Mayor Madden Announces Last Chance Registration and Security Expectations for 72nd Troy Turkey Trot
Event Participants Asked to Review 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 72nd edition of the Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28.
“Our family-friendly event is a wonderful way to engage 7,000 recreational runners/walkers from 40 states and four countries, while showcasing our historic downtown and neighborhoods at the start of the holiday season,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “With the cooperation of runners, spectators and residents, we can ensure a fun, safe event for everyone. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Troy on Thanksgiving morning to celebrate family, community and health.”
“We’d like to encourage all participants to help out the less fortunate members of our community by supporting the Trot’s two primary charities – the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House & Shelter,” said Troy Turkey Trot Event Director George Regan. “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. Our goal this year, with the support of the Pioneer Bank Foundation, is to raise $20,000.”
Registration
Registration for all events is available online at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. Race day registration will be available up to 30 minutes prior to the start of your event. You can pick up your runner’s number and t-shirt from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Troy Atrium (4 Third Street) or Thanksgiving morning at the Troy Atrium from 6:30 a.m. to 30 minutes before the start of your 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.
Race Day Weather Forecast
Forecasters are predicting comfortable running conditions for Thanksgiving Day. Highs near 45 and lows around 40 (The Weather Channel).
Event Warm Up
For those looking to stretch out their muscles before their event takes place, Choice Physical Therapy will offer a series of warm-up sessions at 4thStreet and Broadway at the following times: 7:20-7:40 a.m. (10K), 9-9:15 a.m. (Grade School Mile/Turkey Walk), and 9:20-9:40 a.m. (5K).
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 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
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 exit will be allowed until after 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)
- 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. (Commemorative see-through bags will be available at packet pick up on Wednesday, Nov. 27 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. 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 72nd 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 celebrates fun, family and fitness against a backdrop of some of Troy's most historic neighborhoods, draws as many as 7,000 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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Press Contact:
John Salka, Deputy Director of Public Information
John.Salka@troyny.gov / (518) 279-7131
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)