Thousands of runners will flock to the Quad Cities for the 39th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot. It is presented by McCarthy-Bush on Thanksgiving Day.
The long-standing tradition offers a pup parade, a kid’s run, the Iowa American Water 1-Mile Fun and Rhythm City Casino 5K and the UnityPoint-Trinity 5-Mile runs. This year also has a “Run with your Pup” option as a perfect start to the holiday.
It is scheduled to start Thursday, Nov. 27, at the R. Richard Bittner YMCA, 630 E. 4th St., Davenport. Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m.
Packet pickup is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the YMCA. Registration will remain open until 15 minutes before the first race.
For more information and to register visit here.
“When you sign up, you’re not just registering for a race,” said Luis Leal, race director of the Turkey Trot and branch executive at the Bettendorf YMCA. “You’re investing in the future of our local youth and strengthening the fabric of our community.”
For the first time this year, the 1-Mile Run will be officially timed. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishing male and female overall. Also featured is a pre-race dog parade. Participants can register and dress up their dogs before running the race together.
About Turkey Trot
The Turkey Trot is a major fundraiser for the YMCA. Thanks to event sponsors covering operational costs, all registration fees directly support area children in early learning programs. They also provide scholarships for summer camp, fund teen mentoring programs, and offer assistance to families and seniors for YMCA membership and classes.
Since its inception in 1986, the Turkey Trot has generated more than $2.5 million in direct support for local kids and families.
“The Turkey Trot is more than a pre-meal exercise,” Leal said. “It’s a powerful engine that fuels every single initiative and program championed throughout the year, turning gratitude into tangible outcomes for our neighbors.”
All participants will receive a medal. First, second, and third-place finishers in the 5K and 5-mile races will also be awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals.
