TROY — The Troy Turkey Trot, presented by Pioneer, have opened registration for the event’s 105th anniversary on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, Nov. 25) at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. The Trot is the nation’s 12th oldest road race and attracts thousands of runners and spectators to historic Troy for the Capital Region’s largest Thanksgiving Day road race.
A signature event of the Collar City’s holiday festivities, the Trot begins at 8 a.m. with the Capital Regions’ only Thanksgiving Day 10K. The 10K course will close at 9:30 a.m. to facilitate the start of the Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk at 9:30 a.m. The shorter 5K distance kicks off at 10 a.m. Both the 10K and 5K feature “out and back” course configurations which start at 4th and Fulton Sts and finish at River St’s Monument Square.
“Since its humble beginnings in 1916 when six runners entered, the Trot has grown to become one of America’s largest road races with more than 7,000 participants,” said longtime Event Director George Regan. “It’s important for people to recognize this event is steeped in history and tradition, and they can experience that during our anniversary year.”
Besides offering a welcome return to in-person racing, this year’s Trot will again feature a virtual option for those concerned about being around others or who plan to be away. Virtual participants will use a custom mobile app, which allows them to race with others, real time, regardless of their location. Last year, 14 other Troy communities across the nation, including elected officials from Troy, KS, Troy, MI, and Troy, IL took advantage of the app during the event’s three-day virtual running window.
While registering online, participants are encouraged to donate to the event’s two main charities, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House & Shelter, a Troy-based not-for-profit whose mission is to prevent and alleviate homelessness in the Capital Region. They can also support 15 local non-profits participating in the event’s Volunteer Incentive Recruitment Program, an initiative in which local charities receive a cash donation in return for supplying the event with volunteers.
“Although the Trot drew 41 percent of its 2019 field last year, runners donated a record total of $18,500 to support the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House & Shelter,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “We hope Trotters’ giving spirit continues this year as the event returns to in-person this Thanksgiving. This year’s fundraising goal of $20,000 will help support these organizations that play a vital role feeding hungry families and providing warm shelter to homeless men, women, and children.”
For those looking to stretch out their muscles before their event takes place, Choice Physical Therapy will offer a series of warm-up sessions at 4th Street and Broadway at the following times: 9-9:15 a.m. (Grade School Mile/Turkey Walk), and 9:20-9:40 a.m. (5K).
Free event parking is available at a number of Front and River Street parking lots. A comprehensive map of Troy parking lots can be found at troyny.gov/parking.
Unofficial results will be available within minutes upon finishing at TroyTurkeyTrot.com via ChronoTrack Live and will also be posted at the awards tent. A personalized finisher’s certificate will be available online at TroyTurkeyTrot.com/results by 3 p.m.
Runners of all abilities looking to get in shape for the Troy Turkey Trot can still sign up for the 10-week, co-ed Trot Training Challenge. The program, which began Sept. 27 at Hudson Valley Community College’s outdoor track (80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy) is designed to train participants to complete a 5K or 10K and features injury-prevention, nutritional, strength, and flexibility elements. Group runs will be held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 8 a.m. with virtual training options throughout the week. For more information and to register, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/NY/Troy/TurkeyTrotTrainingChallenge
For more information or to register, visit www.TroyTurkeyTrot.com
