For nearly 40,000 people, Thanksgiving Day begins with Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot

For nearly 40,000 people, Thanksgiving Day begins with Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot

Did you know that the 2011 Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot achieved Guinness Book of World Record’s recognition as the most people dressed as turkeys in one location?

Having fun at the 2011 Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot. Photo courtesy of thetrot.org.

(Dallas) October 27, 2012 – With more than forty years in the making, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is almost here, again marking Dallas’ way to begin Thanksgiving Day.

2011's record-setting crowd. Photo courtesy of thetrot.org.

On Thursday, November 22, nearly 40,000 participants are expected to turn out to Dallas City Hall Plaza for the 8 mile race and 5K fun run.  The Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot benefits YMCA programs that help the YMCA to strengthen the foundations of the community.

The Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is one of the largest multi-event races in the country.  The excitement that surrounds this event continues to grow each year as more runners and generations of families turn out to experience the fun and family-friendly atmosphere that is the backdrop to the race.

The Trot consists of both a certified 5K, and an 8 mile race.  Again this year there is the option for all participants to be chip timed in both the 5k and 8 mile race with a $5 timing charge.

Also with registration, participants will receive a complimentary 25 visit membership to begin Training for the Trot at a Dallas area YMCA.

Pre-registration is $25 until November 7, walk-in registration at Luke’s Locker November 14-21 is $30 and race day registration is $40.  Trot Tot registration for children 6 and under is $15.  Packet pick-up for mail-in, online registration and walk-ins will continue through Wednesday, November 21 at Luke’s Locker locations in Dallas at 3046 Mockingbird Lane until 6 pm, in Colleyville on Colleyville Blvd, in Plano on Legacy Road and in Allen on Garden Park Drive until 3 pm on Wednesday.  Register your dog for $10 and receive a cool Y-Trot bandanna and race bib for your 4 legged friends.

Tune in Saturday night, November 24 on WFAA Channel 8 as the 45th running of the Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot comes to life through the history, people and the stories of the Dallas YMCA.  A family tradition for 4 decades – relive this year’s special race highlights in a half-hour television special — through the eyes of the thousands of families and participants.  Plus learn how the YMCA is impacting lives through a variety of unique programs and activities in North Texas communities all year long.

Supporting the Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is a stellar list of sponsors.  The Title Sponsor is Capital One Bank.  Gold Sponsors this year are Clear Channel Radio Stations including: 97.1 The Eagle, 102.1 the Edge, NOW 102.9, 106.1 KISSFM and Lone Star 92.5, Luke’s Locker, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA-Channel 8.  The Underwriter sponsor is Pepsi.  This year’s Silver spnsors include: Ben E Keith Company, Dallas Mavericks, Dannon, DART, DowntownDALLAS Inc, and the Fairmont Dallas Hotel.

The original Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot was held at the Old Fair Grounds back in the early 40′s, but the long string of consecutive races began with the 8-mile race in 1968.  The unique 8-mile race distance was created when the 107 participants were instructed to run along the shores of White Rock Lake “to the big oak tree and back”.  By 1979, the race had become so popular that it was moved to the Downtown area to accommodate more runners and showcase “Big D”.  The 3-mile Fun Run/Walk was added in 1984 to accommodate the increasing participation of individuals and families.

For more information on the Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot , call 214-954-0500 or to register or volunteer log on to www.thetrot.com.

Information provided by Sarah Byrom, Associate VP Communications, Dallas YMCA.
 
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