New for 2026

Ithaca’s Turkey Trot has historically been a prediction run where you guess your time for the roughly 5.5-mile course—no watches allowed! This year, we’re offering three different distances for maximum flexibility: 1 mile (Boynton Loop), 3.6 miles (Stewart Park + Golf Course), and 5.4 miles. The two longer routes are a combination of paved roads, trails, and grass.

If you’re interested in making your effort a prediction run, we’ll have large Post-It sheets you can put your prediction and actual times on before and after your run. If you’re not into the prediction thing, no worries: wear your watch and have a great time!

Pies have historically gone to those who come closest to their prediction times. Now, you’ll find that pies are randomly awarded as participants complete their effort, not matter the distance. Pies can be picked up right away, so no need to wait until the event wraps up.

Are you on the Turkey Trot Honor Roll? If this will be your fifth time (or more) participating in the run, let us know when you register! We’ll add you as a Turkey Trot Honors Student.

Check out the photos from the 2025 Turkey Trot!

Everyone must register online. The Turkey Trot is free to enter, but we require all runners to register online. You’ll also have the option to wear custom race bibs.

Loaves & Fishes

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.

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.

All distances start together! The 1 mile course follows a sidewalk loop around Boynton Middle School and returns to the start. The full 5.4 mile course goes up into Cayuga Heights via a short and steep dirt path, then descends gradually down Remington Road. It then joins the 3.6 mile route, following the Waterfront Trail around Stewart Park, making a loop around the perimeter of Newman Municipal Golf Course, and returning via the bird sanctuary. Getting lost isn’t really a problem—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 available for 1 mile (Boynton Loop), 3.6 miles (Stewart Park + Golf Course), and 5.4 miles. Download the app 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!

1 Mile

3.6 Mile

5.4 Mile

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 2 longer courses cross 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.
• 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.