For a lot of eastern Pender County families, Thanksgiving week starts the Saturday before. The Hampstead Kiwanis Park Turkey Trot is Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, at Hampstead Kiwanis Park. It’s a small-town race where you’ll see kids in turkey hats, local running groups, and Marines from nearby. If you live in Hampstead or are thinking about moving here, it’s also a good way to see the part of town the course runs through.
Race details below come from the event’s official RunSignup race page and event schedule, checked Nov. 7, 2026.
Race Day at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
- Location: Hampstead Kiwanis Park, 586 Sloop Point Loop Road, Hampstead
- 8K (timed): 9:00 a.m., $45 race fee plus sign-up fee
- 2 Mile (timed): 9:05 a.m., $35 race fee plus sign-up fee
- Kids Sprint (untimed): 10:00 a.m., $20 race fee plus sign-up fee. Every child who finishes gets a medal.
- Registration: Online registration is open through race morning, according to the event page.
Shirts were guaranteed for people who signed up by Nov. 2. If you register now, you can pick from the sizes that are left. Trophies go to the top three finishers in each age group.
The Course: A Tour of Sloop Point Loop
The organizers say the Kids Sprint stays inside the park. The 8K and 2-mile routes leave the park and run on pavement through neighborhoods, near Harbour Village Marina, and along the Intracoastal Waterway. Both are out-and-back courses, so you turn around at the halfway point and come back the same way.
The course is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Dogs are not allowed in the park, so leave them at home.
For house hunters, that route covers some of the most popular parts of Hampstead: older and newer neighborhoods off Sloop Point Loop Road, marina access, and water views along the sound. Running or walking it shows you how the streets connect, how busy they get on a weekend morning, and how close the water really is.
Where the Money Goes: Kiwanis Park’s Next Chapter
This is a charity race, and the organizers say all proceeds go toward improving Hampstead Kiwanis Park. According to the race page, 26 acres of the park have not been developed yet. Plans for that land include multi-purpose fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, trails, and more parking. The Kiwanis Club of Hampstead works with Pender County Parks and Recreation to run the park. Ball clubs use it, and so do community events like the Hampstead Christmas tree lighting.
Homeowners and buyers should keep an eye on park improvements. More fields, courts, and trails nearby can make a neighborhood more appealing for families. They can also mean more traffic on game days. If you’re looking at a home near Sloop Point Loop Road, ask about any planned park work, and drive by on a Saturday to see what it’s like.
Make It a Pender County Thanksgiving Week
The Turkey Trot is one of several events in eastern Pender County that week:
- Nov. 22: Pender County’s drive-in Turkey Bingo comes back the next day. See our Turkey Bingo guide for locations and details.
- December: The holiday season continues with the Kiwanis Park tree lighting, the Topsail flotilla, and more. They’re all in our Hampstead and Pender County holiday events guide.
What Buyers Should Know About This Part of Hampstead
The Sloop Point Loop area is close to the U.S. 17 corridor but feels a step away from it. That’s a big reason it’s popular with families, retirees, and military households who want a reasonable drive to Wilmington or Jacksonville. A few things to keep in mind:
- Growth is coming nearby. Land near Sloop Point Loop Road was on the county’s November rezoning agenda. Read our Nov. 4 Pender rezoning breakdown before you choose a street.
- Water and sewer vary. Some Hampstead homes are on county water and some have wells. Some use septic and some have sewer service. Confirm the utilities for any address you’re considering.
- Insurance depends on location. Coastal Pender ZIP codes fall in different homeowners insurance rate territories. Our Pender County insurance guide explains how that works.
- Look at waterfront details. Homes near the marina or the sound can have docks, bulkheads, and flood zone issues that need extra attention during due diligence.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Hampstead Kiwanis Park Turkey Trot?
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. The 8K starts at 9:00 a.m., the 2 Mile at 9:05 a.m., and the Kids Sprint at 10:00 a.m.
Where does the race start?
At Hampstead Kiwanis Park, 586 Sloop Point Loop Road, Hampstead, NC 28443.
Can I bring my dog or a stroller?
Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome on the course. Dogs are not allowed at the park.
Where does the money go?
All proceeds go to improving Hampstead Kiwanis Park, including plans for fields, courts, trails, and parking on its undeveloped acreage.
Thinking About a Move to Hampstead?
We know eastern Pender County well, from the neighborhoods off Sloop Point Loop to the newer communities along U.S. 17 and N.C. 210. If you want to compare areas or find out what your current home could sell for, connect with Aspyre Collective. We’re happy to help.
