We're so excited headed into year SIX, and with over 1,100 runners expected 2026 is looking to be the biggest Trax4Max Turkey Trot turnout yet -- Make sure and sign the whole family up early for best pricing and to guarantee your 2026 Trax4Max race T-shirt!

Course

5K USATF Certification #AL21032JE

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

SWAG Option

All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on November 5th are guaranteed a community favorite race shirt! After the guaranteed shirt deadline, a limited number of shirts will be available in the order of registered participants while sizes and inventory lasts. If your preferred shirt size is SOLD OUT, you are welcome to select another size or the None option.

Medals and Prizes

5K Awards for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Overall Male/Female, 1st Overall Masters Male/Female (40+), 1st Overall GrandMasters Male/Female (50+), 1st Overall Great GrandMasters (60+) runners receive a Trophy. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top three Male and Female finishers in each of the 5-year age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

Aid Stations

There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes. On Course aid station will have water and first aid.

Additional Information

Early Packet Pick-up

Early Packet Pickup for the Race will be at Solid Rock Running Company on the Wednesday before the race (11/25) from 10am-6pm, or you can pick up your race packet starting at 7:00 am Thanksgiving Morning

Race Day Schedule

Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 7:00-7:45 AM

Announcements and 5K call to start: 7:45 AM

5K Race Start: 8:00 AM

1 Mile Family Fun Run Start: 8:10 AM

Awards: 8:45 AM

FAQ

What is Trax4Max? Max Barnett is a long-time friend, Board member and supporter of the YMCA. Born and raised in the Shoals, Max was instrumental in fundraising efforts through the Board of Directors in providing funding and services to members in need. Max was also an avid runner. We lost Max in 2020 to glioblastoma. Towards the end, Max found solace and peace in his daily runs. Through it all, Max kept his positive outlook and insisted on paying it forward. We are honored that Max’s wife, Whitney, chose to include YMCA of the Shoals as the primary beneficiary of the Trax4MAX proceeds. Learn more at https://trax4max.com/

When is the event? Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026. 5k: 8:00 AM START. 1 Mile Family Fun Run will start approximately 10 minutes after 5K start.

Where is the race? The race starts in front of the First Baptist Church in historic Downtown Florence, AL

Where do I get my packet? Early Packet Pickup for the Race will be at Solid Rock Running Company on the Wednesday before the race (11/25) from 10am-6pm, or you can pick up your race packet starting at 7:00 am Thanksgiving Morning

Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline, exclusive race tees are guaranteed with both the 5k and the Family Fun Run registrations. After the deadline, shirts are available to participants on a first-come, first-serve basis order of registration. 

When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt? End of day November 5, 2026. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts.

Are there trophys or medals? Yes! The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Overall Male/Female, 1st Overall Masters Male/Female (40+), 1st Overall GrandMasters Male/Female (50+), 1st Overall Great GrandMasters (60+) runners receive a Trophy. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top three Male and Female finishers in each of the 5-year age groups.

What are the age groups? 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

I’d like to participate. Can I just walk?
Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk the 1 mile, so you will not be alone! We encourage walkers for the 1 mile.

I‘m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib?
Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to trot on Thanksgiving!

Is there parking? This location has plenty of nearby businesses and Street parking is available at no cost throughout downtown Florence.

Can my dog come? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack. Don’t forget to include them in the Costume Contest!

Are strollers welcomed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack!

Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course?
We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed.

Is the 5k course timed and UST&F-certified? Yes! USA Track & Field Certification Code: AL21032JE

Does the 5k course have hills? There are some hills in the course. 

Where do race proceeds go? This is a charity event, with proceeds for the benefit of the YMCA of the Shoals.

What if I can't be there in person, can I still get involved? Yes! You can donate here!

I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!
2026 Trax4Max Sponsorship Opportunities

Be part of something good and be a 2026 Trax4Max Turkey Trot Sponsor!