Race in the 2026 Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot: A Thanksgiving Day Tradition
Lace up before the oven preheats! Every Thanksgiving morning, thousands of runners and walkers fill the streets of downtown Troy for a tradition that’s older than the NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games. The Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot began in 1916 with just six runners and has since grown into one of the largest and oldest turkey trots in the country. The 2026 race will feature a 5K run, 10K run, one-mile Turkey Walk, and the Grade School Mile.
2026 Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot at a Glance
- Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Location: Intersection of Fulton Street and Fourth Avenue, Troy, NY
- Events: 10K, 5K, Grade School Mile, and one-mile Turkey Walk
- Start Times: 10K at 8:00 a.m., Grade School Mile at 9:30 a.m., Turkey Walk at 9:35 a.m., 5K at 10:00 a.m.
- Course: Out and back, flat and fast
- Packet Pick-Up: November 22 and 25 at the East Campus Athletic Village Gymnasium, plus race-day pick-up at the Troy Atrium starting at 6:30 a.m.
- Virtual Option: Available November 26 through November 29
- Charities: Regional Food Bank, Joseph's House and Shelter, and others
Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot Details
Before dining on delicious Thanksgiving food, start the holiday off right at the Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot. All of the races on Thursday, November 26 will start at the intersection of Fulton Street and Fourth Avenue, Troy, NY. The course is an out-and-back route that’s flat and fast.
Your registration includes:
- Entry into one of the oldest and largest turkey trots in the United States
- Custom shirt and bib for all events
- A commemorative finisher medal
- Eligibility for overall and age-group awards
- Post-race refreshments
- A wonderful way to start off your Thanksgiving Day celebrations
The Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot is held in downtown Troy, NY, located approximately 7-10 miles from downtown Albany, making it the perfect event for runners and walkers in the Tri-City area and beyond.
Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot Packet Pick-Up
Pick up your bib and shirt at the East Campus Athletic Village Gymnasium, 20 Georgian Terrace, Troy, NY 12180. Race organizers ask that you make every effort to pick up your packet before race day.
- Sunday, November 22: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 25: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Race-day packet pick-up begins at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 26 at the Troy Atrium.
Picking Up for Family Members or Friends
Have each person forward you the email with their bib number, which they’ll receive during race week. Bring those emails or bib numbers with you to packet pick-up.
Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot Race Day Schedule for 2026
- 6:30 a.m. - Race-day packet pick-up begins at the Troy Atrium
- 8:00 a.m. - 10K Start
- 9:00 a.m. - 10K Awards Ceremony
- 9:30 a.m. - Grade School Mile Start
- 9:35 a.m. - Turkey Trot 1 Mile Walk Start
- 9:40 a.m. - 5K Warm-Up
- 10:00 a.m. - 5K Start
- 10:45 a.m. - 5K Awards Ceremony
Choice PT leads a warm-up just before the Grade School Mile start and a 5K warm-up at the back of the start corral. The 10K and 5K awards ceremonies recognize overall winners only. Age-group winners can pick up their awards at the Awards Tent in the finish area.
2026 Virtual Event Info
The Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot virtual events are self-timed events that you can track during the virtual running window of 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 26, through 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 29.
Log your time for the 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile, or Turkey Walk on your selected course, and then submit your results through the registration platform.
All virtual participants will receive a shirt and a finisher medal. If you prefer, you can have your packet mailed for a $12 fee.
Additionally, you can print your custom bib and pin it to your shirt. Simply visit your Profile, scroll to the Upcoming Events tab, and click on View Digital Bib on the right side.
Give Back When Registering for the Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all the wonderful blessings we have, including family and friends.
The Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot would like to encourage you to remember those who are less fortunate during this season of giving thanks. You can do so by giving a “Donation of Thanks” to either of their selected charities, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, or Joseph’s House and Shelter, when you register for the race.
For more information about the Pioneer Troy Turkey Trot or to register today, visit www.troyturkeytrot.com.
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