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 the 2025 Turkey Trot!

Everyone must register online. The Turkey Trot is free to enter, but so our volunteers can calculate results more quickly, we require all runners to wear custom race bibs that we scan at the finish. Turkey Trot sweatshirts are no longer available for pre-order, but you can get one in person.

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.

Are you on the Turkey Trot Honor Roll? If this 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 Ithaca High School and the tennis courts off Cayuga Street.

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: Bathrooms will be available inside Ithaca High.

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

Meet at Ithaca High School between 7:45 and 8:30 AM. Bib pickup and post-race refreshments/awards will be in the gym.

The run starts at 9:00 AM.

• Restrooms available at IHS; 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.
• To ensure participant and volunteer safety in the event of hazardous environmental conditions, the race director may modify or cancel the race in accordance with FLRC’s Event Cancellation Policy.
• This race is organized by the Finger Lakes Runners Club and insured by the Road Runners Club of America.