Turkey Trot - Ithaca
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Turkey Trot : Ithaca
The Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day running event organized by the Finger Lakes Runners Club at Ithaca High School. The event raises funds for Loaves & Fishes of Tompkins County, which serves over 5,000 meals per month; donations may be made during registration or in person, with a suggested donation of $10 per person. Sweatshirts can be ordered during registration and picked up at the race.
The event offers multiple course options; all distances start together:
- 1 mile: Boynton Loop on sidewalk around Boynton Middle School.
- 3.6 miles: Waterfront Trail and Newman Municipal Golf Course loop.
- 5.4 miles: Route through Cayuga Heights, a short steep dirt path, and Remington Road.
The run continues a prediction-run tradition: participants may enter a predicted time and compare their actual finish to that prediction. Historically pies were awarded to those closest to their predictions; pies are now randomly distributed as participants complete their efforts and can be picked up immediately. Everyone must register online; the event is free to enter.
Logistics and safety notes: bib pickup and post-race refreshments and awards are in the high school gym. Bathrooms are available inside the high school; there are no changing facilities or showers. The two longer courses cross an active railroad track and include roads open to traffic; course marshals will assist at crossings but runners must be alert. Parking is available between Ithaca High School and the tennis courts off Cayuga Street; the club encourages carpooling to reduce parking congestion. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
