Welcome to the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 5K, an annual Thanksgiving tradition in the heart of Dallas, Texas. This event has been going strong for over 50 years, and we are thrilled to invite you to participate. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a first-timer, or just looking for a fun family walk to start the day, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 5K is perfect for you. The certified 5K course begins at City Hall on Young Street, heads into Deep Ellum, travels through the heart of downtown on Main St, and ends on Young Street in front of Pioneer Plaza and the Dallas Police Memorial.
The Turkey Trot 5K is a family-friendly event for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting, this race is an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself and have fun while doing it.
The race takes place on Thanksgiving morning, making it the perfect way to kick off your holiday festivities. As you run through the city streets, you'll enjoy the crisp fall weather and the beautiful scenery of Dallas.
In addition to being a fun event, the Turkey Trot 5K also supports a great cause. Proceeds from the race support the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas and its mission to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
We encourage all participants to come dressed in their best turkey-themed attire! Post-race festivities will include food, music, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
We have paramedics, radio operators, and police officers patrolling the course. If you need assistance, just ask a volunteer or an officer for help. We also have water stops and restrooms located on the course.
Yes, only runners/wheelchair racers with a timed bib are eligible to receive age group and overall prizes/awards.
There will be limited finisher medals at both the 8-mile and 5K finish lines. We cannot guarantee that every participant will receive a medal.
Yes, well-socialized, non-aggressive dogs are welcome at the Trot. Dogs may come as spectators with their owners or participate in the Trot by completing a Dog Registration and receiving a Turkey Trot dog bandanna. Dogs will not be permitted in the Timed Runner Corral. Dog owners are solely responsible for their pets’ actions and must agree to follow the Dog/Stroller Policy* for the safety of all participants.
*Please see the Dog/Stroller Policy below.
*Dog/Stroller Policy:
- Participants with dogs and/or strollers are prohibited in the Timed Runner Corral.
- Participants with dogs and/or strollers should line up at the back of the run/walk pack. Let the runners get up ahead so all may enjoy the course safely.
We recommend that participants with dogs and/or strollers walk the course. However, if you choose to run the course with your dog or stroller, please use extreme caution for the safety of your child,your dog, and others running around you. We want all pups, kids, and participants to complete the course safely.
- Only dogs who are well-socialized with other dogs and people should be brought to the Trot. For the safety of all, please use your good judgment, knowing your dog’s personality and behaviors.
- Dog owners/handlers must be 18 years of age or older.
- Dog owners/handlers may only be responsible for one dog at a time during the Trot.
- All dogs must be on an appropriate leash at all times. Fixed-length/static leashes not longer than 3 feet should be used to prevent a hazard to other participants.
- The dog owner/handler is expected to be responsible dog owners, provide appropriate water, and pick up after their pet at all times.
The Timed Runner Corral will open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 8:25 a.m. or once it is at capacity, whichever comes first. Please arrive before 8:30 am. The Timed Runner Corral won't be available after 8:30 am. We highly recommend that timed runners arrive and line up early for the 8:30 start time if they want to qualify for overall awards. To allow for physical distancing before the race, the timed corral has a limit of around 900 people. Your timed run doesn't begin until you cross the start line, and you must be timed to be eligible for overall and age group awards. Age group awards are based on the time from start to finish and will not affect your actual start time.
Yes. The price difference of $5 is reflected in the registration fee.