Troy Turkey Trot Announces Measures To Curb Covid-19 Risk During Annual Thanksgiving Day Race

By troytrot | November 11, 2021

TROY, N.Y. (Nov. 10, 2021) — Organizers of the 105th anniversary Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning have released a series of guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable Troy Turkey Trot for all participants, spectators and volunteers.

“Since the pandemic is still with us, it’s important we take additional steps to keep everyone safe,” said Troy Turkey Trot Event Director George Regan. "At this year’s event, we will be implementing several measures to create a healthy environment for runners, spectators, and event volunteers.”

Precautionary measures for the 2021 Troy Turkey Trot include:

Packet Pick Up

  • A drive through packet pick up will be held Saturday, Nov. 20, Sunday, Nov. 21 and Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Italian Community Center, 1450 5th Ave, Troy, N.Y., 12180.
  • In-person packet pickup will take place at the Troy Atrium on Thanksgiving morning (6 a.m. to 15 minutes before each event) in a “one way” format. Participants will enter the Troy Atrium on Third Street and exit onto 4th Street to their start corral.
  • All runners will receive a bottle of hand sanitizer in their packets.

Race Day

  • Masks will be made available to participants and spectators in the Troy Atrium. They must be worn at the starting line, but can be removed out on the course. Face coverings must be worn again in the finish area.
  • Spectators are required to wear a mask at all times.
  • Limited baggage check will be offered in the Troy Atrium.
  • Running in groups is discouraged unless you are from the same household.
  • 8 oz water bottles are available to runners at the Trot’s water stop. The water stop tables will extended to ease congestion.
  • Limited refreshments will be offered in the finish chute area. Upon exiting the finish chute, all participants are urged to leave the event site.
  • There will be no finish line gathering, awards ceremony or warm ups
  • All age group and team awards will be mailed.

“We are expecting thousands of runners, walkers and spectators at the event and we must remain vigilant to keep ourselves and our families safe,” Regan continued. “By social distancing, wearing a mask and getting vaccinated we can all do our part to stop the spread of the virus.”

For more information and to register for the 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile, Turkey Walk and costume contest, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.

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About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 105th year (74th running), the Troy Turkey Trot is the nation’s 12th and world’s 64th oldest road race. The event, which celebrates fun, family and fitness against a backdrop of some of Troy's most historic neighborhoods, draws more than 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.