2020 Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot registration now open

Voting also open to choose design for race day T-shirt

ROCKWALL, TX – September 10, 2020 — Registration is now open for the 53rd annual Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, a tradition that takes place Thanksgiving Day morning, Thursday, Nov. 26. For the first time this year, participants can choose to run or walk the race in-person, or virtually from their neighborhood or anywhere across the country. All participants will receive the official 2020 Turkey Trot long sleeved t-shirt and a link to enter self-timed results from an eight-mile or 5K run to “compete” with other virtual Trot participants.

In addition, the YMCA is inviting Dallas and North Texas residents to choose the official design to be featured on the famous 2020 Turkey Trot shirt. Voting is now open for three different designs and available online at www.thetrot.org.

“Health and wellness are at the core of the YMCA’s mission and the safety of all who participate in the Turkey Trot is our top priority. While some components of the event will be different, we look forward to keeping the Thanksgiving Day tradition that has been enjoyed by generations,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “We also understand that not everyone will feel comfortable participating in the race in person so that’s why for the first time, we are offering a virtual option where you can participate from your neighborhood or anywhere across the country. We hope this allows participants to make the best decision for themselves and their families.”

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the YMCA has made a number of changes to Trot 2020 to keep our participants, volunteers, and staff safe and healthy. The YMCA is working with local officials and health experts to ensure this outdoor activity is as safe as possible for participants. The YMCA has implemented new safety procedures this year including:

Limited capacity
Three start times to choose from
Physical distancing markers in staging
Face covering or mask required while in the staging areas/corrals prior to the race start
Online registration only, until Nov. 25 or until capacity has been reached
Water stops along the racecourse with bottled water only and individually packaged snacks. Participants encouraged to bring their own water and
Hand washing and hand sanitizer units throughout the
Staff and volunteers will be temperature checked and health screened prior to beginning their work on race

You can learn more about changes to the Trot 2020 and our updated safety measures at www.thetrot.org.

Proceeds support the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas including its COVID-19 relief support for children and families and the preschool program at Park South Family YMCA. To support the community through the pandemic, the Y provided licensed emergency childcare for the children of first responders, medical professionals, and other essential workers when the schools, gyms, and other businesses were closed. YMCA branches became food distribution sites, held blood drives, and provided support for seniors and other individuals in under- resourced areas of Dallas and that work continues. The Trot has always been a fundraiser for the educational and community programs provided by the YMCA. Your participation in The Trot and donations to the YMCA help ensure we will always be ready to meet the needs in North Texas communities.

The YMCA will continue to follow state and local guidelines and will adjust if needed as required by new guidelines or if deemed to be a positive change to promote the health and safety of our participants. If the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot in-person event is not allowed to take place, all timed, untimed, and Tot registrations will be transferred to the virtual Trot- at-Home option. Participant gifts will be mailed, and no refunds or credits will be issued. A portion of the registration fee will be a charitable donation. To learn more and register, please visit www.thetrot.org.

Submitted press release.

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