DAVENPORT, IOWA (November 16, 2024) — Lace up your shoes you galloping gobblers: The 38th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot presented by McCarthy-Bush is flying in fast. Three different runs of different skill levels, a Kids run, along with the option to “Run with your Pup,” are the perfect way to kick off your family’s Thanksgiving Day activities.
"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Luis Leal, Race Director of the Turkey Trot and Branch Executive at the Bettendorf YMCA. “It's how we are able to send so many kids to Camp Abe Lincoln over the summer.”
New to this year’s festivities is the option to register to “Run with your Pup” in any of the races. Registration also comes with your choice of bandana in red, yellow, or orange. We will also hold a Dog Costume Contest before race festivities, with two winning pups taking home a basket full of goodies donated by Teske Pet and Garden.
Packet pick-up will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 11AM-7PM, at the R Richard Bittner YMCA (630 E 4th St, Davenport). Those who have not registered yet can also do so at packet pick-up.
The Trot commences November 28, with the starting-line set up outside the YMCA.
Festivities commence November 28 at 7:30AM, with the first event, the Dog Costume Contest.
Beginning at 8AM, the Kids Race, ages two through ten.
At 8:30AM, it’s the One-Mile Fun Run.
Then, at 9AM, the UnityPoint-Trinity 5K and the Rhythm City Casino Five-Mile.
Medals will be awarded to ALL participants in the day. The First-, Second-, and Third-Place finishers in each race will also receive a gold, silver, or bronze medal corresponding to their place.
Thanks to our event sponsors covering operational costs of the event, all registrations go directly towards supporting area children in early learning programs, scholarships for summer camp, teens in mentoring programs, as well as families and seniors receiving assistance to participate in YMCA membership and classes. Since it started in 1986, the Turkey Trot has generated over $2.4 million in direct support to area kids and families. “It's truly an event where you can show up, not know anyone and not feel like you're alone,” said Leal. “We are one community.”
Registration is open from now until fifteen minutes before the first race. For more information as well as registration visit ymcaimv.org/programs-activites/community-events/
