Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K

For race info (parking, packet pick up, awards, the day's agenda), click on "RACE INFO" on the menu!!

What is the Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K?

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 with some gravel/dirt paths for the 5K route. 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 while 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. In 2025, we had over 1000 registrations! For our 10th annual, we are hoping to break that record!!

Registration fees increase as race day approaches, so register early!