YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot

YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot : Runner Information

The YMCA Turkey Trot is an annual Thanksgiving Day footrace in Buffalo, New York, presented as the oldest consecutively run footrace in the world. The event is an 8k (4.97 mile) course that attracts over 14,000 runners, joggers, and walkers and marks its 131st consecutive running in 2026.

For 2026 the race uses a new single-lap route that starts and ends at the Buffalo Convention Center. The start line is on Franklin between West Huron and West Chippewa and the finish is at Franklin and West Eagle. The course retains the original route’s second half down Delaware Avenue and remains the full 8-kilometer distance.

Registration is tiered by date with nonrefundable fees; online registration remains open until capacity is met. Registration includes a commemorative 2026 Turkey Trot t-shirt, with shirt sizes not guaranteed after October 9. A virtual race is not offered.

Packet pick-up and the Runner’s Expo are held at the Independent Health Family YMCA in the days leading up to the race, with additional morning packet pick-up upstairs at the Buffalo Convention Center on race day. Parking and drop-offs are centered around the Buffalo Convention Center.

Race logistics include finish-line and indoor water stations, porta potties near the start/finish, a trail bus following the pack, on-site first aid, and medical personnel at the finish. Strollers are strongly discouraged and pets are not permitted. The event also runs a costume contest and offers volunteer opportunities and a sneaker donation program with Sneakers4Good. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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