Trot Trot
Trot History

History

The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is a popular annual Thanksgiving Day running event in Dallas, Texas. It began in 1967 with just 107 runners covering a 3-mile course. Over the years, it has grown significantly, now attracting over 20,000 participants and thousands of spectators. The event features both a 5K and a 10K race, making it accessible to runners of all levels. In 2011, it set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as turkeys. The race has become a beloved tradition for many families, featuring a kids' race and a post-race festival.

Community in action

Proceeds

Funds raised from the 2024 Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot will support YMCA Community Health programs, ensuring everyone can access YMCA services regardless of financial status. Proceeds will help North Texans lead healthier lives through chronic disease prevention and childhood obesity programs. These funds will benefit families in need across Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Southern Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, and Cooke counties. Programs supported include Community Health, Mobile Y (Tech Hub), Teen Camps, and Plano and Park South preschools.

Hall of Fame

Elite Runners (won their event at least 3 times)

Tyler McCandless (2020) Ingrid Mollenkopf (2018) Melisa Christian (2015) Ben Moturi (2015) Scott MacPherson (2015) Richard Pettigrew (2015)

Legacy Runners (run the trot 40 times or more)

Dr. Frank Bradley (2018) Bill Shirley (2017) Bill Bond (2017) Lisa Lapiske (2016) Shelby Starr (2016) Killer Tomson (2016) John T. Baker DDS (2015) Diddy Fulbright (2015) Robert Gochnour (2015) Ulysses “Uly” Vlamides (2015)

Contributors (significant years of volunteer support)

Debbie Tressa (2018) James Earl Estes (2017) Joe Redwine Patterson (2016) Chris Young (2016) Jack Myers (2015) Bill Williams (2015) David Kelton (2015) Don Lucas (2015)

Supporters (significant years of sponsorship)

Pepsi Luke’s Locker Capital One

Our Sponsors

Want to be a sponsor? Email melis.jones@ymcadallas.org for details.

Presenting Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
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Bronze Plus Sponsor
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In Kind Sponsors