71st Edition Troy Turkey Trot Participants Invited to Take Part in Annual Costume Contest

Troy, N.Y. (October 29, 2018) — Organizers of the 71^st Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning invite entries into the event’s popular costume contest presented by Pioneer Bank.

“The costume contest is always a highlight of the 5K and our entries are extremely creative,” said longtime Event Director George Regan.  “We’ve seen everything from folks dressing up as forks and spoons to a cross-country team decked out as gift-wrapped presents.”

Participants in the 5K, the day’s signature event, are invited to enter one of two categories — best Thanksgiving day costume and the most unique costume. Contestants will be asked to fill out an entry form and take a picture of themselves, or their team, in costume. Entry forms can be submitted at bib/chip/t-shirt pick-up held at the Troy Atrium on Sunday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 11a.m to 6 p.m.  Contestants can also complete a costume contest entry form Thanksgiving morning on the first floor of the Troy Atrium.  A photo of the contestant’s costume will be taken prior to judging.

“Costumes will be judged based on their creativity, presentation, and flexibility/functionality (ability to move in the costume),” added Regan. “The only costumes not permitted are those that cover the face, as well as bulky costumes that may interfere with others at the start or out on the course.”

Staff from Pioneer Bank will judge participants’ entries Thanksgiving morning from 8-9:45 a.m. Prizes for both categories will be identical. First place will receive a $100 Hannaford gift card. Second place will receive a $50 Hannaford gift card, and third place will receive a $25 Hannaford gift card. Prizes will be given out at the awards stage in Monument Square after the conclusion of the 5K.

For more information and to download a costume contest entry form, please visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com/annual-costume-contest/

For more information or to register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.  Sponsors include Pioneer Bank; Wm. J. Fagan & Sons; Capital District Honda Dealers; Choice Physical Therapy; DeCrescente Distributing Company; The Rosenblum Companies; United Group of Companies; John Ray & Sons Inc.; First Columbia; Hannaford Supermarkets; Garelick Farms; and Bryce Real Estate.

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About the Troy Turkey Trot

Now in its 71st year, the Troy Turkey Trot is the nation’s 12^th and world’s 64th oldest road race, as well as the 11^th largest Turkey Trot in the nation.  The event, which draws as many as 8,000 participants from 37 states and four countries 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 the Regional Food Bank of NENY and Joseph’s House and Shelter. For more information, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.