2 walking events in Carteret County, North Carolina

A 5k race with 20 or more strength, endurance, and agility stations along the way! The course includes open field, woodland and shallow water running. Course is mostly flat with strength, endurance and agility stations located throughout.

Our Tough Oaks race has two heats, the first is the "Elite Heat" which is for participants who are looking to challenge themselves to strictly run the course and complete all of the required penalties for failed obstacles.

EX. Complete a 200ft walking lunge without stops. Failure to complete obstacle means 20 penalty burpees before moving on to the next obstacle.

We have adults, teenagers, and even some very athletic children compete in the Elite Heat.

The "Open Race" is more family friendly with scaling options and is untimed. Participants are encouraged to complete obstacles or do penalties however, it is not required. If a participant feels unable or is running with children and needs to scale obstacles or penalties, they are totally allowed. Families with young children participates every year and have a blast! For parents with kids under the age of 10, we ask that they run with their kids as some of the obstacles could be dangerous for younger children without adult supervision. We do have obstacle supervisors throughout the race to help direct and explain obstacles, but not to oversee child safety.

We stagger start (putting families with kids at the back) so no pile up or waiting around for obstacles occurs. We love to see family and friends come out to cheer the athletes on as they cross the finish line.

EMS with be on site during race

Fees:

Elite Heat: $50

Open Race: $45

Children 12 & under: $25

Pre-Race Day Family Night

Join us for a Family-friendly event the evening before the 2026 Tough Oaks Obstacle Course Race at Camp Albemarle. Racers may pick up their packets and preview the course, while friends and family enjoy live music, yard games, and food trucks. Our race sponsors will be on-site with booths to greet participants and distribute materials.

Date: Friday evening (September 18, 2026)

Location: Camp Albemarle, Newport, NC

Join us for the 19th annual Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM. The Turkey Trot & Dog Walk is a free run/walk event, and all are welcome. The Turkey Trot is also charitable event that supports the Hope for the Warriors Angel Tree Project. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation! We would greatly appreciate it!

REGISTRATION*

Online registration is available through midnight on November 25 or you can register in person Wednesday, November 25, from 3:00-4:00 PM at McNeil Park or Thanksgiving morning, November 26, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at McNeill Park that serves as the starting location for the event. No registrations will be taken after 8:00 AM on race day.

You can register for either:

• The 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk passes through the streets of Pine Knoll Shores and the Crystal Coast Country Club golf course (no strollers or dogs will be allowed),

• The 1.5-mile stroll and dog walk will traverse the streets of Pine Knoll Shores. (No entry will be allowed on the Golf Course with pets or strollers).

• See the links on the event website for maps of both the 5K and Dog Stroll. The courses are different.

The 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:30 AM followed immediately by the Dog Walk at 8:35 AM.

When you register for either event you may order and pay for a PKS Turkey Trot T-shirt, and you will also be eligible for prizes. Participants can pick up any ordered shirts either Wednesday, November 25, 3:00-4:00 PM at McNeil Park or Thanksgiving morning at McNeil Park pavilion. If you are not entering the event and would still like to purchase a T-Shirt, you may order directly from the STORE on this website. [No more t-shirt orders will be taken after November 12.

Additional Event Information

For all event information, see the EVENT INFO page for specific details about the 5K run/walk or 1.5 Mile Stroll & Dog Walk.

• At the finish line there will be water, bananas, and treats for everyone.

• Random drawing for prizes for tickets to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and other prizes courtesy of the AB Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, and BattleWorks (Atlantic Beach).

The Turkey Trot is sponsored by the Town of Pine Knoll Shores Parks and Recreation Committee and will occur rain or shine!

*Please note that attendance is limited to 400 registrations to make sure our Public Safety team can manage the overwhelming response to our event.