Registration Open for 72nd Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day

Friday, Oct. 18, 2019 -- Organizers of the Troy Turkey Trot announce that registration is open for the event’s 72nd edition on Thanksgiving morning at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. The nation’s 12th and world’s 64th oldest road race, the Troy Turkey Trot attracts thousands of runners and spectators to historic Troy, N.Y. for the Capital Region’s largest Thanksgiving Day road race.

Troy’s signature Thanksgiving holiday event, presented by Pioneer Bank, begins at 8 a.m. with the Capital Region’s 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 Streets and finish at River Street’s Monument Square. Family members are invited to show their support by cheering on loved ones.

“The Collar City’s rich history and traditions will be on display during the 72nd Troy Turkey Trot this November,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “Our family-friendly event is a wonderful way to engage the entire community, while showcasing our historic downtown and neighborhoods at the start of the holiday season. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Troy on Thanksgiving morning to celebrate family, community and health.”

Registration through Monday, Oct. 21 is $30 (5K and 10K) and $10 (Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk). On Tuesday, Oct. 22, prices rise to $35 (5K and 10K) and $15 (Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk). In-person registration along with bib and t-shirt pickup will be held at the Troy Atrium (4 Third Street) Sunday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Weds., Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 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. Race day entry fees are $40 (5K and 10K) and $15 (Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk). Participants for all events will receive a 72nd edition blended dry-fit t-shirt, finisher’s medal, personalized finisher’s certificate and post-event refreshments.

While registering online, all 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.

“Thanksgiving is a time of year to be grateful for our blessings, while also helping less fortunate members of our community,” added Mayor Madden. “Donations from participants will help our designated charities – Joseph’s House & Shelter and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York – feed hungry families and provide warm shelter to homeless men, women and children. We encourage everyone to support these worthwhile organizations this Thanksgiving.”

“Last year, 6,425 participants gave $12,531 to our non-profits during online registration,” said Event Director George Regan. “Pioneer Bank Foundation then matched registrant donations with $2,500, bringing the total donation to $15,000. Our goal this year, with the Foundation’s continued support, is to raise as much as $20,000.”

All participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to local food pantries and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. These items can be dropped off at the Troy Atrium (second floor) on Sunday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and race morning (first floor) starting at 6:30 a.m. Last year, participants gave 1,386 pounds, equivalent to 1,155 meals, setting a new Trot food collection record.

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: 7:20-7:40 a.m. (10K), 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 here..

Post-race refreshments will be available in the “Y” lot off First Street. Awards will be handed out at the awards tent in Monument Square.

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.

For more information or to register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.

Sponsors of the 72nd Troy Turkey Trot include: Pioneer Bank; Wm. J. Fagan & Sons; Choice Physical Therapy; Hannaford Supermarkets; Garelick Farms; Bryce Real Estate; DeCrescente Distributing Company; Courtyard By Marriott; CHA; River Street Market by First Columbia; United Group of Companies; and, OrthoNY.

About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 72nd year, the Troy Turkey Trot is the nation’s 12th and world’s 64th oldest road race, as well as the 11th largest Turkey Trot in the nation. The event, which celebrates fun, family and fitness against a backdrop of some of Troy's most historic neighborhoods, draws as many as 8,000 participants from 40 states and features a 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk, while also raising funds for the event’s two charities, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter. For more information, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.