Mayor Madden Announces Last Chance Registration and Health, Security Expectations for 105th Anniversary Troy Turkey Trot

By troytrot | November 23, 2021

Event Participants Asked to Review Health & Safety, Security Guidelines Ahead of Race Day

TROY, NY – Mayor Patrick Madden today issued several reminders to individuals who will be visiting the City of Troy for the 105th anniversary (74th running) of the Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25.

“The Turkey Trot is more than just a foot race. It’s an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come and enjoy Troy while celebrating our City’s history and holiday traditions,” said Mayor Patrick Madden. “We are delighted to welcome everyone back to the Collar City this Thanksgiving to enjoy another safe, fun, family-filled event.”

"Thursday’s beautiful running forecast (a mix of sun and clouds and high of 48 degrees) has led to strong event registration,” added Event Director George Regan. “We look forward to welcoming 5,500+ participants in our 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk.”

Registration Still Open!

Registration for all events is available online at TroyTurkeyTrot.com through Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. Day-of registration is available up to 15 minutes prior to the start of each event at the Troy Atrium (4 Third Street) starting at 6:30 a.m.

Event Schedule

10K (8 a.m.) — Day of registration closes at 7:45 a.m.
Grade School Mile (9:30 a.m.) — Day of registration closes at 9:15 a.m.
Turkey Walk (9:35 a.m.) — Day of registration closes at 9:20 a.m.
5K (10 a.m.) — Day of registration closes at 9:45 a.m.

Health & Safety

“Since the pandemic is still with us, it’s important we take additional steps to keep runners, spectators, and event volunteers safe,” added Regan. “By social distancing, wearing a mask and getting vaccinated we can all do our part to stop the spread of the virus.”

Precautionary measures for the Trot include:

  • Masks will be made available to participants and spectators in the Troy Atrium.
  • Runners must wear face masks in the starting line corral but can remove them out on the course. Masks must be worn again in the finish chute.
  • Spectators are required to wear a mask at all times.
  • Water bottles are available to runners at the Trot’s water stop. The water stop tables will extended to ease congestion.
  • Limited refreshments will be offered in the finish chute area. Upon exiting the finish chute, all participants are urged to leave the event site.
  • There will be no warmups, refreshments or awards ceremony. All awards will be mailed.

Costume Contest

Participants are invited to take part in the event’s popular 5K costume contest. The contest features two categories: Best Thanksgiving Day Costume and the Most Unique Costume. To register, fill out an entry form at troyturkeytrot.com/annual-costume-contest. Then email the completed form and photos of the costume entry to info@troyturkeytrot.com by Thursday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. Participants can also enter the costume contest in person on race day at the costume contest table, which is located on the first floor of the Troy Atrium (4 Third Street).

Donations to Charities

While registering online, 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. Both organizations have seen a 40+ percent increase in demand for their services since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. To date, $17,700 has been raised from both online donations and from a $2,500 donation from Pioneer Foundation. The event hopes to raise $20,000+ to help feed hungry families and provide warm shelter to homeless men, women and children.

Non-Perishable Items

All participants and spectators are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the Troy Atrium (starting at 6:30 a.m.) to donate to local food pantries. Items needed include:

  • Canned proteins and entrees (i.e. tuna, chicken, beef stew and ravioli)
  • Canned spaghetti sauce
  • Canned soups and cereals
  • Canned 100% juice

Items not accepted for donation:

  • Home-canned food
  • Outdated food
  • Food without labels

Event Parking

Plenty of free parking options are available throughout Troy, including the Green Island Bridge Parking Lot, Congress Street Parking Lot, Fifth Avenue Garage, Fourth Street Parking Lot, Front Street Parking Lot, and State Street Parking Garage. Additional parking is available in the Blitman Commons lot (1800 6th Ave.) beginning at 6:30 a.m. A comprehensive map of Troy parking lots can be found on the City of Troy official website at https://www.troyny.gov/municipal-lots-garages/ Please note the privately owned Uncle Sam Parking Garage is not available on race day.

Businesses Open

The following establishments will be open in downtown Troy on Thanksgiving morning during the Troy Turkey Trot. All will be serving a limited menu, as well as coffee and hot chocolate, etc.

  • Spill’n the Beans (13 Third Street)
  • Pecks Arcade (217 Broadway)
  • Ryan’s Wake (403 River Street)
  • The Daily Grind (46 Third Street)
  • The Dutch Udder (282 River Street)
  • 518 Craft (200 Broadway)
  • Bootlegger’s on Broadway (200 Broadway)
  • The Ruck (Third Street between Congress and Ferry)
  • McAddy’s (452 Broadway)

Race Day Security

The Troy Police Department, in conjunction with the Troy Turkey Trot race committee and the City of Troy, has announced this year’s security measures in connection with the Trot. The announced security measures are designed to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators:

  • Any non-see-through packages (i.e. back packs, duffle bags, etc.) will not be permitted on the race site. All non-see-through bags should be safely secured in participants’ vehicles.
  • See-through plastic bags may be checked in at the Trot’s baggage check located in The Atrium. All bags are subject to inspection.
  • Costumes covering the face will not be permitted. Bulky costumes that may interfere with others are also prohibited.
  • Spectators will not be allowed on the sidewalks adjacent to the start on Fourth Street between Fulton Street and Broadway.
  • Spectators will not be allowed in the finish chute. Please meet your runners as they exit the finish chute on First Street.

Cooperation from participants and visitors is essential. Please help us provide a safe and pleasant environment for all. And remember, if you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1.

About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 105th year (74th 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. For more information, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com. For up-to-date announcements from Troy City Hall, please visit www.troyny.gov/news

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