Community can now sign up to join 20,000+ participants in Downtown Dallas
Dallas, TX – June 2026 – Monday, June 1, is the first day of registration for the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, presented by Texas Health. Now in its 59th year, thousands of runners and walkers are expected to fill the streets of Downtown Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th, as part of the largest YMCA event in North Texas.
Participants have the opportunity to take part in either timed or untimed routes. For timed 8-Mile or 5K, tickets are $41. Untimed tickets are $35. For timed youth under 12 years of age, 8-Mile or 5K, tickets are $34. Untimed youth are $27. The Tot Trot registration for babies and toddlers is $18. Strollers are allowed on the 5K and 8-mile courses, and families with strollers are encouraged to start at the back of the untimed corral. Dogs are also invited to the dog trot for $15 (all dogs must be on a leash and owners must clean up after them).
For runners and walkers looking for VIP perks, the Y invites them to The Roost, an exclusive and private outdoor dining space with buffet-style offerings. A standard pass is $27 and a premium pass is $37 (includes two alcoholic beverages and is only available for those 21+).
New activities for 2026 include:
- Soccer pitch: To commemorate the biggest sporting event Dallas has seen in years, fans will be able to enjoy a mini-game of futbol before or after the race!
- Doubling the size of the petting zoo: With the success of last year’s farm animal spotlight, the Y is bringing back the fun with twice as many critters!
Trotters’ favorite activities return:
- Double Costume Contests: Participants and their pups have a chance to take part in two separate costume contests for judges. Turkey-themed, superheroes, and dressed as everything in-between, trotters can show off their best creative costume!
- Pup Medals: The first 750 dogs to cross the 5k finish line will earn a medal.
- Diaper Dash: Even the smallest trotters can place in this “race,” exclusively on a 12-foot mat in their Turkey Trot onesies.
- Family Zone: Kids of all ages can play outdoor games such as giant checkers or chess, and hang out in the Y’s video gaming mobile truck. Photo opportunities will also be available with Tommy and Tammy Turkey’s.
“The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot has evolved tremendously over the last few years, not only in the number of people who participate, but the experience we curate for our community” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “Although competitive runners thrive in this flat, fast race, we are equally committed to creating meaningful experiences for families and individuals. By blending community activities, food, and music, we are crafting a lasting holiday tradition.”
Participation supports critical YMCA programs like chronic disease prevention, swim safety lessons, youth sports, community food distribution, camps, pre-school education and much more in communities the Y serves including: Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Palo Pinto, and Rockwall counties.
“Texas Health is proud to continue our support of the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, a tradition that brings our community together around movement, wellness and connection,” said Chris York, FACHE, president of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. “Healthy habits are built one step at a time, which is why we created the Train To Trot program – to help participants prepare safely and build confidence. We’re excited to once again join thousands of North Texans as we trot through the heart of Dallas together.”
The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is proudly presented by Texas Health and supported by Southwest Airlines, Luke’s Locker, Amazon, Huntington Bank, PepsiCo, Downtown Dallas, Inc., and Children’s Health. Sponsorships are still available! For sponsorship information, please contact Melis Jones, Senior Director of Corporate Relations, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, at (469) 795-4222 or email melis.jones@ymcadallas.org.
New this year, the Y has also partnered with local hotels including the Omni and Aloft, for ease and comfort for visitors.
To register and get the latest updates, visit ymcadallas.org/turkeytrot. Volunteer opportunities are also available, interested individuals can sign up online or the day before The Trot. The event will take place rain or shine!
Media Contact: Nicole Rosales, nicole@allynmedia.com, 214-549-5833
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 17 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.
Submitted by Nicole Rosales | PR Associate, Allyn Media
