TROY TURKEY TROT SPRINTS PAST 2,300 SIGNUPS WITH 5 WEEKS TO GO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Edward Parham
VP of Public Relations
Rueckert Advertising and Public Relations, Inc.
Tel: (518) 446-1091
TROY TURKEY TROT SPRINTS PAST 2,300 SIGNUPS WITH 5 WEEKS TO GO:
Pioneer Returns as Presenting Sponsor; Packet Pickup Moves to RPI; Participants, Spectators Asked to Donate to Regional Food Bank and Joseph’s House During Online Registration
TROY, N.Y. (October 27, 2025) — Registration for the 78th annual Troy Turkey Trot is off to a strong start, with more than 2,300 participants signed up as of today — five weeks before the Thanksgiving Day event on Thu., Nov. 27.
Recognized as the 12th oldest road race in the nation and the Capital Region’s largest Thanksgiving Day run, the Troy Turkey Trot continues to draw thousands of runners, walkers, and families to the Collar City each year.
Longtime presenting sponsor Pioneer, which has been part of Troy’s holiday tradition since 1995 and a hometown presence for more than 130 years, once again supports this year’s event.
“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 2025 Trot,” said Mayor Carmella R. Mantello. “This event captures what Thanksgiving is all about — community, generosity, and togetherness. It’s a day when Troy truly shines. We’re proud to showcase our city’s rich history and lively neighborhoods. Bring your family, invite your friends, and start the holiday season right here in downtown Troy.”
Race day begins with the Capital Region’s only Thanksgiving Day 10K at 8 a.m., followed by the Grade School Mile at 9:30 a.m., the Turkey Walk at 9:35 a.m., and the 5K at 10 a.m. All events start at 4th and Fulton Streets and finish at Monument Square. Participants may compete individually or form family/friends or corporate teams. Every runner receives a race shirt and finisher’s medal, and awards will be presented to top overall and age-group finishers in the 10K and 5K.
Pre-race packet pickup will have a new venue this year. It will take place inside RPI’s East Campus Athletic Village Gymnasium (20 Georgian Terrace, Troy) on Sat., Nov. 22 and Wed., Nov. 26, both from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to pick up their bib and shirt during these times. Friends and family may collect packets for others by showing the confirmation email sent during race week.
“We want to enhance the participant experience by making the Troy Turkey Trot feel like a true community event,” explained Event Director Josh Merlis. “Moving packet pickup to RPI brings us into the city and creates a warm, welcoming indoor space where runners and walkers can connect before race day. From photos with Trotter the Turkey to guest speakers and mingling, we want packet pickup to be more than just collecting a bib. We want it to be part of the tradition.”
For those unable to participate in person, virtual options are available for the 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile, and Turkey Walk. Virtual participants can self-time their races, upload results, and will receive their shirts and medals by mail.
“Kindness is at the heart of the Troy Turkey Trot,” added Merlis. “We invite runners to donate during online registration to support the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House & Shelter. Last year, our Trotters raised $20,000 to help fight hunger and homelessness in our community.”
On race day, runners and spectators can also bring non-perishable food items to the Food Bank truck at Broadway and Third starting at 6:30 a.m. Items most needed include peanut butter, canned meals, cereal, 100% juice, personal care products, and culturally specific foods. All donations benefit Capital Region food pantries.
Free parking is available throughout the city, with maps posted at troyny.gov/202/Municipal-Lots-Garages. Unofficial results will be shared at TroyTurkeyTrot.com and displayed at the awards tent in Monument Square, with personalized finisher certificates available online.
Registration fees increase on Wed., Nov. 5, so early sign-up is encouraged. To register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
The 2025 Troy Turkey Trot is made possible through the generous support of Pioneer, Wm. J. Fagan & Sons, Capital Region Honda Dealers, Choice Physical Therapy, and Maria College.
About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 109th year (78th running), the Troy Turkey Trot is the 12th oldest road race in the U.S. and the 64th oldest in the world. It features a 5K, the Capital Region’s only Thanksgiving Day 10K, Grade School Mile, and Turkey Walk, and raises funds for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter. For more information, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.