Two Maryville Thanksgiving Runs for 2026: The Trot for Education and the Goggled Gobbler
November in Maryville brings two races that bracket the Thanksgiving season, and both are family friendly with shorter distances for little legs.
The season kicks off with the Trot for Education on Saturday, November 14 at Eagleton College & Career Academy (2610 Cinema Dr, Maryville). The one mile fun run starts at 8:30 AM and the 5K at 9:00 AM. It is put on by the Blount County Education Foundation, so the money supports all Blount County schools. There is even a "Saturday Morning Nap Taker" option for anyone who would rather sleep in but still wants to support the cause and grab the shirt. Register before November to guarantee the race tee.
Then on Thanksgiving morning itself, the Goggled Gobbler 5K & Fun Run starts and finishes at Coulter Grove Intermediate School (2025 Sevierville Rd, Maryville). It bills itself as the only Thanksgiving Day 5K in Blount County. The one mile fun run starts at 8:00 AM and the 5K at 8:30 AM. Kids 18 and under run the 5K for less, and proceeds support aquatics programs like swim lessons, water safety, and practice time for local swim teams. Early bird pricing ends November 6, and shirts are set aside for everyone who registers before November 14.
Both races ask you to leave strollers on the sideline (the Goggled Gobbler specifically discourages them), so they suit kids who can walk or run a mile on their own. If the whole thing feels like too much, just show up to cheer. The finish line energy counts as its own Thanksgiving tradition.
Whichever one you pick, sign up early. The prices climb as race day gets closer, and the shirts go fast.
Race details: - Trot for Education | Sat, Nov 14 | Eagleton College & Career Academy, 2610 Cinema Dr, Maryville | 1 mile at 8:30 AM, 5K at 9:00 AM | Runsignup: search "Trot for Education" - Goggled Gobbler 5K & Fun Run | Thu, Nov 26 (Thanksgiving) | Coulter Grove Intermediate School, 2025 Sevierville Rd, Maryville | 1 mile at 8:00 AM, 5K at 8:30 AM | Runsignup: search "Goggled Gobbler"