Mayor Madden Announces Last Chance Registration and Security Expectations for 71st Troy Turkey Trot

By troytrot | November 18, 2018

Event Participants Asked to Review Security Guidelines Ahead of Race Day

TROY, NY – TROY, NY – Mayor Patrick Madden today issued several reminders to individuals who will be visiting the City of Troy for the 71st edition of the Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22.

“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 rich history and holiday traditions,” said Mayor Patrick Madden. “We are very pleased to see this race come together and anticipate another fun, family-filled event that brings 8,000 plus people to our wonderful city on Thanksgiving morning.”

“The 71st edition field continues to grow and we’re expecting around 6,800 participants to take part this year,” added Event Director George Regan. “We’d like to encourage all participants to help out the less fortunate members of our community by supporting the Trot’s two charities – the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House & Shelter. 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. Trot participants, including the Pioneer Bank Foundation, have already donated $12,500, putting us in good shape to reach or exceed out fundraising goal of $20,000.”

Registration

Race organizers have extended online registration until Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Race day registration is also available up to 30 minutes before the start of each event.

Event start times are as follows:

  • 10K (8:00 a.m.) — Day of registration closes at 7:30 a.m.
  • Grade School Mile (9:30 a.m.) — Day of registration closes at 9 a.m.
  • Turkey Walk (9:35 a.m.) — Day of registration closes at 9:05 a.m.
  • 5K (10:00 a.m.) — Day of registration closes at 9:30 a.m.

Cold Weather Racing Tips

Forecasters are predicting Thanksgiving Day will be partly to mostly sunny and frigid with wind chills in the single numbers to below zero. To make the event more enjoyable for participants, organizers will have patio heaters at the start/finish lines to keep runners warm, as well as hand warmers and gloves available for volunteers. Runners are advised to wear a wind-resistant shell or jacket that can be unzipped to let heat out if needed, as well as gloves and a hat/headband. On Wednesday, Trotters should also aim to hydrate themselves well and limit their consumption of alcoholic beverages. Following the event, participants should get through the refreshment area quickly and not stand around for too long outside.

Pre-Event Warm Ups

For those looking to loosen up before their event takes place Thanksgiving morning, 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), 9:00-9:15 a.m. (Grade School Mile/Turkey Walk), and 9:20-9:40 a.m. (5K).

Non-Perishable Items

Mayor Madden encourages all participants and spectators 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 fruit in juice
  • Canned 100% juice
  • Non-food items: Bathroom tissue and paper towels

Items not accepted for donation:

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

Event Parking

Ample, free event parking is available throughout Troy. The Front Street Parking Garage, 5th Street Parking Garage and Uncle Sam Parking Garage will all be open for use. (Please Note: The Uncle Sam Parking Garage will offer limited parking due to its proximity to the race course. No entry will be allowed in/out between 7:30-10:15 a.m.)  Additional parking will also be available in the Blitman Commons lot located at 1800 6th Avenue beginning at 6:30 a.m. A comprehensive map of Troy parking lots can be found on the City of Troy official website at www.troyny.gov/parking  

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)

 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. (Commemorative see-through bags will be available at packet pick up on Sunday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Troy Atrium and on race morning.) 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 in Monument Square.

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

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About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 71st 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 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.

Follow Troy City Hall on Twitter: @TroyCityHall
Connect with Troy NY – City Hall on Facebook at facebook.com/Troy518
Connect with Troy City Hall on Instagram at instagram.com/troycityhall

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Press Contact:
John Salka, Deputy Director of Public Information
John.Salka@troyny.gov / (518) 279-7131 (w)

Edward Parham, Vice President of Public Relations
Rueckert Advertising and Public Relations
ed@rueckertadvertising.com / (518) 446-1091 (w) (518) 596-0239 (c)

George Regan, Event Director, Troy Turkey Trot
gregan3535@gmail.com/ (518) 221-3051 (c)