Surfin’ Turkey 5K returns to Hatteras Thanksgiving Day
The Surfin’ Turkey 5K and Puppy Drum Fun Run returns to Hatteras Village on Thanksgiving Day for its 13th year. Early sign ups indicated that this year will be one of the biggest turnouts yet. The event features cool swag for participants, a pancake breakfast, T-shirt, and the post-race celebration. Thanksgiving themed costumes are encouraged, and folks can walk, jog, or run at their leisure through the scenic course in historic Hatteras Village.
All of the proceeds from the event support the students on Hatteras Island by providing equipment, materials and life changing experiences that would otherwise not be available through public funding.
Online registration is currently open.
The Surfin’ Turkey 5K begins at 8:00 a.m. while the Puppy Drum Fun Run launches at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning and sponsors for the annual race are still being accepted, with a deadline of November 10 to ensure that every organization who helps sponsor the Surfin’ Turkey 5K is represented on the T-Shirts, packets, and other event materials.
For more information on the charity event or to donate to the organization, visit the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund’s website at https://www.hatterasyouth.com/surfin-turkey-5k.
The event is held by the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund (HIYEF). Since 2011, HIYEF has awarded more than $600,000 to Cape Hatteras Elementary and Cape Hatteras Secondary Schools and has funded hundreds of different initiatives.
“At this point, we have become a staple within the schools to back teachers for projects that do not get public funding,” said Kelly Williams, Grant Coordinator for HIYEF. In the October 2024 grant cycle, HIYEF awarded more than $30,000 to fund grants, including but not limited to the construction of a sensory garden, field trips, and two new sand volleyball courts.
The annual 5K has become a Turkey Day tradition for the residents, visitors and sponsors who participate every year. As Director, Scout Dixon stated, “We are grateful for the consistent support that we have received from the Outer Banks Tourism Bureau, Midgett Realty, as well as many community businesses that continue to make this fundraising event successful and our support of the schools steadfast.”
