New Owners, New Energy: The Greensboro Gobbler Takes Flight into Its 25th Year

October 14, 2025

Greensboro’s Largest Thanksgiving Day Tradition Relaunched

Greensboro, NC — October 14, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Starting November 27, 2025, the beloved 25th Annual Greensboro Gobbler 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk returns as the largest and longest running Thanksgiving-morning tradition in Greensboro under new ownership, offering an unforgettable race experience, expanded community partnerships, and a bold call for new sponsors and volunteers. 2025 event details and registration can be found on the new Greensboro Gobbler website at https://www.greensborogobbler.com/.

Fresh Leadership, Renewed Vision

On October 1, 2025, Jamie Smith, former Director of Experiential Marketing at Stack Sports and now Founder & CEO of Top Score Sports & Events, officially took the reins of the Greensboro Gobbler. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and community relations, and more than five of those years directly in the endurance space helping manage and grow numerous events, Jamie brings expertise in community engagement, sponsorships, partnerships, on-site activations, and everything marketing to this historic race.

“Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and family, and the awesome Greensboro and surrounding communities have been part of the Gobbler’s family every Thanksgiving morning for the past 24 years ,” said Jamie Smith. “After helping with race operations and marketing for the Greensboro Gobbler over the last few years, I became attached to the event and the community. When I found out the event was up for grabs and in jeopardy of being cancelled in 2025 and the foreseeable future, I didn’t think twice. I couldn’t be more excited to honor the Gobbler’s existing values and legacy, while also providing new excitement, stronger community-focus, enhanced operations, and of course an unforgettable race experience!”

Jamie is a follower of Christ, husband, and father of four, an avid sports fan, truly enjoys traveling and embracing new people and cultures, collector of vintage toys and trading cards, and passionate advocate for community service and philanthropy. He recently started Top Score Sports & Events and acquired the Greensboro Gobbler to keep the 24+ year Thanksgiving tradition alive and elevate other events and sports organizations through a more community-focused approach.

For companies in the sports/events space, including race directors looking to build stronger community connections and grow event participation, visit www.topscoreevents.com to learn more.

2025 Race Details & Upgrades

• Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
• Time: 8:00 AM 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk Start, 8:30 AM 5K Start
• Location: Center City Park, Downtown Greensboro, NC
• Registration & Pricing (2025):
  • 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk — Early: $14.99, Regular: $19.99, Late: $29.99
    • 5K — Early: $29.99, Regular: $34.99, Late: $49.99
• Swag: All participants (1-mile and 5K) get a 25th Anniversary, long-sleeve race T-shirt.
• Awards: Top 3 overall (male/female) and top age-group finisher awards for 5K divisions.
•  Pre-Race Packet Pickup: Nov 24–26 from 11am-6pm at the Natural Dog Pet Food Market.
• Race Morning Registration: Opens at 6:30 AM for same-day bib pickup/late registration.
• Community Giving: Will partner with Greensboro Urban Ministry again to collect cash donations, nonperishable food donations at packet pickup, & donate leftover shirts/supplies.

What’s New in 2025

• New Ownership Direction: Greater focus on Greensboro community ties and engagement, expanded sponsor outreach, and enhanced marketing.
• Increased Charitable & Community Commitments: In search of additional charitable partners and sponsors for 2025 and beyond.
• Freshly Revamped Website: Newly-designed Greensboro Gobbler website offering more easily-accessible event details and race updates for existing and prospective participants.
• Stronger Social Presence: The Gobbler is starting from scratch on socials. Follow their new Facebook & Instagram pages as some exciting giveaways are coming over the next few weeks!
• New ‘Gobble Talk’ Newsletter: Join the new ‘Gobble Talk’ mailing list to stay up-to-date on all things Gobbler; including updates, promotions, community highlights, and a few laughs.
• Enhanced Race Day Festivities: Expect new Thanksgiving-themed decorations, expo presence with free giveaways and additional food options from sponsors and local vendors.
• Fur-Family Frills: Special fall/turkey dog treats available for all dogs in attendance and a staff-decided prize “Paw-some Costume Award” to the most festively dressed dog.
• Expanded Volunteer Program: More roles, better organization, and a new volunteer preference form available via the website.

Call to Action: Sponsors & Volunteers Needed

To power this new chapter, the Greensboro Gobbler is actively seeking sponsors at multiple levels and volunteers across race day roles: packet pickup helpers, water stations, registration support, finish-line assistance, and more. New sponsorship package benefits include, availability for a title sponsor, logo placement on race shirts, website, and signage, booth or activation space at event, inclusion of coupons/flyers in participant packets, mentions/logo in race marketing/social/press, and more.

Those interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteering, please visit the contact us page of the Greensboro Gobbler website for additional details.

Why the Greensboro Gobbler Matters

More than just an unforgettable race experience, the Gobbler is the largest and longest running Greensboro Thanksgiving tradition — a combination of fitness, family, gratitude, and community support. Coming up on a quarter-century of history, the event continues to bring a massive crowd of runners, walkers, families, pets, and spectators downtown each year.

Under new leadership, the 2025 edition aspires to be bigger, more engaging, more inclusive, and more community-centered than ever before.

About the Greensboro Gobbler

Founded over 24 years ago, the Greensboro Gobbler is Greensboro North Carolina’s flagship Thanksgiving Day turkey trot — a 5K and 1-mile fun run that brings together athletes, families, pets, and community organizations for healthy, holiday-morning fun. The event supports local charities and encourages civic engagement and community connection through running. RUN. GOBBLE. NAP. with the Greensboro Gobbler this Thanksgiving! Learn more at https://www.greensborogobbler.com/.

About Top Score Sports & Events

Top Score Sports & Events is a marketing and event management agency that helps endurance races, sports brands, and athletic organizations grow through authentic connection. We believe that great events and brands don’t just attract participants and sales — they bring people together, tell stories that matter, and give back to the communities that make them possible. Visit https://topscoreevents.com/ to learn more or to get your next big win.

Media Contact

Jamie Smith
jamie@greensborogobbler.com
512-293-8199

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional materials, please contact the media contact listed above.