55th Annual Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot to kick off Thanksgiving morning Junior Trot 1K is now back

Special to The Dallas Examiner

The 55th annual Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, one of the largest multi-event races in the country, will take place Nov. 24. A tradition that takes place annually on Thanksgiving morning, the Turkey Trot allows participants to run or walk a 5K and an 8-mile race, sponsored by the Dallas Mavericks, starting in Downtown Dallas.

There will be two in-person start times, at 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., to allow people to choose the time that works best for them. Registration is open until the evening before Thanksgiving.

Participants will receive the official 2022 Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot long-sleeved t-shirt while supplies last. For babies, toddlers, and kids 5 years of age and under, a youth shirt and a race bib are included. Strollers are allowed on both the 5K and 8-Mile courses and families with strollers are encouraged to start at the back of the Untimed Corral. Merch is also available for both in-person and virtual Dog Trotters with a registration fee.

This year, the Y is also bringing back the Junior Trot 1k, sponsored by Children’s Health, geared to children ages 6 to 12 years old. It will start at 8:15 a.m. so parents can watch their children race, then run the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 5K or 8-Mile distances. Children registered for the Junior Trot may join their parents at the other Trot events if they wish, no additional fee is required.

“What started out as a handful of runners meeting up on Thanksgiving day more than 50 years ago has turned into one of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in the country,” said Curt Hazelbaker, president and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “The Turkey Trot tradition runs deep in North Texas and we’re honored that the community chooses to spend part of their special day with the Dallas YMCA.”

For the first time, the Y is partnering with Cafe Momentum to cater the VIP hospitality area that will be set up on race day to give runners and walkers food and drinks to energize them for the course. Cafe Momentum is a nonprofit restaurant that provides a 12-month paid internship program for justice-involved youth. Interns work their way through all areas of the restaurant, learning legal employment, social skills and life skills.

“I look forward to the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot every year. I love seeing all the turkey costumes and the creative ways runners dress up to mark the day,” said Giselle Patterson, director of the Turkey Trot and executive director of T. Boone Pickens YMCA. “It’s all about creating memories with those you care about while supporting an important cause.”

Donations and proceeds from the event benefit the Y’s community health programs across the metroplex that help families dealing with diabetes, nutritional challenges and weight loss struggles.

Visit https://www.thetrot.org to register and for the most up-to-date information. Volunteer opportunities are also available on race day.

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