“The past three years have been unbelievable. The community has consistently showed up, raced hard, and huffed their way across the finish line. Last year saw nearly 550 trotters and this year is going to be even bigger.

“The more runners, the more we can do in the community throughout the year” said Rotary Club race organizer Lane Perry. “Walk, jog, run or pursue a personal best, whatever you prefer — this is the day to achieve it. Lake Junaluska on Thanksgiving Day is the perfect host and backdrop to take pause, reflect and be thankful.”

The race entry fee is $30 for adults (13 and older) through Nov. 1 and $15 for youth under 13. Each race participant will receive a T-shirt and a moment to reflect on all that there is to be thankful for in the community. The racecourse meanders safely through Lake Junaluska’s beautiful grounds. 

Proceeds will continue to support local community development projects and service work. Past projects funded by the Rotary Club include Haywood County Schools & Foundation projects (e.g., Servant Leadership Scholarship program, Elementary Battle of the Books, Tuscola Athletics, Waynesville Middle School Student of the Month Program, School’s Bus Camera Program, etc.), Pathways’ Holy Cow Food Truck and Myr-Ken Women & Children’s Shelter Technology space, Broyhill Children’s Home Computer Program, and most recently four consecutive Haywood Habitat for Humanity building programs.

For information, visit gloryhoundevents.com/event/waynesville-sunrise-rotary-turkey-trot or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..