Registration Now Open for the 66th Troy Turkey Trot

TROY, NY (October 7, 2013) — More than eight thousand participants from three dozen states are expected to descend upon the home of iconic Uncle Sam this Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) for the 66th annual Troy Turkey Trot, one of the oldest and largest road races in New York state.

The event, which attracted a record field of 8,167 last year, features a 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk. Changes this year include a return to the traditional “out and back” course configuration for the 10K and a costume contest for individuals and groups with prizes awarded for “Best Thanksgiving Day Costume” and “Best Non-Thanksgiving Costume.”

“The Troy Turkey Trot has been bringing families together for Thanksgiving since 1916 and continues to evolve each year,” said Troy Turkey Trot Event Director George Regan, noting that the trot is the 64tholdest road race in the world and the 12th oldest in the nation. “Based on the tremendous success we had last Thanksgiving, we’re anticipating another record field.”

The day gets underway with the 10K event, which drew more than 1100 registrants last year, at 8 a.m. 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 lures up to 5,747 registered participants and kicks off at 10 a.m. Families are invited to show their support and cheer on their runners.

“We are thrilled to once again host the 66th annual Troy Turkey Trot and proud to showcase some of Troy’s most historic neighborhoods,” added Mayor Lou Rosamilia, noting that the race is the biggest event Troy holds all year. “It’s very special for us to invite families and individuals from all over the Capital Region and beyond to our city to kick off the holiday.”

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. There is a fee of $10 for the Grade School Mile and the Turkey Walk. Chip timing will be utilized for the Grade School Mile. 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 and finisher’s item.

Registration for all events opened on Oct. 1 at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. For both the 5K and 10K, the registration fee is $25 through October 31, after which the fee increases to $30 through November 23. On Nov. 24, the late registration fee is $35, plus processing. Online registration officially closes Monday, Nov. 25. 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 the CYO Center, this year’s “local” charity. All 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 at Monument Square. Complete race results will be featured after the event in The Record newspaper and online at TroyTurkeyTrot.com.

Event sponsors include SportsSignup, Pioneer Bank, Hannaford Supermarkets, Wm. J. Fagan & Sons, Inc., CDPHP, WNYT-13, The Record, The Times Union, B95.5 fm, FLY 92.3 and JAMZ 96.3.

For more information or to register, visit www.TroyTurkeyTrot.com. Additional information is also available by calling (518) 273-5552.

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