From its humble beginnings at White Rock Lake to the certified course in Downtown Dallas, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot has always featured an 8-mile race. Our current course begins on Young Street, heads into Deep Ellum, through the heart of downtown on Main St, past Reunion Tower, and over the viaduct bridge into Oak Cliff before returning to City Hall Plaza for the finish line. 8-Mile Trotters are guaranteed a one-of-a-kind scenic and historical tour of Dallas.
The Turkey Trot 8-Mile is a challenging and exciting event that is perfect for seasoned runners looking to test their endurance. Whether you're training for a marathon or just looking for a new fitness challenge, this race is a great opportunity to push yourself to the next level.
The race takes place on Thanksgiving morning, providing a perfect start to your holiday celebrations. As you run through the city streets, you'll enjoy the crisp autumn weather and the beautiful scenery of Dallas.
So, are you up for the challenge? Sign up for the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 8-mile race today and join us for a morning of fitness, fun, and giving back to the community. We can't wait to see you at the starting line!
Yes, we have lots of walkers. We ask walkers to start at the back of the pack. Any runners who have not passed Union station by 10:45 a.m. will be asked to take a shorter route to the finish line. The 8-mile course will close at 11:00 a.m. at the mile 4 marker. The race course officially closes at noon.
Yes, 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 or 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 they may 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.
- Dog owner/handler is expected to be a responsible dog owner, 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.