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Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot

November 26, 2026 · 8:30 AMDallas, TX, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

52°F

41–63°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

66ft

Net elevation change +16 ft

Participants

20K

Major marathon

Crowd Rating

8/ 10

Excellent spectator turnout

Entry

Registration Open

8-Mile or 5K (Timed)

$44

Chip-timed entry with access to the Timed Participant corral at the 8:30 a.m. start. Price rises on October 27 and November 10, 2026.

Official Website

Key Dates

1. Price Increase
  Sep 22, 2026
  Second registration price tier begins.
2. Price Increase
  Oct 27, 2026
  Third registration price tier begins.
3. Price increase
  Oct 27, 2026
  Entry prices rise.
1. Price Increase
  Nov 10, 2026
  Fourth and final registration price tier begins.
2. Price increase
  Nov 10, 2026
  Entry prices rise again.
3. Race Day
  Nov 26, 2026
  8-Mile and 5K start from Dallas City Hall Plaza; timed corral at 8:30 a.m., untimed start at 9:00 a.m.
4. Online Registration Closes
  Nov 26, 2026
  Online registration closes at 6:00 p.m.; race-day registration is available 7:00-8:15 a.m.

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Races in Texas

The Lowdown

The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is Dallas's Thanksgiving Day tradition, run through the heart of downtown from Dallas City Hall Plaza on Young Street. First held in 1967 and moved downtown in 1979, the event marked its 59th edition in 2026 and now draws more than 20,000 runners, walkers, and their dogs — the 2011 edition set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as turkeys, with 36,820 entries. Participants choose a flat, fast 8-Mile (12.9 km) or 5K (5 km) course, each offered as a chip-timed race with a dedicated corral start or an untimed run/walk starting shortly after. Strollers are welcome on both routes, and the first 750 leashed dogs to finish the 5K earn a finisher medal. The race is a rain-or-shine event, though lightning can shorten or cancel it. Proceeds support YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas programs across six North Texas counties, including swim safety, youth sports, and food distribution.

Entry Methods: Online registration via RaceRoster
In-person race-day registration 7:00-8:15 a.m.
Eligibility: Open to all ages and fitness levels; separate Youth (7-12), Tots/Toddlers, and Diaper Dash categories for children
Required Documents: No photo ID required; participants pick up their bib in advance or register race-day (cash/card, subject to availability)
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Rain-or-shine event; the race may be shortened or canceled for lightning at the organizer's discretion; entry fees are generally non-refundable

Questions about the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 2026

When is the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 2026?

Thursday, November 26, 2026.

Where is the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot?

Dallas, TX, United States.

What time does the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot start?

The race starts at 8:30 AM, local time.

What is the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot time limit?

2 hours.

How do I enter the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 2026?

Registration is open. Nov 10, 2026: Price increase. Nov 26, 2026: Online Registration Closes. Ways in: Online registration via RaceRoster; In-person race-day registration 7:00-8:15 a.m.

How much does the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 2026 cost?

8-Mile or 5K (Timed): $44. 8-Mile or 5K (Untimed): $38. Youth 7-12 (Timed): $35. Youth 7-12 (Untimed): $28.

What is the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot elevation gain?

20 m (66 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +5 m (16 ft).

What is the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot course like?

It passes Dallas City Hall Plaza, Young Street and Downtown Dallas skyline.

What is the weather like at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot?

Race-day temperatures are usually 5–17 °C (41–63 °F). Feels cool.

How many runners does the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot have?

20,000 participants. Major marathon.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan your splits and finish time Race PredictorPredict your time from a recent result BQ CalculatorCheck your Boston qualifying time Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for cool weather Difficulty Analyzer66ft gain, 52°F avg Training PacesGet your VDOT training zones

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