FAQs

Why should I register early? Why not wait until the Monday?
Pre-registering is easy. You can do it in person at the Cobourg YMCA after September 1st or by  going online.  Online registration here.

This lets you be able to show up at the race and quickly pick-up your bib number and chip without much waiting. Otherwise you have to register at the event and this takes longer. You also save money if you register before September 1st!

What is a Family Rate?
The intent of the Family Rate is to allow a family with small children to attend without incurring a big cost. The Family Rate is good for two adults and up to 4 children 18 and under. You will get 25% off the regular pricing. Further subsidized rates are available by talking to the YMCA Membership desk. If you compare our cost to other chip timed races you will see we are very reasonably priced. Plus, the money goes to a great cause.  You can find a promo code for the Family Rate on the registration page.
 

How can I squeeze this fun event into my busy day?
I have guest coming!
The Turkey Trot is planned so that you could pop the bird into the oven, come out and enjoy the crisp fall morning at our wonderful event, and still get home before lunch.
Hey, you could even invite your weekend guests to join you for some fun at the Trot!

We want to stay as a family, but have kids that want to do the Kid Run.
There are some fun age specific events that kids can participate in, but you are welcome to participate as a family in any of the events. If you think you will be enjoying the event as a walk, please consider The Gobbler 2.5K. Remember course etiquette to stay to the right of the path to allow people to pass on the left.


Can I push my stroller on the course?
No strollers are allowed on the course during the event. We are thrilled that the Trot has something for everyone.  If you are looking at the events page you can see that there is something for all ages to participate in.  Some families will want to stay together and participate in one event.  We recommend the 2.5K Run/Walk.  The 2.5K Run/Walk would work well for carrying wee ones in a backpack or sling style carrier. During the running events strollers are asked to stay off the course.  There will be some challenging places where you will find a stroller just will not work well.

 
Can I walk at the Turkey Trot?
Sure!  The best event to choose if you want to walk would be The Gobbler 2.5K.  This is a great way to enjoy the fresh Fall air.  Race etiquette is to stay to the right of the course to allow passing on the left. Some people do a planned walk and run when they run and any event would be good for this style of running.
 

I’ve never been in a large event. What is the etiquette?
You are in for a treat.  Event etiquette is to stay to the right of the course to allow passing on the left.  As you approach someone from behind a polite call of, “On your left.” This let’s them know you are passing them on their left.
 

Is it true that there are hills?
The Turkey Trot is relatively flat. There is uneven ground and some rolling hills, but nothing big.  Being a flattish course, means you can push harder and go faster!
 
 
Are there medals for finishing?
We will have finisher medals for all 2.5K and 5K participants.
We do have special medals for the 2.5K or 5K runs.  Those runs do have medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd males and females in two categories  – 18 and under and 19 and older.  The 1K Kids run has fisher medals for all kids participating in the 1K run.  Some kids like to run the 1K for a race of their own and get a medal and then join a parent or guardian for the 2.5K/5K just for fun.
 

Someone told me it is a challenging course.
Challenging is all relative.  I find the course really fun.  The course can be done at your pace which allows you to determine how challenging it is.  That said, after you finish you will definitely deserve extra dessert at your Thanksgiving dinner.  It is not technically challenging in terms of terrain.
 

Can I bring my dog?
We love dogs, but dogs are not permitted on the course during the running events, but leashed dogs are always welcome to join the party in the start/finish field area.


How do you run in a full turkey costume?
Proudly!

 

What is the best way to cook my turkey?
If you are lucky like me, you are invited somewhere where they are cooking the turkey for you. However, if you are the cook, take a look at how the good people at Simple Bites suggest cooking a turkey.