Sewickley Turkey Trot 2026 – Thanksgiving Morning 5K Run/Walk

Thanksgiving Morning • November 26 • 8:30 a.m.

Start your Thanksgiving morning with the Sewickley Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk—a fun, welcoming holiday tradition for runners, walkers, strollers, and families from across the region. Enjoy a scenic 5K course, post-race snacks, and an energizing start to the holiday. Your participation supports Faith In Action, the Sewickley Valley YMCA’s free outreach program helping older adults stay independent with transportation to medical appointments and essential services.

Register for the Turkey Trot

Secure your spot in this year’s Thanksgiving 5K! Registration includes 2026 Turkey Trot swag, a timed bib, access to a supported 5K course, and finish-line refreshments. Race-day registration is available, but early sign-up is encouraged.

Race Day Schedule

7 a.m. — Race-day registration & packet pickup
8:30 a.m. — Timed 5K begins
9:20 a.m. — Awards ceremony

Arrive early to allow time to park and walk to the start line.

Packet Pickup

Skip the race-day lines!

Wednesday, November 25 • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Walter J. Brannon Community Activity Center
625 Blackburn Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143

Race-day pickup is available from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.

Why We Run

Your participation supports Faith In Action, a free transportation and support program serving older adults in our region. Each registration helps provide life-sustaining rides to medical appointments and essential services.

The Sewickley Turkey Trot 5K begins at War Memorial Park and follows a well-marked route through the streets of Sewickley. At the bottom of this page is the course map with step-by-step directions to help you get familiar with the route before race day.

Course Safety Guidelines

Your safety—and the safety of fellow participants—is our top priority. Please review the course guidelines below to help ensure a smooth, enjoyable race experience for everyone.

Walkers & Strollers

Walkers and participants using strollers should line up toward the back of the start area and stay to the side of the course to allow runners a clear and safe path.

Pets

We love dogs; however, due to the number of participants on the course, we strongly discourage bringing pets for everyone’s safety.

Water Stop

A water station will be located near the halfway point at the Sewickley Borough Building.

Police & Volunteer Support

Sewickley Borough Police and race volunteers will be stationed throughout the course to manage intersections, stop traffic, and assist participants. Limited public traffic may still be present—please follow all instructions from course marshals.

Course Markings

Mile markers and race-day volunteers will help keep you on the correct route. Please stay aware of signage and follow volunteer guidance.

Finish Area Exit

After completing the race, please exit by walking across the field and through the YMCA upper parking lot directly below War Memorial Park. For safety reasons, participants cannot exit onto Blackburn Road.

Course Map & Directions

0.00 mi Head southwest toward Blackburn Road

0.06 mi Turn right onto Blackburn Road

0.24 mi Head southwest on Blackburn Road toward Hill Street

0.38 mi Turn left onto Centennial Avenue

0.40 mil Head southeast on Centennial Avenue toward Murray Street

0.94 mi Centennial Avenue turns right and becomes Boundary Street

0.97 mi Head southwest on Boundary Street toward Beaver Street

1.13 mi Turn right onto Thorn Street

1.15 mi Head northwest on Thorn Street toward Ackley Terrace

1.56 mi Head northwest on Thorn Street toward Broad Street

1.80 mi Turn right onto Little Street

1.81 mi Turn left onto Thorn Street

2.12 mi Turn right onto Academy Avenue

2.14 mi Head northeast on Academy Avenue toward Beaver Street

2.35 mi Turn right onto Centennial Avenue

2.37 mi Head southwest on Centennial Avenue toward Pine Road

2.72 mi Turn left onto Blackburn Road

2.74 mi Head northeast on Blackburn Road toward Backbone Road

3.04 mi Turn left

3.10 mi Destination 

Learn everything you need to know before race day—registration details, packet pickup, start times, parking, course logistics, safety guidelines, timing, awards, and how your participation supports the YMCA’s Faith In Action program. Use this guide to prepare for a fun, safe, and memorable Thanksgiving morning at the Sewickley Turkey Trot.

Jump to:

• Register Now

• Packet Pickup

• Race Day Details

• Course Logistics

• Parking and Safety

• Timing, Awards, and Swag

• Mission and Impact: Why We Run

Registration

Q: What does my registration fee include?

Your registration includes our 2026 Turkey Trot swag, race bib, a fully supported 5K course, post-race snacks, and access to the awards ceremony.

Q: Can I register on Thanksgiving morning?

Yes. Although we encourage participants to register in advance, race-day registration is available. Please arrive early to complete your registration and reach the start line before 8:30 a.m.

Q: Is the race for all ages and abilities?

Yes. The Sewickley Turkey Trot is designed for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Walkers should begin toward the back of the start area and stay to the side of the route to give runners a clear path.

Q: Are strollers allowed in the race?

Yes! Strollers are welcome. For everyone’s safety, we recommend lining up near the back of the start area—along with walkers—to keep the course clear for runners.

Q: Can I bring my dog to the race?

We love dogs, but for the safety of all participants and due to the size of the event, we ask that pets stay at home.

Q: Will the race be canceled due to weather?

No. The Sewickley Turkey Trot is a rain-or-shine event.

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Packet Pickup

Q: When and where can I pick up my race packet?

Packet pickup will take place on Wednesday, November 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sewickley Valley YMCA Walter J. Brannon Community Activity Center, located in the upper parking lot on the YMCA campus on Blackburn Road. (Look for the turkey!) Race-day pickup is also available from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.

Q: Can I pick up packets for friends or family members?

Yes. You may pick up packets for friends and family.

Q: Can I pick up my packet on race morning?

Yes. Race-day packet pickup is available on Thanksgiving morning from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. However, we strongly recommend picking up on Wednesday to avoid long lines and race-morning delays.

Q: Can I pick up my packet outside the designated times?

No. Due to record-high registration, participants cannot pick up packets outside the posted pickup windows.

Q: If I miss packet pickup, can I pick it up on race day?

Yes. Packet pickup is open on Thanksgiving morning from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. We strongly recommend picking up your packet on Wednesday to avoid race-day lines.

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Race Day Details

Q: What is the schedule for race day?

• 07 a.m. — Race-day registration & packet pickup opens
• 08:30 a.m. — Timed 5K begins
• 09:20 a.m. — Awards ceremony

Please arrive one hour before the Turkey Trot to secure parking and reach the start line on time.

Q: Where is the start line?

The race begins at War Memorial Park, 811 Blackburn Road, Sewickley, PA and the race course runs through the streets of Sewickley.

Q: What do I do after the race?

Enjoy water and snacks, check your results on your phone, pick up your award if applicable, and celebrate the start of your Thanksgiving Day with us!

Q: Will there be a bag drop?

No. For security reasons, we do not offer a bag drop. Please leave valuables at home.

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Course Logistics

Q: Where do I go once I park?

Head to War Memorial Park to stretch, enjoy the music, and visit our sponsor tables while you wait for your event to begin.

Q: Will there be support along the course?

Yes. A water stop is located near the halfway point at the Sewickley Borough Building. Mile markers and race-day volunteers will also help keep you on the correct route.

Q: How do I exit the finish area after I complete the race?

After finishing, please exit by walking across the field and through the YMCA upper parking lot directly below War Memorial Park. For safety reasons, participants cannot exit onto Blackburn Road.

Q: How is traffic managed during the race?

Sewickley Borough Police and our volunteers will be stationed throughout the course to stop traffic and ensure participant safety. While limited public traffic may be present, please follow all volunteer directions.

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Parking and Safety

Q: Where can I park on race morning?

Free parking is available in the AHN Parking Garage, accessible from the Blackburn Road entrance across from the YMCA. Gates will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.  and a volunteer will direct you to a parking spot to help maximize available space. Once the race begins, the main garage gates will close, and cars must exit through the Locust Street exit.

Q: Can I park in the Sewickley Valley YMCA lots?

No. Parking in the Sewickley Valley YMCA upper and lower lots is not available on race morning. Please use the AHN Parking Garage via the Blackburn Road entrance between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Q: How do I exit the parking garage after the race?

All vehicles must exit through the Locust Street exit. Participants will not be permitted to exit onto Blackburn Road. One lane of Blackburn Road is reserved for race participants, while the other must remain open for hospital access.

Q: What is the safest way to walk to and from the start/finish area?

For your safety, please walk through the YMCA upper parking lot, past the Turkey and Community Activity Center, to reach the starting line. After completing the race, all participants must exit by crossing the field below War Memorial Park and walking through the YMCA upper parking lot to reach the parking garage.  Participants cannot walk down Blackburn Road to return to their cars because it poses a danger to those still completing the race and police are actively managing one lane of traffic to and from the hospital.  

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Timing, Awards, and Swag

Q: How will I be timed?

Your race bib includes a disposable timing chip. To be officially timed, wear the bib on the front of your clothing and make sure it is visible and not covered by layers.

Q: Who will receive awards?

The Sewickley Turkey Trot has awards and swag! Medals are awarded to:

• The top three male and female finishers in each age group
• The overall male and female winners

Age groups: 12 & under, 13–15, 16–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+.

Q: Can I exchange my t-shirt size?

No. Due to record-high registration, participants cannot exchange shirt sizes or pick up packets outside the posted pickup windows.

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Mission and Impact: Why We Run

Q: Who does the Turkey Trot support?

Your participation supports Faith In Action, a free community outreach program of the Sewickley Valley YMCA. The program provides volunteer drivers who help older adults remain independent by offering transportation to medical appointments and treatments, as well as referrals to essential community services.

Why does the YMCA host the Turkey Trot each year?

The Sewickley Turkey Trot is more than a 5K—it’s a community tradition that brings people together in the spirit of health, gratitude, and connection. Hosting this event each year reflects the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community through wellness, belonging, and supporting neighbors in need.

 

Need more information?

If you need additional information about the Sewickley Turkey Trot 5K—registration, course details, or volunteering—please contact the Sewickley Valley YMCA at 412-741-9622. Our team is here to help you have an great Turkey Trot experience!

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Sewickley Turkey Trot 2025 Volunteer Opportunities

Help make Thanksgiving morning memorable for thousands of participants.

The Sewickley Turkey Trot wouldn’t be possible without the support of dedicated volunteers. Your time and energy help create a safe, fun, and meaningful Thanksgiving morning event for runners, walkers, and families.

Every volunteer shift also strengthens the impact of Faith In Action, the Sewickley Valley YMCA’s free outreach program providing transportation and support for older adults in our region.

We still have many Sewickley Turkey Trot volunteer opportunities available! Most opportunities are youth-friendly when a parent or guardian is present, making this a wonderful way for families to give back together.

To view all available volunteer roles and shifts, please visit our volunteer sign-up page and select the spot that works best for you.

Below are the registration fees for the Sewickley Turkey Trot 2025 5K Run/Walk, including adult, youth, and family pricing options. All participants receive race swag, a timed bib (except free stroller riders), and access to a fully supported Thanksgiving morning 5K event.

Adult Pricing

$35 — Adults (18 and up)

Youth Pricing

$20 — Youth (17 and under)
Automatically applied at checkout.

Free — Children in strollers or carried
(No timing chip, bib, or t-shirt included.)

Family Pack Registration

For families of four or more, please select “Multi-Person Pricing” from the registration drop-down menu.

$100 — Family of 4
$125 — Family of 5
$150 — Family of 6
$175 — Family of 7

Registration fees apply to all participants in the Sewickley Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

Race Awards

Awards will be presented at 9:20 a.m. at the finish line for:

• The top three overall male finishers
• The top three overall female finishers
• The top three male and female finishers in each age group

Age Group Categories

• 12 and under
• 13–15 years old
• 16–19 years old
• 20–29 years old
• 30–39 years old
• 40–49 years old
• 50–59 years old
• 60–69 years old
• 70 and over

These categories ensure runners of all ages are recognized for their effort on this Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk.

Turkey Trot Swag

Turkey Trot t-shirts are available while supplies last. Participants who register earlier are more likely to receive their preferred size at packet pickup.

Shirt sizes are ordered based on the selections made during registration. Please note that size exchanges cannot be made after November 1, at packet pickup, or on race day.

Our annual Turkey Trot shirt is always a participant favorite—register early for the best availability.

Sewickley Turkey Trot 5K: T-Shirt