Every Thanksgiving morning, before the parade floats roll and before turkeys hit the oven, tens of thousands of Buffalonians gather downtown for something even older than Thanksgiving football: the YMCA Turkey Trot. 

Part race, part parade, and all community, the Trot has become one of Buffalo’s most cherished traditions. Whether you are chasing a personal best, jogging with friends in costume, or walking with family, the event is about more than miles. It is about spirit. 

A Buffalo Tradition 

The YMCA Turkey Trot is the oldest continually run footrace in North America, dating back to 1896. What started as a small group of local runners has grown into an event that sells out every year, with participants from across Western New York and beyond. 

Generations of families lace up together, passing the tradition down like a favorite holiday recipe. For many, the Trot is the true start of Thanksgiving Day. 

At Buffalo Rehab Group, many of our clinicians run or volunteer at the event. We know firsthand how special it is to the community, which is why we are proud to support the race by sharing tips to help every participant enjoy the experience. 

Costumes, Music, and Energy 

If you line up at Delaware and Chippewa, you will see more than running shoes. The start looks like a parade: turkeys with feathers, superheroes in capes, Santas and elves, even full marching bands. 

Music pumps from speakers, spectators cheer from sidewalks, and every year Buffalo traditions sneak in. You are just as likely to see Bills jerseys as you are turkey tails, and the “Shout” song always finds its way into the day. 

It is eight kilometers of pure Buffalo energy. 

Community Impact 

The Turkey Trot is not just fun. It also makes a difference. Proceeds from the race support YMCA programs that strengthen families, promote health, and serve the community year-round. 

At BRG, we believe movement connects people. Whether that means helping a patient get back on their feet or joining thousands of neighbors for a run that benefits our city, supporting the YMCA Turkey Trot reflects our commitment to both healthy living and giving back to Buffalo. 

Making It Memorable 

There are countless ways to make the Trot your own: 

• • Run or walk with family and friends 
  • Take a group photo before or after the finish 
  • Cheer on the costumes and soak up the energy of the crowd 
  • Celebrate with post-race brunch or head home to enjoy your holiday meal 

Want to make your experience even smoother? Check out these popular Turkey Trot tips from earlier in our series: 

• • Warm Up, Run Strong, Cool Down: Your Complete Turkey Trot Guide
  • Costume Confidence: How to Go All-In Without Tripping Over a Turkey Tail
  • Your Turkey Trot Race Day Checklist: What to Bring, Wear, and Do Before the Start

Key Takeaways 

• • The Turkey Trot is America’s oldest continually run footrace, right here in Buffalo 
  • Costumes, music, and community turn the event into a celebration 
  • Proceeds support YMCA programs that give back locally 
  • Buffalo Rehab Group shares resources to help you enjoy the event and stay moving strong 
  • It is not about how fast you finish, but about being part of the tradition 

The Spirit Lives On 

The Turkey Trot is Buffalo at its best: fun, resilient, and full of community pride. Whether you are running your first or your fifteenth, remember that every step is part of something bigger. 

From all of us at Buffalo Rehab Group, we wish you a happy, healthy, and movement-filled Thanksgiving. 

The Buffalo Turkey Trot is more than a race. It is a tradition that brings our community together year after year. With just a little preparation and recovery, you can enjoy every step and still have energy left for the holiday ahead.

And if aches or injuries get in the way, Buffalo Rehab Group’s Physical and Occupational Therapists are here to help. From training tips to recovery care, we will keep you moving strong this season. If you’re looking for something more specific, learn more about how Athletic Performance or Running Therapy could help you.

Treatment is covered by insurance, no referral is needed, and with flexible in-clinic and virtual appointments, getting started is easy.