Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K

Thursday, November 26, 2026 • Six Locations & Virtual!, MD
Registration Closed
Register Now — From $35.00

When is Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K?

Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026 in Six Locations & Virtual!, MD.

What distances does Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K offer?

Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K offers 7 events: 5K Arnold, 5K Baltimore, 5K Bel Air, 5K Ellicott City, 5K Towson, 5K Westminster, 5K Virtual.

Event Distance Price
5K Arnold 5.0 km $35.00 Register
5K Baltimore 5.0 km $35.00 Register
5K Bel Air 5.0 km $35.00 Register
5K Ellicott City 5.0 km $35.00 Register
5K Towson 5.0 km $35.00 Register
5K Westminster 5.0 km $35.00 Register
5K Virtual 5.0 km $35.00 Register

How much does Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K cost?

Registration for Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K starts at $35.00. Prices vary by event distance.

Where is Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K held?

Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K is held in Six Locations & Virtual!, MD at IN PERSON & VIRTUAL.

About Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K

 

You’re invited to continue your Thanksgiving tradition (or start a new one!) with the Y! 

The Trot is a guaranteed way to get a healthy start to your day and do something good for your community. It also makes you feel better about the pie. Trust us.

With six race locations across central Maryland, the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K is for people of all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome (including your pup!)

Register Now — From $35.00

Towson

We look forward to seeing you at our annual Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K in Towson!

Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 • 8:30 am • The Orokawa Y in Towson (600 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson, MD 21204)

Course
Walk or run starting the Orokawa Y in Towson, running through the streets of West Towson and Southland Hills. Finishing at the Orokawa Y.

Towson Race Map

Parking
Free for Turkey Trot participants until 11:30 am at the Baltimore County Parking Garage (Baltimore Ave)

Packet Pick-up Times
We strongly encourage you to pick up your packets (shirt + bib) in advance as lines on Thanksgiving morning can be long. You may pick up packets for friends and family, just have their first and last names.

Y Turkey Trot Food Drive
Join in our efforts to help stock our community pantries by donating non-perishable and canned food to families and individuals who are food insecure. We are also collecting women's sanitary items, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and diapers. The drive will take place in the center between Nov 1 - 27. 

Not a Y member yet?
Your registration kicks off your complimentary Y membership – good for up to 30 days until January 31, 2026! Stop by any Y Center with your receipt to activate. Offer available to new members only.

Join our digital community, the Y Turkey Trotters Club 
Share your successes, connect with other runners, and be entered to win swag and prizes every week by joining our Turkey Trotters Facebook group!

For more information about the Towson Turkey Trot, please contact Jovan Custis at 410-823-8870 or jovancustis@ymaryland.org 

5K Training Program

We’re excited to welcome back Charm City Run as our official training partner and invite you to register for their 6-week Turkey Trot 5K Training Program!

Whether you’re a walker looking to take your first running steps or a 5K veteran looking to improve your race time this fall, this training group is for you! 

Offered at all Charm City Run locations across Maryland, participants will meet twice a week in a supportive small group setting with an expert coach for speed workouts and group runs in addition to following a weekly training plan solo.

Each program has options for both beginner and intermediate runners. There’s even a virtual training option, too!

Participants will also receive weekly emails with training plans, access to an expert coach, running education on topics including hydration and injury prevention, an Under Armour premium, and a 10% discount at all Charm City Run stores.

Training starts October XXth. 

Registration is $85. To register, please visit the Charm City Run website.

Arnold

We look forward to seeing you at our Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K in Arnold! 


Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 • 8:30 am • The Y in Arnold (1209 Ritchie Hwy, Arnold, MD 21012)

Course
Walk or run in and around the campus of Anne Arundel Community College starting and ending at the West Campus Drive entrance.


Parking
Complimentary at The Y in Arnold (Greater Annapolis) and within the Anne Arundel Community College campus, but NOT on the racecourse.

Packet Pick Up
We strongly encourage you to pick up your packets (shirt + bib) in advance, as lines on Thanksgiving morning can be long and packet pick up will close at 8am on Thanksgiving morning. Please arrive early if you need to pick up your packet on race morning. You may pick up packets for friends and family, just have their first and last names.

Tuesday, November 25: The Y in Arnold (Greater Annapolis), 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, November 26: The Y in Arnold (Greater Annapolis), 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday, November 27:  The Y in Arnold (Greater Annapolis), 7:00 am - 8:00 am

Y Turkey Trot Food Drive
Join in our efforts to help stock our community pantries by donating non-perishable and canned food to families and individuals who are food insecure. We are also collecting women's sanitary items, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and diapers. The drive will take place in the center between Nov 1 - 27. 

Not a Y member yet?
Your registration kicks off your complimentary Y membership – good for up to 30 days until January, 2026! Stop by any Y Center with your receipt to activate. 
Not available to current Y members.

Join our digital community, the Y Turkey Trotters Club 
Share your successes, connect with other runners, and be entered to win swag and prizes every week by joining our Turkey Trotters Facebook group!

For more information about the Arnold Turkey Trot, please contact Kristine Pennington at 410-437-4242 or kristinepennington@ymaryland.org.

Baltimore City

We look forward to seeing you at our Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K in Baltimore City!

Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 • 8:30 am • The Weinberg Y in Waverly (900 E 33rd St, Baltimore, MD 21218)

Course
A walk or run starting at the Weinberg Y in Waverly, down 33rd Street, around the beautiful Lake Montebello until turnaround point and ending back at the Y. 


Parking
Parking will be available at the Weinberg Y in Waverly or the upper-lot of Johns Hopkins University at Eastern (at the corner of Loch Raven Blvd and Eastern).

Packet Pick-up Times
We strongly encourage you to pick up your packets (shirt + bib) in advance, as lines on Thanksgiving morning can be long. You may pick up packets for friends and family, just have their first and last names.

Y Turkey Trot Food Drive
Join in our efforts to help stock our community pantries by donating non-perishable and canned food to families and individuals who are food insecure. We are also collecting women's sanitary items, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and diapers. The drive will take place in the center between Nov 1 - 27. 

Not a Y member yet?
Your registration kicks off your complimentary Y membership – good for up to 30 days until January 31, 2026! Stop by any Y Center with your receipt to activate. Not available to current Y members.

Join our digital community, the Y Turkey Trotters Club 
Share your successes, connect with other runners, and be entered to win swag and prizes every week by joining our Turkey Trotters Facebook group!

For more information about the Baltimore City Turkey Trot, please contact Lindsay Mszanski at 410.889.9622 or lindsaymszanski@ymaryland.org@ymaryland.org

Bel Air

We look forward to seeing you at our Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K in
Bel Air!

Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 • 8:30 am • McComas Funeral Home (50 W. Broadway St.)

Course
Walk or run starting on the historic streets of downtown Bel Air and ending on the scenic MA & PA Trail!

Bel Air race course

Parking
Courtland Street Garage, Harford Mutual and anywhere else in town that is not on the racecourse :)

Packet Pick-up Times
We strongly encourage you to pick up your packets (shirt + bib) in advance, as lines on Thanksgiving morning can be long. You may pick up packets for friends and family, just have their first and last names. Please note, there will be no packet pick-up available at Charm City Run. 

Y Turkey Trot Food Drive
Join in our efforts to help stock our community pantries by donating non-perishable and canned food to families and individuals who are food insecure. We are also collecting women's sanitary items, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and diapers. The drive will take place in the center between Nov 1 - 27. 

Not a Y member yet?
Your registration kicks off your complimentary Y membership – good for up to 30 days until January 31, 2026! Stop by any Y Center with your receipt to activate. Not available to current Y members.

Join our digital community, the Y Turkey Trotters Club 
Share your successes, connect with other runners, and be entered to win swag and prizes every week by joining our Turkey Trotters Facebook group!

For more information about the Bel Air Turkey Trot, please contact Anthony Strickland at 410.679.9622 or anthonystrickland@ymaryland.org

Community Impact

Thank you again to everyone who supported the 2024 Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K!

Your efforts are a testament to the human spirit and to what is possible when a whole lot of well-meaning, big-hearted people decide to do something truly good together.

 

Ellicott City

We look forward to seeing you at our Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K in Ellicott City! 

Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 • 8:30 am • Long Gate Shopping Center (4300 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043)

Course
Walk or run starting on Long Gate Parkway, running down to Meadowbrook Lane, looping around and finishing at Long Gate Shopping Center.

Ellicott City race map

Parking
Long Gate Shopping Center and the Dancel Y in Ellicott City lot.

Packet Pick-up Times:
We strongly encourage you to pick up your packets (shirt + bib) in advance, as lines on Thanksgiving morning can be long. You may pick up packets for friends and family, just have their first and last names.

Y Turkey Trot Food Drive
Join in our efforts to help stock our community pantries by donating non-perishable and canned food to families and individuals who are food insecure. We are also collecting women's sanitary items, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and diapers. The drive will take place in the center between Nov 1 - 27. 

Not a Y member yet?
Your registration kicks off your complimentary Y membership – good for up to 30 days until January 31, 2026! Stop by any Y Center with your receipt to activate. Not available to current Y members.

Join our digital community, the Y Turkey Trotters Club 
Share your successes, connect with other runners, and be entered to win swag and prizes every week by joining our Turkey Trotters Facebook group!

For more information about the Ellicott City Turkey Trot, please contact Al Obayuwana at 410.465.4334 or alphonsusobayuwana@ymaryland.org@ymaryland.org

FAQs

 

What You Need to Know


GENERAL REGISTRATION 

What is your refund policy? 
Registration fees are non-refundable and go to helping families in central Maryland that are in critical need of assistance.

Do I have to be a Y member?
Everyone is welcome! 

Is it possible to switch my race location?
Yes! You’ll be able to change your race event location until November 23. Here’s a short video to help show you how to switch events.

Is it possible to switch my shirt size? 
Yes! You’ll be able to switch your shirt size until November 23. Here’s a short video with how you can do this.

Where can I find details on packet pick-up (shirt and bib)?
Everything you need to know can be found here.

Is my registration tax-deductible?
A portion of your registration fee and all donations are tax-deductible. The Y in Central Maryland is designated as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Your contribution is tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon the successful completion of your donation. For a copy of our current financial statement, please contact us at 303 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21204 or 443-322-9622.  

Are dogs allowed?
Yes! You can even buy them an awesome dog bandana when you register! We ask that dogs who attend are well-socialized, well-behaved, on a leash at all times, and line up with their owners at the back of the pack (also, please clean up after your pooch).

Are children welcome? 
Absolutely! 

Are strollers allowed?
Yes! Strollers are permitted on the course; however, we ask that you line up at the back of the pack for safety reasons.

What t-shirt size should I get?

Youth t-shirts are 65/35 polyester/cotton. The sizing is as follows:

Small -  length 20, chest width 15
Medium - length 22, chest width 17

Adult unisex t-shirts are 50/50 cotton/polyester. The sizing is as follows: 

Small - length 28, chest width 18
Medium  - Length 29, chest width 20
Large - length 30, chest width 22
Extra Large - length 31, chest width 24
2XL - length 32, chest width 26

Can I have my shirt mailed to me?
Shirts can only be mailed to virtual participants who live outside of Maryland. Otherwise, please head to your packet pick-up location. We'd love to say hi! Packet pick-up details can be found here. 

Can I order additional Turkey Trot swag?
Yes! Please visit the Turkey Trot Swag Store and have fun! We have a selection of hats, beanies, shirt, and jackets ready for you to order. 

All accessories and apparel are custom-made and will be shipped within 10-14 business days. Orders are processed weekly, every Friday. The last date for orders for which we can guarantee delivery before Thanksgiving is October 31. All orders are final with proceeds supporting the Y Open Doors fund which enables access and inclusion in healthy Y programs for all. 

Who can I contact about my Turkey Trot swag order?
Please email turkeytrot@ymaryland.org

Can I create a team?
Yes! Whether it be with friends, family or work colleagues, we’d love you to register a team. All you need to do is select the ‘Create a Team’ option when you register and you’ll be off and running! 

Is there a training program I can join?
Yes! With Charm City Run as our official training partner, you can register for their 6-week Turkey Trot Training Program. Training starts October 19th. Check out more information here.

VIRTUAL REGISTRATION 

How does the virtual Turkey Trot work?
All you need to do is download your race bib (optional) and run or walk (or even swim!) 5K between November 26 through November 30. Once you have completed your 5K, you can submit your results, download your finisher certificate and upload your pictures!  

When should I complete my 5K?
You are encouraged to complete your virtual trot between November 25 through November 30. 

Do I have to run it?
Interested in completing your 5K a little differently? Go for it! Swimming a virtual 5K would be 219 laps of a 25-yard pool. Cycling a virtual 5K would be 11.78 miles and rowing a virtual 5K would be 2,000 meters.

Do I need my packet before I do my virtual trot?
It is not necessary to have your packet in hand to complete your virtual trot! You can post your results anytime between November 25 - 30 by clicking the results tab on our website. Here are all the pack pick-up dates and locations. 

How do I submit my virtual results?
Track your time with your smartphone and upload your results (optional) into RunSignUp (learn how to do that here) if you like! 

Do virtual participants get awarded medals?
While our virtual participants do not get awarded medals, you are encouraged to download your finisher certificate and celebrate your victory! 

Do you have any suggested race routes?
We sure do! You can find them here. 

I am from outside of Maryland. Can I have my shirt mailed to me?
Sure. We love our out-of-state Trotters! Shirts can be mailed to virtual participants that live outside of the state of Maryland for $8.99. Please select this option upon registration. 

RACE DAY 

What time does it start?
The Y Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 am on Thanksgiving morning.

What if it rains?
Y Turkey Trots are held rain or shine!

Can I dress up?
YES! From turkeys to chefs to cans of cranberry sauce, we would love to see you in a costume on Thanksgiving morning! 

What time should I arrive?
If you are registered, please plan to arrive at the event at least 30 minutes before the start time (by 8:00 am). If you are registering on event day, please plan to arrive at least one hour before the 5K begins. 

Where do I park?
Click on your race location to find parking details. 
ARNOLD • BALTIMORE CITY • BEL AIR • ELLICOTT CITY • TOWSON • WESTMINSTER

Are there prizes? 

Yes - medals will be awarded to the top three overall male, female, and non-binary individuals and the top three male and female individuals in the following age groups: 9 years and under, 10-15 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, and 70+ years.

Is the run timed?
Yes! All runners, except children, virtual participants and dogs, are timed. All race results will be uploaded to yturkeytrot.org by midday Thanksgiving morning. You can also receive a text with your results (please select that option at registration). 

DONATIONS, FUNDRAISING and VOLUNTEERING

Where does the money go? 
Proceeds support the Y Open Doors fund enabling access and inclusion in healthy Y programs for all.

I’m not registered to run on the day but I would still like to fundraise. Is this possible?
Yes please and thank you! All you need to do is "Become a Fundraiser" and set yourself up with an online fundraising page for you to collect donations.

Can I make a general donation to the event?
Yes, please! Your donation will go a long way in helping children and adults afford Y programs that keep them safe, engaged and healthy. Tax-deductible donations can be made here.

Where can I find materials to help me fundraise?
If you need a little bit of extra support, you can find some helpful fundraising resources on our website.

Are donations tax-deductible? 
The Y in Central Maryland is designated as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Your contribution is tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation. For a copy of our current financial statement, please contact us at 303 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21204 or 443-322-9622.

How do I volunteer for the Turkey Trot?
Hundreds of energetic and kind-hearted volunteers help make the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K possible every year.  Volunteer registration can be found here. 

How do I get involved in the food drive?
Join in our efforts to help stock our community pantries by donating non-perishable and canned food to families and individuals who are food insecure. We are also collecting women's sanitary items, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and diapers. The drive will take place at Y family centers between Nov 1 - 27. 

Can my business sponsor the Turkey Trot?
Yes please and thank you! Please contact turkeytrot@ymaryland.org for more information on how you can sponsor this well-loved MD tradition.

 

Fundraising Resources


Proceeds from the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K support the Y Open Doors fund enabling access and inclusion in healthy Y programs for all.

By fundraising, you are making a tremendous difference in the lives of so many children, youth, adults, and families in our community.

GETTING STARTED

For participants: Upon registration, you’ll be sent an email asking you to claim your fundraising page. Once claimed, you’ll be on your way to fundraising glory! Can’t find the email? Login here.

For fundraisers: For those who purely want to fundraise, you'll need to create your page. You can do that here. 

FUNDRAISING RESOURCES
From photos to social media scripts, fundraising resources can be found here.
You can also download our Fundraising Guide!

FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES 
Raising funds for the Y in Central Maryland’s work and knowing you are changing lives has its own rewards, but we also want to recognize the incredible work that our Y Turkey Trot fundraisers do!  


The top fundraisers per race location also receive a three-month family membership. The overall top fundraiser receives a one-year family membership. 

MORE

Packet Pick Up

We strongly encourage you to pick up your packets (shirt + bib)  in advance, as lines on Thanksgiving morning can be long. You may pick up packets for friends and family, just have their first and last names. 

Virtual participants can pick up their packets from the location selected upon registration.  Please note, virtual participants outside of Maryland who selected to have their shirts shipped, we can not guarantee they will be received prior to the event date. 

Non-perishable and canned food items will be also be collected during packet pick up!

ARNOLD 

BALTIMORE CITY 

BEL AIR 

ELLICOTT CITY

TOWSON

WESTMINSTER

Refund Policy

Registration fees are non-refundable and go to helping families in central Maryland that are in critical need of assistance.

Team Captain Corner

Our Turkey Trot Team Captains are awesome. So awesome in fact, that we want to share a few things to make the Turkey Trot experience even more memorable and impactful. Team Captains read on...

The More, The Merrier
Everyone loves to feel a part of something on Thanksgiving so why not invite more people to join you?  And because copy and paste is our friend, if you prefer to email/text/post directly to your peeps, you can use this: 

✂️ Hi! This Thanksgiving morning, I'm doing the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K at [insert race location]! It will be super fun and I would love you to join my team! Here's my team link: [insert team URL]. Whoo hoo! We're going to have a blast! 

Encourage Your Team to Go the Extra Mile!
Did you know that the money raised by the Turkey Trot supports the Y Open Doors fund enabling access and inclusion in healthy Y programs for all? 
 
- $25 covers the cost of a bag of groceries for a family or individual living in food insecurity
- $65 Helps a child or adult gain confidence, learn essential water safety skills, and enjoy the many benefits of Y Swim Lessons
- $118 gives a month of a Y Membership to a family of four, taking part in Y classes and family activities.
- $357 sends a child to camp for a week, giving them safety, fun and learning while school’s out.

Propel your team to fundraising glory by sharing your team fundraising goal with them; letting them know about all the cool fundraising incentives offered and the fundraising resources available, or by asking them to share their fundraising page with their friends, family and work colleagues via email, social media, or on their fav group chat! 

Upon registration, we automatically set everyone up with a fundraising page so they can log in here!

Interesting in becoming a team captain?
Yay! Whether it be with friends, family or work colleagues, we’d love you to register a team. All you need to do is select the ‘Create a Team’ option when you register and you’ll be off and running! 

 

Virtual

We look forward to "seeing you" at our Y Trot Trot Charity 5K!


As well as six race locations across central Maryland, you're invited to join us virtually!

Get out and trot your neighborhood sidewalk paths, head to your favorite running trail, or choose one of our suggested routes!

In order to complete your trot, all you need to do is run or walk (or even swim!) 5K anytime between Tuesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 30.

Once you have completed your 5K, you can submit your results, download your finisher certificate and upload your pictures!  

Virtual participants can pick up their packets from the location selected upon registration.  Please note, virtual participants outside of Maryland who selected to have their shirts shipped, we can not guarantee they will be received prior to the event date.

Interested in completing your 5K a little differently? Go for it! 

  • Swimming a virtual 5K would be 219 laps of a 25-yard pool
  • Cycling a virtual 5K would be 11.78 miles
  • Rowing a virtual 5K would be 2,000 meters

Join our digital community, the Y Turkey Trotters Club 
Share your successes, connect with other runners, and be entered to win swag and prizes every week by joining our Turkey Trotters Facebook group!

 

Volunteer

Hundreds of energetic and kind-hearted volunteers help make the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K possible every year.

Will you be one of them in 2025?

We are currently recruiting volunteers to fulfill a variety of fun volunteering roles including: 

  • Distributing race day packets at packet pick up 
  • Collecting, sorting, and bagging non-perishable foods in support of our food drives
  • Ensuring everything runs smoothly on Thanksgiving morning. 

Be part of something special this Thanksgiving. Volunteer at: 

Arnold
Baltimore City
Bel Air
Ellicott City
Towson
Westminster

If you have any other volunteer questions, please email turkeytrot@ymaryland.org


 

Westminster

We look forward to seeing you at our annual Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K in Westminster!

Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 • 8:30 am • The Hill Y in Westminster (1719 Sykesville Rd, Westminster, MD 21157)

Course
Walk or run starting at the Hill Y in Westminster, progressing on streets around the Career & Tech Bldg and Westminster High School and finishing at the Carroll Community College.



Parking

  • Carroll Community College lot. Parking will open at 7:00 am
  • There will be no parking in the Y parking lot; please park at Carroll Community College, follow signs to the start line.
  • Upon finishing the race, you will be able to leave the CCC parking area immediately and travel southbound on Rt 32.
  • Please do not park at Robert Moton Elem School or along Rt 32 - thank you!

Packet Pick Up Times
We strongly encourage you to pick up your packets (shirt + bib) in advance, as lines on Thanksgiving morning can be long. You may pick up packets for friends and family, just have their first and last names.

Y Turkey Trot Food Drive
Join in our efforts to help stock our community pantries by donating non-perishable and canned food to families and individuals who are food insecure. We are also collecting women's sanitary items, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and diapers. The drive will take place in the center between Nov 1 - 27. 

Not a Y member yet?
Your registration kicks off your complimentary Y membership – good for up to 30 days until January 31, 2026! Stop by any Y Center with your receipt to activate. Not available to current Y members.

Join our digital community, the Y Turkey Trotters Club 
Share your successes, connect with other runners, and be entered to win swag and prizes every week by joining our Turkey Trotters Facebook group!

For more information about the Westminster Turkey Trot, please contact Mike Walters at 410.848.3660 or MikeWalters@ymaryland.org 

Swag & Giveaways

5K Arnold: T-Shirt
5K Baltimore: T-Shirt
5K Bel Air: T-Shirt
5K Ellicott City: T-Shirt
5K Towson: T-Shirt
5K Westminster: T-Shirt
5K Virtual: T-Shirt
Register for Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K
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