HATTERAS VILLAGE, N.C. — Runners and walkers will again fill the streets of Hatteras Village on Thanksgiving morning for the Surfin Turkey road race that helps fund Hatteras Island classrooms.
Now in its 15th year, the event is staged by the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund, which uses race proceeds for grants at Cape Hatteras Elementary and Cape Hatteras Secondary.
The group reports putting over $37,000 toward school projects in the 2025-26 school year, spanning materials and enrichment programs that stretch beyond regular budgets.
The main loop kicks off at 8 a.m. on Nov. 26. Organizers describe it as a low-pressure outing for every age and pace, not a stopwatch contest.
A short Puppy Drum dash for kids 12 and younger follows at 9 a.m. That quarter-mile kids race is free and comes with breakfast afterward, though shirts are sold separately rather than included.
Adults and families in the kids dash are urged to drop off at least two canned goods per child for a nearby food pantry. Pancakes and awards come after the 5K, highlighting the top three finishers among men, women and runners under 16.
Through Nov. 24, online signup costs $45 plus a $3 fee. From Nov. 25 onward, including the morning of the race, the price is $50. People who want a race shirt should finish signup by Nov. 10 to improve their odds of getting one.
Racers can grab packets or register in person at the village civic center on Nov. 25 between 4 and 6 p.m., then again from 7 to 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving.
Unless a dangerous storm hits, the course stays open in ordinary rain. Strollers should line up toward the rear. Cycles, powered bikes, scooters and skates stay off the course.
Helpers and sponsors are still welcome across the Outer Banks. Parking beside the start is tight, so organizers point people to nearby street spots. Full signup links sit on the youth education fund site.
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