Troy Turkey Trot registration opens
TROY, N.Y. >> It’s the nation’s twelfth and the world’s sixty- fourth oldest road race, and registration is now open for the seventy-first edition of the Troy Turkey Trot.
The Collar City staple features a 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile, and Turkey Walk, and will be held on Thanksgiving morning in Troy. Registration for all race events is available at TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
The day steps off at 8 a.m. with the Capital Region’s only Thanksgiving Day 10K. The 10K course will close at 9:30 a.m. to allow the start of the Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk at 9:30 a.m. The shorter 5K distance kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Both the 10K and 5K feature “out and back” course formations starting at Fourth and Fulton Streets and finishing at River Street’s Monument Square. Family members are encouraged to cheer on loved ones participating.
“We are delighted to welcome everyone back to the Collar City this Thanksgiving for the 71st running of the Troy Turkey Trot!” Mayor Patrick Madden said. “This family-friendly event – which highlights our historic downtown and neighborhoods – is a fantastic way to engage the entire community in celebrating fitness, family and tradition. I amconfident your experience at this years’ Troy Turkey Trot will continue to draw you back to the Collar City for many years to come.”
“The Troy Turkey Trot was founded in 1916 to support veterans returning from World War 1,” Event Director George Regan said, while noting that the Trot was held 16 times between 1916 and 1963 and 54 times since 1964. “This event has grown into much more than just a foot race. It’s an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy Troy while celebrating the Collar City’s rich heritage and holiday traditions,” Regan added.
Choice Physical Therapy will be on hand for those looking to warm up prior to the event, with sessions in Riverfront Park at the following times: 7:20-7:40 a.m. (10K), 9:00-9:15 a.m. (Grade School Mile/ Turkey Walk), and 9:20-9:40 a.m. (5K).
In- person registration along with bib and t-shirt pickup will be held at the Troy Atrium (4 Third Street) Sunday, Nov. 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Wed., Nov. 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Day- of- event registration for all events will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 15 minutes prior to the start of each event on the second floor of the Troy Atrium. Participants for all events will receive a seventy-first edition blended dry fit tshirt, finishers’ medal and post- event refreshments.
Participants are also encouraged to donate to the event’s two 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.
“The Thanksgiving holiday is not only for spending time with loved ones, it’s also an opportunity to help out less fortunate members of our community,” Mayor Madden added. “Your donations will help our local charities feed a hungry family or provide warm shelter to homeless men, women and children in Troy and Rensselaer County. We encourage everyone to support these worthwhile causes and organizations and I look forward to welcoming everyone to Troy on Thanksgiving morning to celebrate family, community and health.”
“Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our family, health, friends and all the material blessings we have,” Regan noted. “We hope you will remember those less fortunate and consider donating to these charities during online registration. Last year participants donated $13,500 and this year’s goal is $20,000.”
“Pioneer Bank has sponsored this event for the past 22 years and this year we are proud to be the Trot’s presenting sponsor,” Pioneer Bank President/CEO Tom Amell said. “Fam-
ily and friends not running can visit any of our 22 branches, all of which will be collecting donations on behalf of the two event charities. To help the Trot reach its $20,000 fundraising goal, the Pioneer Bank Foundation will match all donations up to $2,500.”
Participants are also encouraged to bring a non- perishable food item to donate to local food pantries and the Regional Food Bank of NENY. Items can be dropped off at the Troy Atrium (second f loor) on Sunday, Nov. 18 and Wed., Nov. 21 from 11: 00 a. m. to 6: 00 p. m. and race morning (first f loor) starting at 6: 30 a. m.
Free event parking is available at a number of Front and River Street parking lots. A complete map of Troy parking lots can be found at troyny.gov/ parking.
Post-race refreshments, entertainment and overall awards will be handed out in the finish line area at Monument Square. All age group awards will be mailed to award winners after the event.
Unofficial results will be available within minutes upon finishing at troyturkeytrot.com via Chrono-Track Live and will also be posted in the finish line area.