Registration underway for 2021 Turkey Trot
After racing virtually in 2020, the 44th annual Garden City Turkey Trot, Long Island’s largest Thanksgiving Day road race, is back to racing in person this year on Nov. 25. The event expects to draw thousands of runners, walkers and spectators. Registration is now open and runners should register online at www.gcturkeyrtrot.com. Residents can see the race website for race information.
The five-mile race starts at 10 a.m. The 1.4 mile Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m. and The Challenger Division Race for special needs athletes begins at 8:30 a.m. All three races start and finish in front of the historic St. Paul’s building located at 285 Stewart Ave. near the corner of Rockaway and Stewart avenues in the center of Garden City.
Runners and walkers from all over Long Island and beyond participate, including multi-generational families that have made the event a special part of their holiday. In 2019, close to 7,000 runners participated in the Fun Run and 5-Mile Race.
The race draws elite athletes as well as runners and walkers of every age and ability. Runner costumes are welcome as well as baby walking strollers and jogging strollers. Post-race food and beverages will be available on site.
Spanning decades, the event has seen tremendous success. The Turkey Trot Race Committee works year-round to put on the quality event and thanks to the generosity of numerous corporate sponsors, the Garden City Turkey Trot is able to offer runners a big race experience. This year’s Garden City Turkey Trot will once again benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and The INN. Runners are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Turkey Trot Food Drive. The event has raised more than $1 million over the years.
Volunteers are always needed; send an email to ttvolunteers@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer. Register online at www.gcturkeytrot.com to avoid late entry fees. Pick up your race day bib and T-shirt on Thanksgiving Eve on Wednesday, Nov. 24 at St. Paul’s from 6 to 8:30 p.m. or on race day Thursday, Nov. 25 beginning at 8 a.m.
—Submitted by Ken Anesar
