Fun Races
Costumes encouraged. Medals optional. Fun mandatory.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trots 2026
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. 4 turkey trots with confirmed dates, plus the free Oak Island Elks trot under Annual favorites below.
All upcoming fun races
Annual favorites, date TBA
Recurring fun events with no confirmed 2026–27 date yet. We'll add them to the calendar once organizers post dates.
Date TBA Holiday
Fleet Feet Ugly Sweater Run
Annual 4-mile holiday-lights run around Parkside, with cookies, raffle prizes and a best-ugly-sweater prize. Starts at Fleet Feet Crossroads.
Date TBA Turkey Trot
Oak Island Elks Turkey Trot 5K
Free 5K at Oak Island Elks Lodge #2769, 106 E Dolphin Dr. Optional donations go to three 2026 charities. The listing we found doesn't show an exact date or start time.
Date TBA Dragon boat
Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival
Costumed teams race dragon boats at a festival hosted by the Island Men.
Date TBA Paddle / SUP
West Marine Carolina Cup (SUP & paddle races)
A major East Coast stand-up paddle event, from the Harbor Island 5K recreational race to the 13-mile Graveyard elite race. Run by the Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club.
Date TBA Pink / awareness
Run for the Ta Tas
5K chaser race (women start first) and 1-mile, with a post-race party at Mayfaire.
Date TBA Beer run
Jorts Party 5K Fun Run
Wilmington Brewing Run Club's anniversary 5K. Wear jorts; beer and a shirt are included.
Know a fun race we missed? Submit it.
The Wilmy Weekly
Free every Friday: new studios, races, deals and the best sweat sessions in the Port City.