Race Details

History of the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble

Perhaps the Knights of Columbus is best known locally for its sponsorship of the Annual Turkey Day Run. This race is approximately 100 years old. It was first sponsored by Council No. 704 in 1914. This race has undergone various formats throughout its history. The race was, at a time, run from Charleston to Summerville. It was later changed to a relay race. In 1950, its format was modified to be a competitive relay race among local high school track teams. These three mile, six man, relay races were held at the Battery and at Stoney Field, until they were discontinued following the 1972 race.

In 1978, Council 704 renewed the race to its current run which encompasses a 3.1 mile run and walk - the Gobble Wobble. It is a competitive race open to all serious and family-oriented participants. The event annually attracts 3,500 participants as this race travel through downtown Charleston. Participants from 25 states register for this run and walk. It is truly established as a premier running 5K event in South Carolina.

This year's race is dedicated to the Charleston firefighters who gave their lives on June 18 during the Sofa Superstore Fire. We are grateful to these nine men and to all firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to protect the Charleston community.

Turkey Day Race Course

The Turkey Day Run race course is a 5 Kilometers, TAC certified course that is laid out through the historic downtown area on the Charleston peninsula . Marked by many famous and historic landmarks, the course is generally flat and descends slightly to the tip of the Charleston Peninsula and then ascends slightly to the finish line.

The Starting line is located at the intersection of Meeting Street and Henrietta Street on Marion Square in historic downtown Charleston, SC. Heading south on Meeting Street, runners pass Citadel Square Baptist Church, and then cross over Calhoun Street. Continuing south on Meeting Street, passing the Historic Market on the left, the Gibbes Museum of Art on the right, then the Mills House on the right, immediately after the Mills House the runners pass the Hibernian Hall on the right and Fireproof Building on the left.

The course then crosses Broad Street at the intersection known as the Corner of the Four Laws, so named beacuse the Charleston City Hall, the Federal Courthouse and Post Office, the County Courthouse that began life as the South Carolina Statehouse, and St. Michael's Episcopal Church are located on its four corners. The course continues down Meeting Street passing many historic and beautiful homes including Calhoun Mansion, before turning left onto South Battery.

The course then skirts White Point Gardens turning right onto Murray Blvd around to the west and past Fort Sumter House to Lenwood Street turning right back onto South Battery back to King Street.

Turning left on King Street the course again passes many historic homes including the Miles Brewton House and the William Aiken House, it then traverses the business district that is home to numerous antique shops other upscale retail stores and finishes in front of the Francis Marion Hotel on the West side of Marion Square.

Children's Run

New to this year's event is a Children's Run which will be held within in the perimeter of Marion Square, behind the statute of John C. Calhoun. The Children's Run will commence around 10:00 and include the following four age and distance categories: participants ages 8-10, 200 Meters; participants 6-7, 100 Meters; participants 4-5, 50 Meters; and anyone under the age of 4 will waddle through a course of 25 meters. The entry fee is $1.00, which will include a running bib. All finishers will receive a medal. Parents may fill out a registration form for the Children's Run at the Knights of Columbus Hall the week of the race.

Post-Race Party

One unique aspect of the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble is the post-race party. Immediately following the race, participants can replenish lost calories by enjoying free beer courtesy of Michelob Ultra. The post-race party gives everyone a chance to catch up with friends and family, whether or not they ran the race, while replenishing calories with snacks, water and beer. This year's post-race party will be held in Marion Square.

The 2007 race is dedicated to:

The Nine Fallen City of Charleston Firefighters

Past Honorees include:

 

Honoree	Year
1954-1955 Bishop England Football Team & 1955 Bishop England Basketball Team	2006
Jim and Retta Laurey	2005
Elizabeth "Bette" Griffith	2004
Msgr. Robert J. Kelly	2003
Lawrence Moore	2002

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