KINGSTON, N.Y. (Nov. 16, 2015) — While many look forward to Thanksgiving for the delicious food, family visits and football games on TV, Ulster County residents have one more holiday tradition that they eagerly await: The Turkey Trot. Each year, thousands of people come together to kick off Thanksgiving Day with a series of spirited, family-friendly race events.
“Ulster County is one of New York State’s best locations for running, whether it is competitive or recreational, or for just enjoying outdoors activities,” said Richard J. Remsnyder, director of Ulster County Tourism.
With 5K races, two-mile fun runs and even special events for little ones, there are activities for individuals of every age group and skill level Thanksgiving weekend. Festivities include timed and untimed events, awards for first-place finishers and even raffle prizes. Proceeds are donated each year to help fund local projects, such as food pantries, library initiatives and more.
New Paltz Turkey Trot
The New Paltz Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving Day and benefits FAMILY of New Paltz, a local crisis intervention center. The organization provides support, shelter and food to more than 1,000 families during the holiday season and year-round.
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a “Mashed Potato” half-mile fun run for kids age seven and younger. The day also includes a chip-timed 5K race for competitive runners, and a 5K untimed fun run and walk. Shirts will be available for purchase on the day of the event. Awards for first-place finishers and raffle drawings will add to the fun of the festivities.
For more information, please visit www.newpaltzturkeytrot.com/registration
Kingston Turkey Trot
The third annual Kingston Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving Day – rain or shine. The day’s events include a 5K run and a two-mile fun run. Runners and walkers should take their places at the starting line by 9 a.m. sharp when the races begin. As an event for the entire family, free parking is available and strollers for younger participants are welcome. All proceeds from the Turkey Trot will support the Junior League of Kingston’s major project, Little Free Libraries.
Early registrants will receive a long sleeved t-shirt. Discounts for families and teams of four may be available, and children who are 5 years old and younger can participate for free.
For more information, please visit www.juniorleaguekingston.org/programs/fundraisers/turkey-trot
Phoenicia Turkey Trot
This year marks the fifth annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot. All proceeds from event contributors will go directly to the local Rotary Club of Phoenicia to support the organization’s local projects. The event includes a 2.4-mile course where participants can run, walk, wobble and trot to the finish line. Be sure to arrive at the starting line by 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28. The event will take place rain or shine.
Those interested in joining in on the fun can register in advance or the day of the event at the Parish Hall, Phoenicia. The first 100 people registered will receive a free Turkey Trot t-shirt to wear the day of the race.
For more information, please visit http://phoeniciaturkeytrot.com
