Region’s Oldest, Largest Trot Seeks to Raise $20,000+ for Event’s Charities
TROY, N.Y. — More than 3,000 runners participating in the Troy Turkey Trot’s 5K — the Trot’s featured event — will enjoy a new, safer course with additional “breathing room” when the event’s 76th edition takes place Thursday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. The annual tradition raises funds for two great Troy charities: the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter.
“The Hudson River is one of Troy's iconic landmarks and has played a key role in its prosperity,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “Using the Green Island Bridge makes sense from a runners’ safety perspective and enhances the scenic beauty of the 5K course, encouraging greater participation and ultimately, increasing the impact of this important annual charity event.”
“Runners’ safety is our top priority,” said Event Director George Regan. “The current 5K course certification recently expired and with the event’s registration trajectory showing greater participation in the 5K, we felt it was appropriate to explore other course options.”
The existing “out and back” 5K course, which starts at Fourth and Fulton Streets and finishes at Monument Square, heads north up River Street before turning runners around in Troy’s North Central neighborhood at the intersection of Regatta Place and River Street.
“The Trot’s new 5K course follows the same path over the Green Island Bridge as the 10K during the start,” said Regan. “This allows participants more time to string out. Also, by turning left onto River Street after exiting the bridge, it avoids an existing chokepoint at King and Jacob Streets.
“Our second turnaround, which will take place in Troy’s North Central neighborhood above Ingles Avenue at 744 River Street, is much better suited for a large group of runners,” he added. “It offers a wider, 42-foot radius and affords less disruption to city residents in the densely populated North Central neighborhood.”
With just two weeks to go until race day, 3,642 registrants have signed up for the Trot’s 10K, 5K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk with more than 2,200 registering for the 5K. 3167 finished the 5K in 2022.
For more information or to register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
Event sponsors include: Pioneer, Wm. J. Fagan & Sons, Capital Region Honda Dealers, United Services Group, Choice Physical Therapy, DeCrescente Distributing Company, Troy Victorian Stroll, and Saratoga Water.
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About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 107th year (76th 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 6,000 participants from 40 states and features a 5K, the Capital Region’s only 10K, a Grade School Mile and a Turkey Walk, while also raising funds for the event’s two charities, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter. For more information, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com