Turkey Trot in Dallas expects to attract 33,000 participants

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — For more than 40 years, the Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot has been one of Dallas' traditional ways to begin Thanksgiving Day.

The Turkey Trot will be held Thursday, November 26, and more than 33,000 participants are expected at Dallas City Hall Plaza for the event, which includes an 8-mile race and a 5k fun run. The Turkey Trot benefits YMCA programs that help to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

New this year is the option for participants to be chip-timed in both the 5k and 8-mile race for only $5. The fun run is now a certified 5k event, and the 8-mile race features a new running course. When registering, Trot participants will have the chance to take part in a 25-visit “Training for the Trot” program free of charge at any Dallas-area YMCA that begins immediately after they register and concludes on November 25. The Turkey Trot has formed a new partnership with the North Texas Food Bank and is asking participants to bring non-perishable food items when they register in advance at Luke’s Locker or any Dallas-area Capital One Bank branch or when they register on race day at Dallas City Hall Plaza.

The race entry fee is $20 until November 7. Walk-in registration at Luke’s Locker from November 8-25 is $22 and race-day registration is $30. Trot Tot registration for children ages 6 and under is $10. Packet pick-up for mail-in, online registration, and walk-ins will continue through Wednesday, November 25 at Luke’s Locker locations in Dallas on Oaklawn Avenue until 5 p.m., in Fort Worth on University Drive, in Colleyville on Colleyville Boulevard, and in Plano on Legacy Road until noon on November 25. Register your dog for $10 and receive a cool Y-Trot bandana and race bib for your four-legged friends.

Tune in Saturday night, November 28 on WFAA Channel 8 as the 42nd running of the Turkey Trot comes to life through the history, people, and the stories of the Dallas YMCA. Relive this year’s special race highlights in a half-hour television special through the eyes of the thousands of families and participants. Plus, learn how the YMCA is impacting lives through a variety of unique programs and activities in North Texas all year long.

The original Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot was held at the Old Fair Grounds in the early 1940s, and the long string of consecutive races began with the 8-mile race in 1968. The unique 8-mile race distance was created when the 107 participants were instructed to run along the shores of White Rock Lake “to the big oak tree and back.” By 1979, the race had become so popular that it was moved to Downtown Dallas to accommodate more runners and showcase the “Big D.” The 3-mile fun run/walk was added in 1984 to accommodate the increasing participation of individuals and families.

For more information on the Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot or to volunteer, call 214-954-0500 or visit www.thetrot.com.

Source: Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot