Going to the Turkey Trot? Here’s what you need to know – Buffalo News
One of Buffalo’s great Thanksgiving Day traditions continues with the 124th YMCA Turkey Trot. Proceeds go to the YMCA Buffalo Niagara to make programs and services accessible to members of the community.
Race packets
If you haven’t yet picked up your race packet:
Tuesday-Wednesday: Until 7 p.m. Tuesday and then from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Independent Health Family Branch YMCA at 150 Tech Drive in Amherst, near the ECC North Campus off Main Street and Wehrle Drive.
Thursday: From 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Delaware Family YMCA, 2564 Delaware Ave.
Note: You can have someone else pick up your race packet for you.
Start time, course and more
Start time: 9 a.m. sharp.
Field: More than 14,000 runners are expected.
Distance: 8K (4.97 miles).
Course info: Start at Delaware and Tacoma avenues, travels south on Delaware Avenue through Niagara Square and continues south on Delaware Avenue to Church Street. Left turn on to Church to Franklin Street. A left on Franklin and take Franklin just past Court Street to the finish line.
Arrival: Runners should arrive at least one hour before the start and should line up according to their running ability as noted by the large pace flags on the side of the road.
Water: Only available at the finish line. No water stations along the course route.
Bathrooms: Located near the start line at the Delaware Family YMCA on the north side of the building. Also inside the Convention Center and Statler City at the finish.
Costume contest: Participants must check in at the stage with the Y logo no later than 8:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the best individual and group costume.
Parking on race day
Street parking and parking lots near the start and finish lines. Shuttles will run from Pearl Street behind the Convention Center to the North Buffalo Target Plaza parking lot at 2626 Delaware Ave. Shuttles will run from 7 to 7:45 a.m., and lines are expected to be long so arrive early. Shuttles after the race from 10 to 11:45 a.m.
Post-race party
Awards ceremony will be inside the Convention Center with a live band, refreshments and alcoholic beverages. A family-friendly, alcohol-free event with a DJ and refreshments across the street in the lobby of Statler City.
Awards
Trophies awarded to first place overall male and female and first place overall male and female masters.
Age group awards are given for first through third place male and female: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over.
Questions
Call 716-565-6000 or visit ymcabuffaloniagara.org.