News
November 10, 2016Registration Open for 100th Anniversary Edition of Troy Turkey Trot
A festive atmosphere will fill the air Thanksgiving morning when the Troy Turkey Trot, presented by Pioneer Bank, takes place in the historic hometown of Uncle Sam.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the nation’s 12th oldest road race, which was founded in 1916 as a remembrance run for veterans. The event is also being held during the City of Troy’s Bicentennial Celebration, which commemorates 200 years of Collar City history since the city’s official incorporation on April 12, 1816.
“Anniversary years traditionally draw larger fields than other years,” said longtime Event Director George Regan. “We are expecting as many as 8,000 recreational runners and walkers from 37 states and Canada to take part in this year’s event.”
The day gets underway at 8 a.m. with the Capital Region’s only Thanksgiving 10K, an event that also doubles as the USATF Adirondack’s Men’s and Women’s Championship and is the finale to determine the 2016 Grand Prix Series. Race officials will close the 10K course by 9:30 a.m. Those unable to complete the 10K in the allotted time period 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 and cheer 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 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. Participants for both events will receive a dry blend 100th anniversary t-shirt, finisher’s item, as well as post-event refreshments.
Individuals and groups are invited to take part in the Trot’s popular costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for “Best Thanksgiving Day Costume” and “Best Non-Thanksgiving Costume” is also slated. Details are at: http://www.troyturkeytrot.com/annual-costume-contest/
Registration for all events is currently open at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. Online registration closes Monday, Nov. 21 at 11:59 p.m. Last chance (in-person) registration will be held at the Troy Atrium (4 Third Street) Weds., Nov. 23 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.
“The Troy Turkey Trot is one of the city’s signature events and brings the Capital Region together in celebrating fitness, family, tradition and generosity” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “This year is particularly special due to the historic Centennial and Bicentennial celebrations for the Trot and the city. We extend a warm welcome to families to join us to soak up some of the Collar City’s most historic neighborhoods while burning off some pre-meal calories!”
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. Participants can also make an in-person donation through Nov. 30 at any Pioneer Bank branch.
“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,” said Regan, noting that this year’s fundraising goal is $20,000. “During this time of giving and gratitude, we encourage everyone to give generously.”
Organizers have slated two bib and t-shirt pickup sessions at the Troy Atrium. They are Sunday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Weds., Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All spectators and participants are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the Troy Atrium during bib/t-shirt pickup to donate to the Regional Food Bank of NENY.
Ample free event parking is available on race day at a number of Front and River Street parking lots. A comprehensive map of Troy parking lots can be found at: http://troyny.gov/Departments/Parking.aspx.
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). Complete race results will be posted in Monument Square at the awards tent, as well as 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; HealthPlex Fitness and Wellness Center; and, DeCrescente Distributing Company.
