Surfin’ Turkey 5K returns to Hatteras Thanksgiving Day

The Surfin’ Turkey 5K and Puppy Drum Fun Run is returning to Hatteras Village for its 13th year on Thanksgiving Day, and early sign-ups indicate that this year will have one of the biggest turnouts yet.

The event features cool swag for participants, a pancake breakfast, a T-shirt, and a 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.

Online registration is currently open. The Surfin’ Turkey 5K begins at 8:00 a.m. while the Puppy Drum Fun Run begins at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.

The event is held by the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund (HIYEF) and 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.

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.”

For more information about 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.