Registration Now Open for 67th Annual Troy Turkey Trot
Participants Encouraged to Give Generously to Event Charities, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Joseph’s House & Shelter
TROY, N.Y. (October 8, 2014) — More than 8,000 participants from 36 states are expected to gather in the home of iconic Uncle Sam Thanksgiving morning for the 67th running of the Troy Turkey Trot, the world’s 64th oldest road race and the 12th oldest in the nation.
The event, which includes a 5K and 10K featuring “out and back” course configurations, also offers a Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk. A costume contest for individuals and groups with prizes awarded for “Best Thanksgiving Day Costume” and “Best Non-Thanksgiving Costume” is also slated.
“The Troy Turkey Trot has celebrated fun, family and fitness in the Collar City since 1916,” said Troy Turkey Trot Event Director George Regan, noting that 7,855 participants took part last year braving brisk conditions. “Based on the growth of this event, we’re expecting another record field Thanksgiving morning.”
The day gets underway at 8 a.m. with the 10K, which drew 1,508 registrants last year. Race officials will close the 10K course after 90 minutes 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 lured 5,288 participants in 2013 and kicks off at 10 a.m. Families are invited to show their support and cheer on their runners.
“We are delighted to once again host the Capital Region’s premier Turkey Trot,” added Mayor Lou Rosamilia. “Whether you live in Troy, Albany, Schenectady or beyond, we invite you to come to Troy with your family and friends to experience our event, soak up our city’s rich history, and kick off your holiday festivities.”
Following the 10K will be the Grade School Mile, which is open to children up to eighth grade and the Turkey Walk, a one-mile fitness walk for those who prefer to burn off their pre-meal calories at a slower pace. The Turkey Walk and Grade School Mile are both timed events. Participants for both events, which get underway at 9:30 a.m. and 9:35 a.m. respectively, will receive a dry-fit commemorative t-shirt, finisher’s item and well as post-event refreshments.
Registration for all events is currently open at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. There is no day-of-event registration.
While registering online, all participants are encouraged to make a donation to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, this year’s “regional” charity, or Joseph’s House & Shelter, this year’s “local”
charity. Spectators and participants are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the Troy Atrium to give to the local food pantry.
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. Complete race results will be featured after the event online at TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
For more information or to register, visit www.TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
Sponsors include SportsSignUp, Pioneer Bank, Wm. J. Fagan & Sons, DeCrescente Distributing Company, and Bryce Real Estate. Media partners include Lang Media and Albany Broadcasting.
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About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 67th 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 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. For more information, visit www.TroyTurkeyTrot.com.