Registration Open for 68th 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. (November 5, 2015) — Before loading up on turkey and all the tasty trimmings, more than 7,000 participants from up to 36 states will gather in the home of Uncle Sam Thanksgiving morning for the 68th Troy Turkey Trot, one of the largest and oldest turkey trots in the United States.
The event, which is the world’s 64th oldest road race and the 12th oldest in the nation, includes a 5K and 10K featuring “out and back” course configurations, 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.
“Since its humble beginnings in 1916, the Troy Turkey Trot has been about celebrating fun, family and fitness in the Collar City,” said longtime Troy Turkey Trot Event Director George Regan, noting that the event has been run consecutively since 1964.
The day gets underway at 8 a.m. with the Capital Region’s only Thanksgiving 10K, an event that also doubles as the USATF Adirondack’s Men’s and Women’s Championship and is the final event to determine the 2015 Grand Prix Series. Race officials will close the 10K course 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 kicks off at 10 a.m. Families are invited to show their support and cheer on their loved ones.
“We are thrilled to host the 68th Troy Turkey Trot and proud to showcase some of Troy’s most historic neighborhoods,” added Mayor Lou Rosamilia. “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 dryblend commemorative t-shirt, finisher’s item, as well as post-event refreshments.
Registration for all events is currently open at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. Online registration closes Monday, Nov. 23 at 11:59 p.m. Last chance (in-person) registration will be held at the Troy Atrium (4 3rd Street, Troy) Weds., Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 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, a Troy-based not-for-profit whose mission is to prevent and alleviate homelessness, which is this year’s “local” charity. Last year, $12,000 was raised for the same two charities though online registration donations.
Organizers have slated two bib and t-shirt pickup sessions at the Troy Atrium (4 Third Street, Troy). They are Sunday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Weds., Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All spectators and participants are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the Troy Atrium during bib/t-shirt pickup to donate to the Regional Food Bank of NENY.
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 in Monument Square. Complete race results will be featured after the event online at TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
For more information or to register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
Sponsors include Pioneer Bank; Wm. J. Fagan & Sons; Capital District Honda Dealers; Hannaford Supermarkets; Garelick Farms; CDPHP; Capara’s Auto Body Shop, Inc.; Choice Physical Therapy; Bryce Real Estate; and, HealthPlex Fitness and Wellness Center.
-30-
About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 68th 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. Drawing more than 7,000 participants from 37 states and featuring a 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk, the event 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.