The 51st running of the Finger Lakes Runners Club’s Turkey Trot was a smashing success. A record $6,730 was raised for Loaves & Fishes, and 458 people participated on an overcast morning in the mid-30s. Did you know the Turkey Trot is now FLRC’s second-largest race after Skunk Cabbage? Consider adding the Skunk Cabbage Classic to your schedule in April as a volunteer or a runner. We have fantastic photos from the Turkey Trot, and if you took any, you can add more photos to that album!
Donation History
2010–13: Truckloads of cans and boxes of food collected
2014: $2,024 collected with 333 participants
2015: $2,855 (423 participants)
2016: $2,756 (268 participants)
2017: $4,030 (397 participants)
2018: $2,549 (211 participants)
2019: $4,137 (312 participants)
2020: $4,192 (virtual, 157 participants)
2021: $4,251 (289 participants)
2022: $5,895 (390 participants)
2023: $6,730 (458 participants)
This year was the 50th anniversary of the Turkey Trot and was, after 17 years, Bruce Roebal’s last year directing this wonderful event. We thank him for his efforts and energy in directing this staple of Ithaca’s race schedule. Steph Bailey will direct next year’s Turkey Trot.
Bruce transferred the names and actual times submitted on stickers handed out at the finish line to the signup sheets with predicted times. “By hand” takes time! A PDF of the “results” is below with a list of those closest to their predictions.
Thanks to Ithaca Bakery for donating bread, bagels, and pastries; Purity Ice Cream for the prize-winning pies; and Cornell Orchards for apples. FLRC picked up the tab for everything else. Thanks to all those who were so generous to Loaves & Fishes.
Thanks to all our volunteers! Although there are too many to list everyone who helped out, the race wouldn’t have been possible without Kathleen Gibson coordinating the food; Tom Hartshorne organizing the police, Scott and Amy Dawson publicizing the race and managing the course marking signs, Adam Engst and Jamie Slater handing out T-shirts, and Christina Culver for putting together a crew of Loaves & Fishes volunteers.
ABOUT
FLRC is celebrating half a century of trotting on Thanksgiving morning! Our Turkey Trot is a prediction run where you guess your time for the roughly 5.5-mile course. The route is half paved roads and half trails and grass; shortcuts are allowed. Those who come the closest to their predicted times will win delicious pies. Despite the unpredictable course conditions and weather, winners often come within a few seconds of their predicted times.
For 2023 we’ll have limited-edition long-sleeve T-shirts available to commemorate the run’s 50th anniversary. They’re $20, and you can pre-order online to ensure you get the size you want or buy one at the run.
We no longer collect cans of food, but instead accept cash donations to Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County — the suggested donation is $10 per person. In 2022 we raised a record $5,895 for Loaves and Fishes, bringing the total since 2014 to nearly $32,000. You can also donate online in advance if that’s easier.
Are you on the Turkey Trot Honor Roll? If 2023 will be your fifth time (or more) participating in the run, let us know! We’ll add you as a Turkey Trot Honors Student.
There are no watches or timing devices allowed. The run is meant to be fun and bring people together for a great cause. Everyone leaves with a smile on their face and a few extra calories burned!
If you’ve never run a trail race before, check out our First-Timers FAQs for Trail Races.
Thanksgiving in 2015 was unusually warm
WHERE
Park in the lot between the school and the tennis courts off Cayuga Street, and follow the signs through the IHS courtyard on the Cayuga Street entrance to the school cafeteria.
The course goes up into Cayuga Heights via a short and steep dirt path, then descends gradually down Remington Road. It then follows the Waterfront Trail around Stewart Park, makes a loop around the perimeter of Newman Municipal Golf Course, and returns via the bird sanctuary. Getting lost isn’t really a problem—simply follow someone who knows the route, as there are plenty of Turkey Trot veterans who run it every year. And it doesn’t matter if you follow the course exactly or not. Click to enlarge the course maps below.
WHEN
Meet at the IHS cafeteria between 7:30 and 8:30 AM to register your prediction time. There is no pre-registration for your prediction.
The run starts at 9:00 AM.
NOTES
- Restrooms are available inside IHS, but there are no changing facilities or showers.
- Post-race bagels, croissants, apples, and cider will be provided.
- For remaining questions, please e-mail race director Bruce Roebal at bar2@cornell.edu.
WARNINGS
The course crosses an active railroad track. We can’t control or predict the train schedule, and if a train is coming, you must stop. Also be aware that the course includes roads that are open to traffic. Course marshals will assist you in crossing, but all runners need to be alert and aware of traffic.
POLICIES
- No watches or other timing devices allowed—this is a prediction run!
- The race directors reserve the right to reject any entry for any reason.
- If you need accommodation for a disability to participate in this event, please contact the FLRC Diversity and Inclusion Committee chair at diversity@fingerlakesrunners.org.
- This race is organized by the Finger Lakes Runners Club and insured by the Road Runners Club of America.
