profile to choose this option.

2026 Running of the Turkeys Socks 

Yes it matches the 2025 Scarf 2024 Gloves and the 2023 Hat 

 

 

 

Register Now!

 

5K - Virtual: T-Shirt

5k Run/Walk: T-Shirt

5K Live or Virtual- 100% Goes to Charity: T-Shirt

Running of The Turkeys T-Shirt ONLY *** NOT RUNNING***: T-Shirt