Online registration is available on Run Signup until race capacity (14,000) is met.

We don't take the history of this race lightly. 130 years is a legacy we're proud of, and we thought carefully about this decision. We've kept as much of the original route and spirit as possible, and we believe this change sets the race up to thrive for the next 130 years! The new course offers:

• Indoor warm spaces
• Restrooms at the Buffalo Convention Center
• Easier access to day-of packet pick-up
• A better viewing experience for spectators, with the ability to see more runners without traveling between separate start and finish lines

Parking and drop-offs will be centered around the Buffalo Convention Center. We are working on potential shuttle options to and from nearby parking lots as well. We'll share more parking information closer to race day.

The sooner you register, the more you save!

Early Bird
August 7 – September 7
$39

General
September 8 – October 9
$45

Late
October 10 – 31
$51

Final Stretch
November 1 – 18
$64

Last Chance (if registration slots are still available)
November 19 – Sell Out
$75

Registration fees are non-refundable and include all online processing fees and a commemorative 2026 Turkey Trot t-shirt. Shirt sizes are not guaranteed after October 9.

As a charitable nonprofit health and human services organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara helps bring much needed services to the Western New York community. Your participation in the YMCA Turkey Trot helps fund vital YMCA programs and services that address our community’s greatest needs.

Due to the nature of the event and the advanced ordering of supplies, no refunds will be issued. Your registration fee supports the delivery of YMCA youth development and healthy living programs in Western New York.

Yes, we offer both a family team category and a corporate all comers category with awards presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category. Each team member must be individually registered before a team can be registered. Teams can include an unlimited number of participants. Team awards are determined by the average combined chip time of the top four in-person team members.

No, we no longer offer a virtual race.

Pre-Race packet pick-up is available at the Independent Health Family YMCA (150 Tech Drive, Amherst)

Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24  10:00 am – 6:30 pm

Wednesday, November 25 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. 

It is highly recommended that packets are picked up prior to race day. In the unforeseen event you were unable to pick up prior, you may get your packet on the morning of the race between 7:00 am – 8:00 am near the start of the race.

Yes, you can have someone pick it up for you. They only need to provide the name with which you registered.

Unfortunately, we are unable to ship packets or t-shirts to participants.

Yes. Runner’s Roost is sponsoring this year’s Runner’s Expo at the Independent Health YMCA from Monday, November 23 through Wednesday, November 25. Hours are 10:00 am–6:30 pm Monday and Tuesday, and 10:00 am – 5:30 pm Wednesday.

The YMCA Turkey Trot is held annually on Thanksgiving morning. This year’s race takes place Thursday, November 26, 2026.

The starting gun goes off at 9:00 am SHARP!

This year’s Thanksgiving race introduces a single-lap route, starting and ending at the Buffalo Convention Center at Franklin and West Eagle Streets.

The race begins near Franklin and West Eagle Streets and travels South on Franklin. The route goes from Church Street to Pearl Street, cutting over to Franklin from West Huron. It then travels North on Linwood from North Street. The route takes West Ferry to Delaware. It then travels south on Delaware Avenue through Niagara Square and continues South on Delaware Avenue to Church Street. The race ends where it began, on Franklin Street near West Eagle Street.

The route map can be viewed on the Turkey Trot web page.

Depending on where you decide to park, you should plan to arrive at least one (1) hour before the race. If you have your bib number in hand, simply head to the start line and line up according to your running ability using the large pace flags as a guide.

If you are unable to pick up your race packet prior to race day, you may obtain your race bib/number near the start line that morning between 7:00 am and 8:00 am.

Water is only available at the finish line and inside the Buffalo Convention Center. There are no water stations along the course.

Yes, there will be a trail bus following the end of the race pack which can transport you to the finish line. A first aid station is also located on the first level of the Buffalo Convention Center, if needed. Paramedics will also be on hand at the finish line to assist as needed.

Porta potties are available near the start/finish line near the Buffalo Convention Center. Bathroom facilities are also available inside the Buffalo Convention Center.

Strollers are strongly discouraged for the safety of all Turkey Trot participants. In the event you choose to participate with a stroller, we recommend that you line up at the back of the run/walk pack. People who use wheelchairs are also encouraged to line up at the back of the run/walk pack.

Bikes, scooters, roller blades/skates, shopping carts, etc. are prohibited on the race course for everyone's safety.

In either instance, we ask that you exercise extra caution for your own safety and the safety of others around you. We want all participants to complete the course safely.

With large crowds, pets can be excitable (regardless of size). Animals/pets are NOT permitted for this event.

Yes! Anyone planning to run in costume is encouraged to show off your creativity for a chance to win a prize. To register, simply head to the costume contest stage near the Buffalo Convention Center no later than 7:50 am. Best individual and group costume winners will be chosen by crowd reaction.

There is street parking and parking lots available near both the start and finish lines. (Please note some lots may require a fee). Shuttle bus service to and from the start and finish lines is available both before and after the race.

Shuttle buses run continuously from the Pearl Street side of the Buffalo Convention Center to the North Buffalo Target Plaza parking lot (2626 Delaware Ave.). Pre-race buses run from 6:30 - 7:45 am (plan to arrive EARLY as lines will be long). Post-race buses run from 10:00 - 11:45 am, returning participants to the Target Plaza.

Please join us for our annual post-race party! The upper floor of the Buffalo Convention Center is where you can enjoy music, refreshments, and adult beverages. Our family-friendly, alcohol-free zone is in Room 106 on the Buffalo Convention Center’s lower level. All attendees are required to enter the Buffalo Convention Center using the Franklin Street main entryways and pass through a security screening station before heading to the post-race party. All other doors will be locked and exit only. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide a safe and secure post-race experience for all.

Yes. You must show proper ID to be served alcohol at the post-race party.

Awards are determined by gun time for overall and masters winners. Age group winners are determined by chip time. Trophies are awarded to first place overall male and female, and first place overall male and female masters at the post-race party.

Age group awards are given to first through third place male and female in the following age categories: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over. Team awards are given to 1st through 3rd place in the family team and corporate all comers categories.

The only awards given out at the awards ceremony will be the top overall male and female and the top overall male and female masters. All other awards will be available for pick-up the week following the race.

There are a number of pre- and race day volunteer opportunities available. Certain positions require that volunteers be 18 or older or accompanied by a parent or guardian. For a complete listing of volunteer opportunities and to register, visit our volunteer page.

We’ve teamed up with Sneakers4Good to keep sneakers out of landfills and support our YMCA. Every pair you donate equals $1 to help our community, plus new opportunities for micro-enterprises in developing nations.

Here’s how it works:

1.   Request a free prepaid shipping bag

2.   Fill it up with gently used sneakers or running shoes.

3.   Drop it off at the designated shipping carrier — the shipping label is already paid for!

You can also bring your sneakers to any of our 5 branches or to packet pick-up.

Timing & Results will be compiled by Leone Timing & Results Services. 

To be listed in the results as a finisher and to be eligible for age group awards participants must start the race at the start line between and cross over our halfway timing mat.