FAQs

Charlotte Turkey Trot Feathers Twist2.png

CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot - FAQs

The Charlotte Turkey Trot seeks to be a participant-friendly community event. In order to create a safe environment we have created guidelines. With 10,000 participants we need to have rules, and these are ours - we appreciate your understanding.

We have answers to a lot of our frequently asked questions listed here but after you’ve read through them all, if you still have a question, don’t hesitate to email us at info@cltturkeytrot.com.

We aim to make your Turkey Trot experience a positive one with quick customer service and allowing participants to manage all aspects of their registration/information online. For help making changes in your Run Sign Up account, CLICK HERE for their tutorials.

Refund Policy

We currently do not offer a refund for this event. We have offered this in the past and always strive to offer the most flexible options for our participants but in recent times we cannot purchase any type of insurance to cover us from hurricanes or cancellation due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Also due to Covid, shipping delays and production timelines have increased causing us to place orders for most things about 3-4 months prior to an event.

Event Transfer

If you want to change from one distance to another distance, we allow you to do this yourself 72 hours prior to our event. This cutoff to switch is typically the final week leading up to a race and based upon availability in that event. You will manage this through your RunSignUp account and there is a $5 RunSignUp processing fee plus the difference in events or shipping. Need Help? CLICK HERE for a tutorial on how to edit this.

Bib Exchange/Transfer

You can transfer your bib to another runner prior to the event. You must log into your RunSignUp account and initiate this bib exchange by placing their name and email in. The recipient will receive an email to accept the bib, pay a $15 processing fee and sign our online waiver. Whether you gift it to them or they pay you for it on this side is up to you. Need Help? CLICK HERE and look for “Transfer to Another Runner” for a tutorial on how to edit this.

Deferring to Next Year’s Race

You can defer your registration to next year’s event (the same distance). The cutoff is 90 days prior to the event. You will pay a $15 re-activation fee and deferrals are only good for one year. Need Help? CLICK HERE for a tutorial on how to edit this.

Insurance Options Offered

During registration, there is an option for you to purchase insurance on your registration fee. This includes several items such as injuries, airline issues, car trouble, jury duty, military duty, pregnancy, hurricanes/weather and so much more. CLICK HERE to see the plan and details – It’s a very affordable option! For Covid information specifically, you can CLICK HERE to read more about coverage. Moreover, you can find out full details and contact them directly by CLICKING HERE. This is a 3rd party insurance company and we do not control coverage. If you have any questions at all concerning this insurance, please contact them direct via the link above. You may also wish to explore your own 3rd party insurance covering registration fees.

Are Strollers Allowed?

Yes, we ask that you start near the back of your specific event corral to avoid tripping or congestion with all the runners. Babies in strollers do not need to be registered. You will still be eligible for age group awards with your chip time that is tracked from the time you cross the start line to the time you finish.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Our insurance policy does not allow for dogs. If you have a 4-legged running companion for medical reasons, you can file a request through the USATF ADA Committee (which takes 4-6 weeks) by CLICKING HERE and if they approve, they will provide you documentation that you will then need to provide to us.

Race Bibs

Race bibs must be worn on the front and be visible at all times for EVERYONE on course. If anyone is on the course without a bib you will be asked to leave the course. If you are running with a companion that does not have a bib you will both be asked to leave the course. No companion bicycles, scooters, golf carts or unregistered runners/walkers allowed. Why? This is strictly prohibited by USATF sanctions and our insurance. It puts our event at a large risk! Spectators are welcome at any point on course.

Certified Courses

Race courses certified by USATF are measured by a proven method that incorporates the calibration of measuring devices against a steel tape and are verified by multiple measurements. Our courses are not “close” – they are exact measurements. If your GPS watch or phone shows that you ran a little short/long, GPS devices are not exact. You can see USATF’s statement on the use of GPS devices by CLICKING HERE. Participants in the 8K are required to maintain at least a 13:45 per mile pace (1 hour 8 minutes). Anyone slower than that pace will be asked to move to the sidewalk by CMPD. Participants in the 5K walking slower than a 20:00 per mile pace may be asked to move to the sidewalk by CMPD. We will keep the finish line up until the last participant finishes!

Age Restrictions

We have no age restrictions for the 8K and 5K, however, we do require parental consent. Anyone under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign the waiver. For the Tot Trot, we ask that participants be 8 years old or younger at time of event.

Age Discounts

We do offer a $5 discount off our regular 8K and 5K registration fees for participants under the age of 18 at the time of registration.

Changing a Shirt Size

You may adjust your shirt size by logging into your RunSignUp account no less than 4 days prior to the race. If you miss the cutoff for this, you will receive the shirt size selected at packet pickup. We will offer a Shirt Exchange table on race day after 9:30AM if we have an abundance of sizes. If we don’t have your size you may choose to not wear the shirt and trade it in after the race for another size based on availability.

Packet Pick-Ups

In addition to race week pick-up, we offer a multitude of packet pick-up events to make it as easy as possible for you to get your shirt and bib well in advance of race day. CLICK HERE to see the packet pick-up and full schedule to find one that works for you.

Mail-Out Option

We do offer an option for your packet (t-shirt and bib) to be mailed to you in advance of the event. The option is an additional $15 and can be added during registration period. Deadline for mail-out option is midnight November 7th.

Race Day Will-Call Packet Pick-Up Option

You can purchase the right to pick up your packet on race morning beginning at 7AM. This option is an additional $15 and can be added during the registration period. Deadline for Race Day Pick-Up option is Sunday, November 24th at midnight. PLEASE NOTE: Only those participants that have paid for this option will be able to pick up on race morning.

Event Parking

Event day parking is available at all deck and surface lots at SouthPark Mall. For a site map, please CLICK HERE. The only lots off limits are those closest to Dick’s Sporting Goods. We recommend you enter to park via Fairview Rd. or Sharon Rd. Avoid Barclay Downs, as this is where the events start.

What is the CPI Security Charlotte local school participation competition?

This competition sponsored by CPI Security will present donations to the local school with the greatest participation. This includes public high school, middle school, elementary school, and the private school that have the highest student participation in the races that make up the Charlotte Turkey Trot (8K, 5K and 1 Mile). When registering online you will have the ability to select a school for students via a drop-down menu included within the online sign-up process. Results will be announced prior to the start of the 5K on race morning. The $2,000 and $1,000 donation checks will be presented to the schools in December.

CMPD Explorers Toy Drive

Once again, we are partnering with CMPD, CPI Security and QC News to bring holiday cheer to children via the Toy Drive. In addition to the event providing significant proceeds to this effort, we are asking participants to get involved. This year we are asking folks to bring two (2) new unwrapped toys on event day to help children not only in the Charlotte area, but those affected by the recent Hurricane Helene in the mountains of Western NC. The emphasis is on toys for boys and girls age 14 and under but the Drive also serves those up to 16 years old when visiting families. Some ideas for toys and gifts are below. We thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. We will have bins onsite at the CPI Finish Line Festival on race morning to accept your generous donations.

Ideas: Bicycles and helmets, sports balls, Lego, make-up, jewelry, socks, board games, perfume, stuffed animals, fun pillows,

Toys for girls and boys ages 14 and under but we also serve those up to 16 years old when visiting families, hats, gloves, clothing, books, scooters, puzzles, coloring books and supplies. Also, baby items including diapers. PLEASE – no violent toys or toy guns.

T-Shirt Sizing

Please CLICK HERE for measurements for adult size shirts.

How do I enter the Pridemore Compass Costume Contest?

Stop by the Pridemore Compass booth on race morning before 9:30AM to register for a chance to win. Winners will be announced at 10AM before the 5K awards on the Novant Awards Stage (but you do not need to be present to win). We will be awarding prizes (Suffolk Punch and Tiff’s Treat’s gift cards) for the following costume contest categories:

Best individual (1 adult winner & 1 child winner)
Best couple (1 winner)
Best family (1 winner)
Best Thanksgiving-themed (1 adult winner & 1 child winner)