Our Turkey Trot is a prediction run where you guess your time for the roughly 5.5-mile course—no watches allowed! 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. Check out the photos from last year’s Turkey Trot!

Everyone must register online this year! The Turkey Trot remains free to enter, but so our volunteers can calculate results more quickly, we’re using a new system that requires all runners to wear custom race bibs that we will scan at the finish.

This race is a fundraiser for Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County, which helps fight hunger in our community by serving over 5,000 meals per month. You can donate during registration or by bringing cash or a check to the race—the suggested donation is $10 per person. In 2023, we raised a record $6,730 for Loaves and Fishes, bringing the total since 2014 to over $38,000.

New this year is a warm cotton sweatshirt emblazoned with our new Turkey Trot logo, available for $25 during registration (unisex sizes S–XL)—sizes are available until inventory runs out. We expect to have limited quantities available for purchase at the race.

Are you on the Turkey Trot Honor Roll? If 2024 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

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.

FLRC encourages runners to carpool to make the race more inclusive for those without cars, help fight climate change, and ease parking congestion—sign up to drive or ride.

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 look for signs or 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. You can follow the RunGo directions below, too.

• Google Maps pin showing the start/finish
• RunGo directions (for iOS, Android, or Apple Watch)
• Bathrooms: Available at Ithaca High School

Fun directional signs will help keep you on course and in good humor, too!

Meet at IHS between 7:45 and 8:30 AM.

The run starts at 9:00 AM.

• Restrooms are available inside IHS, but there are no changing facilities or showers.
• Post-race bagels, apples, and cider will be provided.
• For remaining questions, please email race director Steph Bailey at stephbaileyboard@gmail.com.

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.

• All runners, volunteers, and spectators must abide by FLRC’s Code of Conduct.
• 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.