Skinny Turkey Half Marathon
Skinny Turkey Half Marathon races through rolling Raleigh neighborhoods on Thanksgiving morning.
Race Date
Nov 26, 2026
Location
Raleigh, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Location
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K run | kids run
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 4,409
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Skinny Turkey Half Marathon has been a Raleigh Thanksgiving morning staple since 2011, now in its 13th edition. Each year, about 173 runners gather at Wakefield High School, with participants coming from as many as 11 states. Roughly 20 percent of the field are repeat runners, a testament to its local appeal.
The course winds through the Wakefield Plantation and Wake Falls neighborhoods on rolling roads that offer a scenic, tree-lined route. The half marathon is just one of several distances — including a 10K, 5K, mile, and kids dash — and all events are stroller- and pet-friendly, making it a true family affair. Typical race-day weather in the high 30s to mid-50s provides crisp, ideal running conditions.
Starting and finishing at the high school, logistics are straightforward with easy parking. After crossing the line, runners enjoy a community-focused awards ceremony. For a low-key, welcoming Thanksgiving morning experience, the Skinny Turkey delivers.
Race-provided description
The ONLY Thanksgiving Day run in Raleigh offering a Half marathon, 10k, 5k, 1 Mile and Kid's Dash! Thanksgiving Day has never been more fun with a distance for everyone. Plus, ALL distances are stroller-friendly and pet-friendly - don't leave anyone at home on Thanksgiving morning. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE UNTIL FEBRUARY 14, 2020.Register now for the lowest prices of the year. RACE DAY SCHEDULE All events start and finish at Wakefield High School in North Raleigh. 7:15 am Half Marathon Pre-Race Announcements7:30 am Start of Half Marathon7:35 am Start of Kids Fun Run (Start in front of school finish at the finish line)7:40 am 10K and 5K pre-race announcements7:45 am 10K start8:00 am 5k start and 1 mile walk9:45 am (approximately) Awards The SKINNY TURKEY HALF MARATHON course will run through Wakefield Plantation and Wake Falls neighborhood. The course is rolling with a few hills that are sure to test your fitness. The course is very scenic, especially through the Wake Falls neig…
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NC22024BDS
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8213 years running
~178 finishers a year
shrinking
20% returning runners
USATF certified
runners from 11 states
winner 1:14:52
typical high 57°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
39°
Afternoon (High)
57°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
64%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 4,409 finishers actually crossed the line across 13 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
4,409
Median time
2:03:54
Latest turnout
173
States
44
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Skinny Turkey Half Marathon?
The Skinny Turkey Half Marathon is held on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Where does the Skinny Turkey Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What distances does the Skinny Turkey Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K run | kids run.
Is the Skinny Turkey Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Skinny Turkey Half Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Skinny Turkey Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 4,409 runners who have completed the Skinny Turkey Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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