Runner Information

The YMCA Turkey Trot

The YMCA Turkey Trot is an 8k (4.97 mile) footrace that attracts approximately 14,000 runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages and abilities held annually on Thanksgiving Day in the City of Buffalo, NY. The oldest consecutively run footrace in the world, the YMCA Turkey Trot marks its 130th consecutive start in 2025.

The race will start from the same location as past years at Delaware & Tacoma Avenues.

Online registration is available starting Friday, August 8 at 11:00 am and goes until race capacity (14,000) is met.

Supporting our Community

The Turkey Trot is YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s largest fundraising event. Proceeds raised help fund YMCA Buffalo Niagara's work to provide safe, affordable childcare, keep all kids safe around water, combat hunger and food insecurity, close the achievement gap, and ensure health equity for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

How do I register for the YMCA Turkey Trot?

Online registration is available on Run Signup until race capacity (14,000) is met.

How much is it to register for the race?

The sooner you register, the more you save!

Early Bird
Aug. 8 – Oct. 3
$39

General
Oct. 4 – Nov. 14
$44

Late Comer
Nov. 15 – Nov. 23
$49

Last Chance
Nov. 24 – Nov. 27
$55

Registration fees are non-refundable and include all online processing fees and a commemorative 2025 Turkey Trot t-shirt.

If I cannot make the race, will I be issued a refund?

Due to the nature of the event and the advanced ordering of supplies, no refunds will be issued. Your registration fee supports the delivery of YMCA youth development and healthy living programs in Western New York.

Can I register my group as a team to run the YMCA Turkey Trot?

Yes, we offer both a family team category and a corporate all comers category with awards presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category. Each team member must be individually registered before a team can be registered. Teams can include an unlimited number of participants. Team awards are determined by the average combined chip time of the top four in-person team members.

Do you have a virtual race this year?

No, we no longer offer a virtual race.

I am traveling in from out of town. Do you partner with any area hotels?

Check back soon for a list of partner hotels and booking information.

Packet Pick-Up

When and where do I pick up my race packet?

Pre-Race packet pick-up is available at the Independent Health Family YMCA (150 Tech Drive, Amherst) Mon, Nov. 24 – Wed, Nov. 26 from 10:00 am – 6:30 pm.

It is highly recommended that packets are picked up prior to race day.

I can’t make it to packet pick-up. Can someone else get my packet for me?

Yes, you can have someone pick it up for you. They only need to provide the name with which you registered.

Can I have my packet shipped to me?

Unfortunately, we are unable to ship packets to participants.

Will there be a Runners Expo this year at packet pick-up?

Yes. Runner’s Roost is sponsoring this year’s Runner’s Expo at the Independent Health YMCA from Mon, Nov. 24 through Wed, Nov. 26. Hours are 10:00 am–6:30 pm each day.

Race Logistics

When does the race take place?

The YMCA Turkey Trot is held annually on Thanksgiving morning. This year’s race takes place Thursday, November 27, 2025.

The starting gun goes off at 9:00 am SHARP!

The Delaware Family YMCA is closed. Where will the race start now?

Although the Delaware Family YMCA is closed, the race start line and course remains unchanged.

Porta potties and runner information tent will be directly across the street from the former Delaware Y location.

Delaware Place Plaza
2625 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14216

What is the race route?

The racecourse is point to point covering approximately 5 miles. It starts at Delaware & Tacoma Avenues, travels south on Delaware Avenue through Niagara Square, and continues south on Delaware Avenue to Church Street. Runners then turn left on Church and travel to Franklin Street. Runners then turn left on Franklin and take Franklin just past Court St. to the finish line. The route map can be viewed on the Turkey Trot web page at ymcaturkeytrot.org.

What time should I arrive on the day of the race and where do I check in?

Depending on where you decide to park, you should plan to arrive at least one (1) hour before the race. If you have your bib number in hand, simply head to the start line and line up according to your running ability using the large pace flags as a guide.

If you are unable to pick up your race packet prior to race day, go to the tent across from the former Delaware Y (2625 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo) between 7:00 and 8:30 am to obtain your race bib/number and then head to the start line.

Will there be water handed out anywhere along the course?

Water is only available at the finish line and inside the Buffalo Convention Center. There are no water stations along the course.

Is there assistance available if I can’t do the whole course?

Yes, there will be a trail bus following the end of the race pack which can transport you to the finish line. A first aid station is also located on the first level of the Buffalo Convention Center, if needed. Paramedics will also be on hand at the finish line to assist as needed.

Will bathroom facilities be available before the race?

Porta potties are available near the start line across the street from the former Delaware Y. Bathroom facilities are also available inside the Buffalo Convention Center at the finish.

Can I participate with a stroller/baby jogger or wheelchair?

Strollers are strongly discouraged for the safety of all Turkey Trot participants. In the event you choose to participate with a stroller, we recommend that you line up at the back of the run/walk pack. People who use wheelchairs are also encouraged to line up at the back of the run/walk pack.

In either instance, we ask that you exercise extra caution for your own safety and the safety of others around you. We want all participants to complete the course safely.

Can my dog run the race with me?

With large crowds, pets can be excitable (regardless of size). Animals/pets are NOT permitted for this event.

Will there be a Costume Contest?

Yes! Anyone planning to run in costume is encouraged to show off your creativity for a chance to win a prize. To register, simply head to the stage outside the former Delaware Y (just north of the start line) no later than 8:15 am. Best individual and group costume winners will be chosen by crowd reaction.

Race Day Parking / Shuttle Bus Service

Where do I park on race day?

There is street parking and parking lots available near both the start and finish lines. (Please note some lots may require a fee). Shuttle bus service to and from the start and finish lines is available both before and after the race.

Where are the shuttles located and what time do they run?

Shuttle buses run continuously from the Pearl Street side of the Buffalo Convention Center to the North Buffalo Target Plaza parking lot (2626 Delaware Ave.). Pre-race buses run from 6:30 - 7:45 am (plan to arrive EARLY as lines will be long). Post-race buses run from 10:00 - 11:45 am, returning participants to the Target Plaza.

Post Race Party / Awards Ceremony

Where do I go once I cross the finish line?

Please join us for our annual post-race party and awards ceremony! Our awards ceremony takes place on the upper floor of the Buffalo Convention Center where you can enjoy music, refreshments, and adult beverages. Our family friendly, alcohol-free zone is in Room 106 on the Buffalo Convention Center’s lower level. All guests must enter the Franklin Street entrance and pass through security. All other doors are exit-only. Thanks for your patience as we work to provide a safe and secure post-race experience for all.

Do I have to show ID to partake in adult beverages at the Buffalo Convention Center?

Yes. You must show proper ID to be served alcohol at the post-race party.

What race awards are given out for what categories?

Awards are determined by gun time for overall and masters winners. Age group winners are determined by chip time. Trophies are awarded to 1st place overall male and female, and 1st place overall male and female masters at the post-race party.

NEW THIS YEAR: The only awards given out at the awards ceremony will be the top overall male and female and the top overall male and female masters. All other awards will be available for pick-up the week following the race at the Independent Health Family YMCA.

Age group awards are given to 1st through 3rd place male and female in the following age categories: 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. Team awards are given to 1st through 3rd place in the family team and corporate all comers categories.

Additional Ways to Participate

Volunteer Opportunities

There are a number of pre- and race day volunteer opportunities available. Certain positions require that volunteers be 18 or older or accompanied by a parent or guardian. For a complete listing of volunteer opportunities and to register visit ymcaturkeytrot.org.

YMCA Turkey Trot Food Drive

We are proud to partner with Feed More WNY and Channel 2 to help combat hunger through our annual food drive! Please bring two cans (or more!) of non-perishable food items with you when you pick-up your race packet at the Independent Health Family Branch (Nov. 24-26). On race day, collection bins will be located at the start line and at the Buffalo Convention Center. Donations are accepted during packet pick-up, at the start line, at the Buffalo Convention Center on race day, and at all YMCA Buffalo Niagara locations throughout November.