The Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K is the annual Thanksgiving Day race held in Garner’s White Deer and Lake Benson Parks. Family and friends, both human and canine, gather to enjoy a brisk holiday morning run or walk through the parks to help raise money in support of Freedom Ride Rescue's mission to help abandoned, neglected and abused animals in North Carolina.
Race options include 5K and a 1M Fun Run. Both the 5K and 1M courses are relatively flat paved trails and the seasonal beauty of these two parks is spectacular. Thanksgiving themed costumes, decorated wagons, strollers and baby joggers are encouraged. Well socialized dogs are welcome on a 6’ or shorter leash - retractable leashes are not permitted. Virtual 'racers' are welcome to support us from a far and will receive a race shirt whlle supplies last!
Since its inception, The Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K has been a very popular and well attended event. The first year was capped at 500 participants and we sold out. This year's race will be limited to 1,000 participants. Registration fees increase as race day approaches, so register early!
Nov 26, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
08:30
$25.00
Nov 26, 2026
Distance — 1 Miles
Type — Running
08:40
$15.00
Nov 26, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
12:00
$20.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for November in Garner.
Learn more about the host city, Garner.
Garner is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 31,159 as of the 2020 census. A suburb of Raleigh, the city limits are entirely within Wake County, though portions of unincorporated Wake County, as well as the Cleveland community in northern Johnston County, have Garner mailing addresses. It is part of the Research Triangle region of North Carolina and serves as a bedroom community for the region.
Read more launchTours and activities near Garner, powered by Viator.
Official finishing times from previous editions of Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K.
| Place | Name | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Kalli Unthank | — | |
| 🥈 | Chris Sturgill | — | |
| 🥉 | Jacqueline O'Brien | — | |
| 4 | Crystal Sturgill | — |
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