Turkey Trot 5K & Giblet Jog 1M To Benefit the United Way of Bartow County

Race Overview

ARE YOU READY TO GET YOUR TROT ON? The annual United Way Turkey Trot 5K & 1M Giblet Jog benefitting the United Way of Bartow County is back! One of Cartersville’s favorite Thanksgiving week traditions returns on Saturday, November 21, 2026!

This family-friendly event is all about fun, fitness, and community! Whether you’re running to beat your personal best, enjoying a brisk walk, or just looking to kick off the holiday season in a festive way, the Turkey Trot is the place to be.

Race time is 9:00 AM at beautiful Sam Smith Park, just outside of downtown Cartersville. Grab your friends, bring the whole family, and start your holiday weekend with energy, smiles, for a great cause.

This is a North Georgia tradition you do not want to miss!

Additional Information can be found at www.bartowliveunited.org

Race Registration

• On-Line Registration: Runs until 11:59 PM, Sunday evening, November 14th. You must register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size and lock in at the reduced rate!
• Race Day Registration Rate: $40 5K / $35 1M.

Race Location

Sam Smith Park*

(NOTE: *For the exact Race Location, please use this address in Google Maps.)

152 Milner Rd., SE, Cartersville, GA 30120

Race Start-Finish & Race Day Parking

• Location: Both the Start and Finish Line(s) will be located at the entrance to the Sam Smith Soccer Complex, behind Cartersville Middle School (off of Milner Road just past the intersection of Milner Rd. and Walnut Grove Rd.)
• Parking: PLENTY of Event Parking is available within the Cartersville Soccer Complex/Ric Mason Fields parking lot off of Milner Rd.

Click here for Google Maps location of Parking: Cartersville Soccer Complex

Race Route

In 2026 the route returns to its traditional course! (with a small tweak here or there) but it’s the same tried and true course that you have known and loved for many years! Scroll down to see the route map!

Day Schedule of Events

• 7:45 AM: Race Day Registration
• 8:55 AM: Pre-Race Announcements
• 9:00 AM: 5K Turkey Trot Race Start
• 9:05 AM: 1M Giblet Jog Race Start
• 10:00 AM: Awards Presentation

Packet Pick Up

Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up for those who are pre-registered will be held Friday, November 20th, from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM at the Big Peach Running Co. in Cartersville. Located at 402 E. Church St., Cartersville, GA 30121. Please make every effort to pick up your packet on Friday November 21st to avoid the lines on Saturday morning!

Awards

• Awards will be given to:
• Top 3 Overall Male and Top 3 Overall Female Winners
• Top Masters Male and Top Masters Female Winners
• Top 3 Male & Female in the following Age Categories: 10-Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over

TOP 8 Winners once again earn your frozen Turkey!

Event Reminder

Please note, this is a rain or shine event and come ready to run, laugh, and celebrate the season with your community!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!