Thanksgiving Trots in the Hudson Valley
Becoming a national holiday tradition over the past few decades, the Turkey Trot is now as popular as turkey dinner on Thanksgiving.
Originating in Buffalo, New York, in 1896 with six runners competing on a dirt road, the Turkey Trot has traditionally been held to allow Americans to burn off calories before indulging in a Thanksgiving feast.
Many Turkey Trots are run at major certified United States Track and Field road race courses and seek to benefit local charities. Some races are even held the week prior to Thanksgiving in order to fund Thanksgiving meals for families in need.
Today, the Buffalo Turkey Trot is the oldest continually held foot race in North America and has inspired many other Turkey Trots across the country and the world.
Turkey Trots In Your Area
Ferncliff Forest Turkey Trot — Rhinebeck, NY
Date: November 23, 2017
Registration (Ends November 22 at 12 p.m. EST): $35 with discounts for runners under the age of 17
Beginning in 2007, the Ferncliff Forest Turkey Trot is a 5K run which helps fund all projects and operating expenses at Ferncliff Forest, a privately funded nature perserve which remains free to this day because of the Turkey Trot and other generous gifts from businesses, foundations and individuals. Hosted by the Ferncliff Forest Game Refuge and Forest Preserve, this year’s race is expecting 600 to 675 runners and projects to raise over $10,000. According to Edward Fetzer, director of Ferncliff Forest, the funds raised from this year’s race will go to a new post and beam pavilion to be built in Spring 2018.
MHRRC Turkey Trot — LaGrangeville, NY
Date: November 23, 2017
Registration: $10 — $30
Hosted by the Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club, the MHRRC Turkey Trot features the Bob Rother Memorial 25K, the Joe Maggi Five-Mile Run, the Two-Mile Fun Run and the One-Mile Run for kids. Additionally, race participants receive turkey t-shirts upon registration.
New Paltz Turkey Trot — New Paltz, NY
Date: November 23, 2017
Registration: $25 with discounts for runners under the age of 12 and over the age of 65
The New Paltz Turkey Trot features a 5k run and walk which is certified by the USATF and will include chip timing this year. Photos of individual runners crossing the finish line will be available for upload at no cost thanks to the new technology. The race is hosted by the Family of New Paltz, a crisis intervention center that includes services such as a 24-hour hotline and textline, food pantry, free clothing store, counseling, support groups and multiple shelters for adults, adolescents and victims of domestic violence. This year’s event is expected to equal or exceed last year’s record of over 1,000 participants which included residents of 108 cities and 20 counties across New York State. “If last year is any indication, we can expect runners from more than 15 states,” said Ivan Echenique, program director of Family of New Paltz. “In 2016, folks came from as far away as Puerto Rico and California.”
Kingston Turkey Trot — Kingston, NY
Date: November 23, 2017
Registration: $25
Beginning in 2013, the Kingston Turkey Trot is hosted by the Junior League of Kingston which enhances the well-being of families in the community through its volunteer efforts and financial support. The race features the traditional 5K as well as a Two-Mile Run and takes place in Dietz Stadium. In lieu of goodie bags this year, the Junior League of Kingston will be making a donation to the People’s Place Food Pantry.
