News
October 12, 2022Region’s Oldest, Largest Trot Seeks to Raise $20,000+ for Event’s Charities
Officials at the Troy Turkey Trot, presented by Pioneer, have opened registration for the 75th edition of the Trot on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, Nov. 24) at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. The Trot is the nation’s 12th oldest road race and attracts thousands of runners and spectators to historic Troy, N.Y. 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 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. and Trotters are encouraged to form 5K teams. 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. Prize money will be offered in the 10K. Overall and age group awards will be offered in both the 10K and 5K. All participants will receive a commemorative athletic blend shirt and a finisher medal.
“The Trot began in 1916 with six runners and has grown to become one of most revered road races in America,” said longtime Event Director George Regan. “We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of participants of all ages to Troy Thanksgiving morning. Our event is steeped in history and a perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving festivities!”
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 use a custom mobile app, which allows them to race with others, real time, regardless of their location from Thursday, Nov 24 at 8 a.m. to Sunday, Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. Results (and photos) are then uploaded to the event’s registration platform.
Besides being a community tradition and one of the oldest regional road races in New York state, the Trot supports two local organizations, the Regional Food Bank of NENY and Joseph’s House and Shelter, a Troy-based not-for-profit whose mission is to prevent and alleviate homelessness in the Capital Region. Participants are encouraged to donate to these charities during online registration. They can also support 19 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.
“Last year, supported by a $2,500 donation from the Pioneer Foundation, Trotters gave more than $18,500 to the event’s two primary charities,” said Regan. “We hope Trotters’ giving spirit continues this year. These organizations play an important role feeding hungry families and providing warm shelter to homeless men, women, and children.”
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.
For more information or to register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
Now in its 106th year (75th running), the Troy Turkey Trot is the nation’s 12th and world’s 64th oldest road race. The event, which celebrates fun, family and fitness against a backdrop of some of Troy’s most historic neighborhoods, draws more than 5,000 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.
