FAQs
What You Need to Know
GENERAL REGISTRATION
What is your refund policy?
Registration fees are non-refundable and go to helping families in central Maryland that are in critical need of assistance.
Do I have to be a Y member?
Everyone is welcome! In fact, your registration kicks off your complimentary Y membership – good for up to 30 days until January 31, 2025! Just register for the Turkey Trot, then stop by any Y Center with a copy of your receipt (email or printed) to activate! Not available to current Y members.
Is it possible to switch my race location?
Yes! You’ll be able to change your race event location until November 22. Here’s a short video to help show you how to switch events.
Is it possible to switch my shirt size?
Yes! You’ll be able to switch your shirt size until November 22. Here’s a short video with how you can do this.
Where can I find details on packet pick-up (shirt and bib)?
Everything you need to know can be found here.
Is my registration tax-deductible?
A portion of your registration fee and all donations are tax-deductible. The Y in Central Maryland is designated as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Your contribution is tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon the successful completion of your donation. For a copy of our current financial statement, please contact us at 303 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21204 or 443-322-9622.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! You can even buy them an awesome dog bandana when you register! We ask that dogs who attend are well-socialized, well-behaved, on a leash at all times, and line up with their owners at the back of the pack (also, please clean up after your pooch).
Are children welcome?
Absolutely!
Are strollers allowed?
Yes! Strollers are permitted on the course; however, we ask that you line up at the back of the pack for safety reasons.
What t-shirt size should I get?
Youth t-shirts are 65/35 polyester/cotton. The sizing is as follows:
Small - length 20, chest width 15
Medium - length 22, chest width 17
Adult unisex t-shirts are 50/50 cotton/polyester. The sizing is as follows:
Small - length 28, chest width 18
Medium - Length 29, chest width 20
Large - length 30, chest width 22
Extra Large - length 31, chest width 24
2XL - length 32, chest width 26
Can I have my shirt mailed to me?
Shirts can only be mailed to virtual participants who live outside of Maryland. Otherwise, please head to your packet pick-up location. We'd love to say hi! Packet pick-up details can be found here.
Can I order additional Turkey Trot swag?
Yes! Please visit the Turkey Trot Swag Store and have fun! We have a selection of hats, beanies, shirt, and jackets ready for you to order.
All accessories and apparel are custom-made and will be shipped within 10-14 business days. Orders are processed weekly, every Friday. The last date for orders for which we can guarantee delivery before Thanksgiving is October 31. All orders are final with proceeds supporting the Y Open Doors fund which enables access and inclusion in healthy Y programs for all.
Who can I contact about my Turkey Trot swag order?
Please email turkeytrot@ymaryland.org
Can I create a team?
Yes! Whether it be with friends, family or work colleagues, we’d love you to register a team. All you need to do is select the ‘Create a Team’ option when you register and you’ll be off and running!
Is there a training program I can join?
Yes! With Charm City Run as our official training partner, you can register for their 6-week Turkey Trot Training Program. Training starts October 19th. Check out more information here.
VIRTUAL REGISTRATION
How does the virtual Turkey Trot work?
All you need to do is download your race bib (optional) and run or walk (or even swim!) 5K between November 26 through November 30. Once you have completed your 5K, you can submit your results, download your finisher certificate and upload your pictures!
When should I complete my 5K?
You are encouraged to complete your virtual trot between November 26 through November 30.
Do I have to run it?
Interested in completing your 5K a little differently? Go for it! Swimming a virtual 5K would be 219 laps of a 25-yard pool. Cycling a virtual 5K would be 11.78 miles and rowing a virtual 5K would be 2,000 meters.
Do I need my packet before I do my virtual trot?
It is not necessary to have your packet in hand to complete your virtual trot! You can post your results anytime between November 26 - 30 by clicking the results tab on our website. Here are all the pack pick-up dates and locations.
How do I submit my virtual results?
Track your time with your smartphone and upload your results (optional) into RunSignUp (learn how to do that here) if you like!
Do virtual participants get awarded medals?
While our virtual participants do not get awarded medals, you are encouraged to download your finisher certificate and celebrate your victory!
Do you have any suggested race routes?
We sure do! You can find them here.
I am from outside of Maryland. Can I have my shirt mailed to me?
Sure. We love our out-of-state Trotters! Shirts can be mailed to virtual participants that live outside of the state of Maryland for $8.99. Please select this option upon registration.
RACE DAY
What time does it start?
The Y Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 am on Thanksgiving morning.
What if it rains?
Y Turkey Trots are held rain or shine!
Can I dress up?
YES! From turkeys to chefs to cans of cranberry sauce, we would love to see you in a costume on Thanksgiving morning!
What time should I arrive?
If you are registered, please plan to arrive at the event at least 30 minutes before the start time (by 8:00 am). If you are registering on event day, please plan to arrive at least one hour before the 5K begins.
Where do I park?
Click on your race location to find parking details.
ARNOLD • BALTIMORE CITY • BEL AIR • ELLICOTT CITY • TOWSON • WESTMINSTER
Are there prizes?
Yes - medals will be awarded to the top three overall male, female, and non-binary individuals and the top three male and female individuals in the following age groups: 9 years and under, 10-15 years old, 16-19 years old, 20-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-49 years old, 50-59 years old, 60-69 years old, and 70+ years.
Is the run timed?
Yes! All runners, except children, virtual participants and dogs, are timed. All race results will be uploaded to yturkeytrot.org by midday Thanksgiving morning. You can also receive a text with your results (please select that option at registration).
DONATIONS, FUNDRAISING and VOLUNTEERING
Where does the money go?
Proceeds support the Y Open Doors fund enabling access and inclusion in healthy Y programs for all.
I’m not registered to run on the day but I would still like to fundraise. Is this possible?
Yes please and thank you! All you need to do is "Become a Fundraiser" and set yourself up with an online fundraising page for you to collect donations.
Can I make a general donation to the event?
Yes, please! Your donation will go a long way in helping children and adults afford Y programs that keep them safe, engaged and healthy. Tax-deductible donations can be made here.
Where can I find materials to help me fundraise?
If you need a little bit of extra support, you can find some helpful fundraising resources on our website.
Are donations tax-deductible?
The Y in Central Maryland is designated as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Your contribution is tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation. For a copy of our current financial statement, please contact us at 303 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21204 or 443-322-9622.
How do I volunteer for the Turkey Trot?
Hundreds of energetic and kind-hearted volunteers help make the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K possible every year. Volunteer registration can be found here.
How do I get involved in the food drive?
Join in our efforts to help stock our community pantries by donating non-perishable and canned food to families and individuals who are food insecure. We are also collecting women's sanitary items, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and diapers. The drive will take place at Y family centers between Nov 1 - 28.
Can my business sponsor the Turkey Trot?
Yes please and thank you! Please contact turkeytrot@ymaryland.org for more information on how you can sponsor this well-loved MD tradition.
