Registration Open for 70th Running of Troy Turkey Trot

TROY, N.Y. (Oct. 6, 2017) — Registration for the 70th running of the Troy Turkey Trot — one of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in the nation — is now open.

Race organizers expect as many as 8,000 recreational runners and walkers from 37 states to take part in the event’s 10K, 5K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk held Thanksgiving morning in historic Troy, New York.

“We are gearing up for another spectacular field for this year’s Troy Turkey Trot,” said longtime Event Director George Regan. “Historically speaking, anniversary years draw a larger turnout and we are excited to welcome local runners and walkers, as well as family members returning to the Capital Region for the holiday, to this very special event.”

The day gets underway at 8 a.m. with the Capital Region’s only Thanksgiving 10K. The 10K course will close at 9:30 a.m. to facilitate the start of the Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk. Those unable to complete the 10K in the allotted time are asked to enter the shorter 5K distance, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Both the 10K and 5K feature “out and back” course configurations, and families are invited to show their support by cheering on loved ones.

Following the 10K will be the Grade School Mile (9:30 a.m.), a timed event that is open to children up to and including eighth grade and the Turkey Walk (9:35 a.m.), a one-mile fitness walk for those who prefer to burn off their pre-meal calories at a slower pace.

For those looking to loosen up before their event takes place, Choice Physical Therapy will offer a series of warm-up sessions in Riverfront Park 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).

Registration for all events is currently open at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. Online registration closes Monday, Nov. 20 at 11:59 p.m. Last chance (in-person) registration will be held at the Troy Atrium (4 Third Street) Weds., Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no day-of-event registration for the 5K, 10K and Grade School Mile. Participants can register for the Turkey Walk up until 9:25 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. Participants for all events will receive a commemorative 70th edition t-shirt, finisher’s item, as well as post-event refreshments.

While registering online, all participants are encouraged to make a donation 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.

“Besides spending time with the ones we love, Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to help out less fortunate members of our community,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “A donation of five dollars can provide $50 in food to feed a hungry family, or it can also provide warm shelter to homeless men, women and children in Rensselaer County. We encourage everyone to give generously to support those worthwhile causes and invite all to join us in Troy on Thanksgiving morning to celebrate family, community and health.”

Organizers have slated two bib and t-shirt pickup sessions — Sunday, Nov. 19 and Weds., Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — at the Troy Atrium, 2 Second Street. At these sessions participants can also register for all Trot events. They are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to local food pantries and the Regional Food Bank of NENY.

Ample free event parking is available on race day throughout the city. A comprehensive map of Troy parking lots can be found at: http://www.troyny.gov/departments/parking/.

Post-race refreshments and entertainment will be offered in the finish line area in the City of Troy permit parking lot (1st and River Streets). Awards will be handed out in Monument Square at the awards tent. Results will be posted online at TroyTurkeyTrot.com

For more information or to register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com. Sponsors include Pioneer Bank; Wm. J. Fagan & Sons; Capital District Honda Dealers; Hannaford Supermarkets; Garelick Farms; Capara’s Auto Body Shop, Inc.; Choice Physical Therapy; Bryce Real Estate; and, DeCrescente Distributing Company.

About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 70th 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 draws as many as 8,000 participants from 37 states and features a 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk, is designed to celebrate fitness, families and tradition against a backdrop of some of Troy's most historic neighborhoods, as well as raise funds for several local charities. For more information, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.