YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot
Buffalo, NY
- 8K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Known to be the oldest consecutively run footrace in the WORLD, the YMCA Turkey Trot is an 8K Thanksgiving Day tradition that attracts over 14,000 runners of all ages and abilities to the City of Buffalo each year. Your participation in the YMCA Turkey Trot helps to make YMCA programs … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Nov 26):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 53 | 52 | 48 | 50 | 42 |
| L (°F) | 33 | 41 | 30 | 35 | 31 |
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Weather Challenging; Soooo Fun Though
Longest consecutively run foot race in the world. Race caps at 14,000 participants. It’s a doable number logistically. Plenty of buses to shuttle runners to starting line on race morning. … MORE
Longest consecutively run foot race in the world. Race caps at 14,000 participants. It’s a doable number logistically. Plenty of buses to shuttle runners to starting line on race morning. Excellent expo with discounts and nicely organized packet pickup structure. Organizers urged me to reference the website for details but info wasn’t accurate (shuttle ran after 7:45 am, strollers were allowed and pets were allowed, no pace flags in starting corral). Be warned, there is no gear check, so you’re either cold while you wait or carrying your extras the whole race.
The costume contest was outstanding. Started at 8:30. MC’d and judged by local TV personality. Great and creative entries. Individuals went first. Groups next. Impressive participants!
Course was flat (150 foot elevation change), mostly cleared of snow and slush, and through a beautiful part of Millionaire’s Row and other city landmarks. The city’s support was incredible. They lined the course in windy weather, cheered for runners, held posters, wore costumes themselves, and shares snacks, adult beverages and hydration with participants. It was encouraging for sure. There was even a Donut Drop at a bridge overpass where runners caught a treat when they acknowledged they were ready. Fire Department hoisted ladders across Delaware Avenue with large American flag.
The after party was a crush of people with giveaways, fruit, beer and loud music.
I’m so glad I made this my New York race. Being from NC, the weather advisory the night before had me concerned about driving and running in the windy and snowy conditions. I’m glad I didn’t overdress.
Best Way to Spend Thanksgiving EVER!
Oldest continuous foot race in the nation. Truly a memorable experience being one of 14,000 participants -- especially when everyone is pumped up and waiting in the quarter mile from … MORE
Oldest continuous foot race in the nation. Truly a memorable experience being one of 14,000 participants — especially when everyone is pumped up and waiting in the quarter mile from the start gate. You have to experience it once to just to believe it; and then you are a veteran with bragging rights. Walked it. Don’t know how I did a personal best. Was briefed before hand by other runners and race veterans. Course is paved, hilly and goes through a beautiful part of Buffalo. Last mile was marked by Buffalo Fire Department trucks with ladders extended over the runners. An American Flag is usually suspended but not this race because of wind gusts. Pace was slower than usual because I walked with my 10-year-old granddaughter who completed her first 8K. Has a health expo and an after-race party with live music. Planning, race communications, swag, costume contest, the race itself, relief facilities at the start, finish and route, the public support and the after party were the absolute best! They even had a race branded local beer produced by a local micro brewery and there are several events leading to race day. People travel to this event from across NY and PA, and several states. They tossed donuts to us from an overpass and spectators lined the route cheering us on. Hats off to the organizers and the volunteers! Can’t say enough about how great this experience was. Can’t say enough about the after-race comradery with other finishers. We talked for weeks! Funds raised by this race support Buffalo-Niagara YMCA Programs. We will do this one again!