BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — In 2020, many of Western New York's beloved holiday traditions have been canceled or reimagined, starting with the St. Patrick's Day parade in March.
On Tuesday, the organizers of one tradition announced their plans to keep running. YMCA Buffalo Niagara says the 125th annual Turkey Trot will be run on Thanskgiving morning, with new measures in place to ensure runners' safety.
The race in Downtown Buffalo will be limited to 125 runners, departing from the starting line in waves of 15 people at a time. The runners must be at least 18 years old to participate. Spectators will not be allowed.
NEW RULES:
— Taylor Epps (@taylor_epps_) September 8, 2020
•There will be 125 runners this year
• Runners must be 18 years or older
• Runners will go in waves, 15 per group@WKBW
Virtual registration opens at 7pm. The YMCA will announce the 125 runners selected for the Downtown Buffalo run will be announced on September 28th. 7 Eyewitness News is working to learn how the selection process will take place.
Here are some more rules outlined by the YMCA:
- Entrants must live in Western New York
- Entrants must commit to fundraising a minimum of $1,000 to support the YMCA’s mission
- Entrants must be registered for the virtual race and sign up to be placed in the live race lottery no later than September 25
- Live race participants will run a modified 8k / 4.97 mile looped course that begins and ends at the Delaware Family YMCA in North Buffalo on Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, November 26
- Registration for the live race is $125
- Registration for the virtual race is $35
Runners who are not selected for the Downtown Buffalo race will be able to participate remotely in their own neighborhoods.
