YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
YMCA Turkey Trot : Buffalo, NY
The YMCA Turkey Trot is an annual 8-kilometer (8 km / 4.97 mile) footrace held on Thanksgiving Day in the City of Buffalo, New York. The event draws over 14,000 runners, joggers, and walkers and in 2026 marks its 131st consecutive running. It is YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s largest fundraising event, with proceeds supporting youth development, drowning prevention, social connection programs, and community health initiatives.
For 2026 the race uses a new single-lap loop course that starts and ends at the Buffalo Convention Center and retains the original route’s second half down Delaware Avenue. The new layout provides indoor warm spaces, restrooms at the Convention Center, easier day-of packet access, and improved spectator viewing. Parking and drop-off activity is centered near the Convention Center; shuttle options are being explored.
Registration fees are tiered by date and include a commemorative 2026 Turkey Trot t-shirt; fees are non-refundable and shirt sizes are not guaranteed after October 9. A virtual race is not offered for this year.
Packet pick-up takes place in the days before the race at the Independent Health Family YMCA; limited packet pick-up is available on race morning near the start. Water is available inside the Buffalo Convention Center and at the finish area only. A trail bus follows the end of the pack and first aid is located at the Convention Center.
Strollers are strongly discouraged, wheelchairs are welcome and should start near the back, and pets are not permitted. A costume contest will be held near the Convention Center with winners selected by crowd reaction. Race awards include overall and masters trophies and age group and team awards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
