Charlotte Turkey Trot
35 Years of Thanksgiving Tradition
This fall, the Charlotte Turkey Trot celebrated 35 years of a running tradition. Over 10,250 runners came out early Thanksgiving morning to get active before enjoying turkey, gravy, and all the fixings.
Rated one of the top 30 turkey trots in the nation, the Charlotte race offers both an 8k and 5k course, as well as a 1-mile fun run and Tot Trot. All of the courses start and end at SouthPark Mall.
The race has grown in size over the years, especially following the virtual race in 2020. “People were excited to have the in-person race return, and the event bounced back with 7,800 registrations in 2021. We saw even more growth in 2022 and were thrilled to sell out the 2023 event,” says David Jessey, co-owner of the Charlotte Turkey Trot.
“The turkey trot is the largest road race in North Carolina. It is a homecoming destination for extended families and old classmates and serves as a place to meet and celebrate with neighbors,” continues David. “The community comes together for what we consider the official Charlotte kick-off of the holiday season.”
TowneBank was honored to be part of the 35th Annual Charlotte Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving Day. Town E. Bear joined in on the fun.TowneBank was excited to take part in this year’s race experience. Family and friends gathered outside of the TowneBank location in SouthPark to cheer on runners as they headed toward the finish line. “We loved being part of the festivities,” says Will Bishop, senior vice president and commercial banker at TowneBank. “It was so fun to come together and give runners and walkers a final burst of encouragement!”
Following the race, runners and onlookers enjoyed the Finish Festival that featured free hot chocolate from Novant Health and seasonal food and drinks from Suffolk Punch Brewery. Adding to the fun, Pridemore Compass hosted the annual costume contest for participants who dressed up in holiday garb.
In addition to providing a fun and healthy start to the holidays, the Charlotte Turkey Trot also supports community organizations that are helping those in need. Each year, 20% of all sponsorship revenue is directly donated to nonprofits. “Charity is at the core of the Charlotte Turkey Trot,” says David. “Samaritan’s Feet has been one of our main beneficiaries for several years, receiving funding for six school ‘shoe locker’ programs that provide a year’s supply of shoes to children in need. In 2023, we are adding a seventh shoe locker location thanks to Windsor Jewelers, the official timing partner of the event.”
The race also partners with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) to collect toys for the group’s annual toy drive that provides gifts for families experiencing hardship around the holidays. “We collected toys at all of our registration events and on the day of the race, all of which are donated to CMPD,” continues David. “Any extra food – like the water bottles and snacks provided by Harris Teeter – are also immediately donated, as well as extra t-shirts.”
This year, the Turkey Trot donated a total of $35,000 back to CMPD, Samaritan’s Feet, and other nonprofit groups serving greater Charlotte.
TowneBank congratulates the Charlotte Turkey Trot on 35 years of hosting a wonderful tradition. To learn more, visit CLTTurkeyTrot.com.