Rylie’s Smile Turkey Escape 5K & 1 Miler: Start Your Thanksgiving With Heart
Thanksgiving morning in Rehoboth Beach comes with something extra special this year: a chance to move your body, give back, and kick off the holiday with a smile. The Rylie’s Smile Turkey Escape 5K & 1 Miler is more than a race—it’s a community tradition that directly supports children living with severe lifelong or terminal diagnoses through Rylie’s Smile Foundation.
Below is everything you need to know to join the fun, lace up, and make your miles matter.
Event Overview
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Event: Rylie’s Smile Turkey Escape 5K & 1 Miler
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Date: Thanksgiving Morning – November 27, 2025
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Location: Thompson Island Brewing Company, Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach, DE
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Beneficiary: Rylie’s Smile Foundation
Run, walk, push a stroller, or cheer from the sidelines—every part of this event helps support families facing some of the toughest medical journeys.
Race Swag: Shirts, Music, and Memories
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First 500 registered participants receive a cotton long-sleeve Turkey Escape 5K shirt.
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Shirts are not guaranteed for late registrants, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
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Pre-race live music by Catch The Drift sets the mood the night before.
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On race morning, visit the Gilstead Drone Works booth to check out drone footage of your group, making this race as memorable as it is meaningful.
Pre-Race Night: Packet Pick-Up & Silent Auction
Make your Thanksgiving morning easier by grabbing your bib and soaking in the pre-race energy the night before.
Wednesday, November 26
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Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Where: Thompson Island Brewing Company’s Beer Garden
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What’s happening:
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Packet pick-up
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Pre-race live music by Catch The Drift
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Silent Auction benefitting Rylie’s Smile Foundation
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It’s the perfect time to pick up your race gear, enjoy the music, and bid on items that help raise even more support.
Thanksgiving Morning Schedule
All the action happens at Thompson Island Brewing Company on Veterans Way in Rehoboth Beach.
Race Day – Thursday, November 27, 2025
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7:00 a.m. – Day-of Registration & Packet Pick-Up opens
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7:45 a.m. – Free Kiddie K (9 & under) Start
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All Kiddie K registrants receive medals.
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8:00 a.m. – Turkey Escape 5K & 1 Miler Start
Whether you’re racing hard, walking with friends, or jogging with the family, the course is designed to bring people together for a shared cause.
Awards, Trophies, and Fundraising Recognition
This event celebrates both speed and generosity:
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Awards:
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Overall Winners
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Masters Winners
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Largest Fundraising Group
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All of the above will receive gift cards from The Lighthouse in Dewey Beach, Delaware.
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Trophies & Medals:
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Thanksgiving-themed trophies and medals will be available at the Race Result Kiosk.
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If you can’t stay for the post-race party, you can still pick up your awards later.
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Post-Race Party: Refreshments and Beverages
After you cross the finish line, stick around to refuel and celebrate:
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Post-race refreshments are provided by Ladies Auxiliary #17.
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Free beer and seltzers are available for participants 21 years and older.
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Enjoy the community atmosphere, music, and a chance to connect with others who are running for the same cause.
Black Friday Giveback at The Lighthouse in Dewey Beach
The support doesn’t stop on Thanksgiving morning. The celebration and fundraising continue into Black Friday:
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Date: Black Friday
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Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
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Location: The Lighthouse in Dewey Beach
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Giveback: For each Orange Crush sold, $1 will be donated to Rylie’s Smile Foundation.
Make sure to pick up vouchers during the Turkey Escape 5K so you can keep the giving going the next day.
Registration Options & Fees
All prices include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
1 Mile Non-Competitive Walk
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Fee: $33.70
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Registration Window: February 4 – November 27
Perfect for those who want to support the cause at a comfortable pace.
Competitive Walking 5K
Important: This division is for competitive walkers only.
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You must WALK the entire race.
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No running, no jogging, no exceptions.
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If you plan to run or run/walk, register for the 5K Run/Walk instead.
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Fee: $39.03
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Registration Window: February 4 – November 27
5K Run/Walk
Ideal for runners and run/walkers of all levels.
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Pre-Registration Fee: $39.03 (February 4 – November 27)
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Race Day Fee: $40.00
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Race day registration and packet pick-up open at 7:00 a.m.
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Student 5K Registration (18 and Under)
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Pre-Registration Fee: $28.38 (February 4 – November 27)
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Race Day Fee: $30.00
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Registration and packet pick-up open at 7:00 a.m.
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This option makes it easier for younger runners to be part of the event and the mission.
Kiddie K (9 Years and Under)
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Fee: Free
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Start Time: 7:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning
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All Kiddie K participants receive a medal, making this a great first “race day” experience for little ones.
Want the Shirt but Can’t Attend?
If you can’t make it in person but still want to support the cause (and snag the race tee), you can:
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Sign up for the “tee” option during registration.
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Your shirt will be mailed to you, letting you support from afar while still wearing your Rylie’s Smile pride.
Why It Matters: About Rylie’s Smile Foundation
Every step you take and every dollar raised during the Turkey Escape 5K & 1 Miler directly supports Rylie’s Smile Foundation.
All event proceeds go toward helping children who are:
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Living with severe lifelong diagnoses, or
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Facing terminal illnesses
These funds help meet real, practical needs—easing burdens for families and bringing moments of joy and comfort into incredibly difficult journeys.
The race also highlights the stories behind the foundation, including powerful video spotlights and testimonials shared through Rylie’s Smile Foundation’s platforms.
Make This Thanksgiving Mean Even More
Instead of just waking up and heading straight to the kitchen, you can:
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Start the day with movement and gratitude
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Involve your kids, friends, and neighbors
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Support a local foundation changing lives
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Carry that spirit of giving right into Black Friday at The Lighthouse in Dewey Beach
Whether you’re lacing up for the 5K, strolling the 1 Miler, cheering on the Kiddie K, or raising funds with your group, the Rylie’s Smile Turkey Escape turns Thanksgiving into a true day of community and compassion.
