8-Mile Run 

We have made a number of changes to Trot 2020 to keep our participants, volunteers, and staff comfortable and safe while participating in the annual tradition that has been enjoyed for generations. We are following guidelines and best practices provided by the CDC, State of Texas, Dallas County, and the City of Dallas for outdoor run/walk events. As guidance is updated or changed, we will communicate changes to race protocols.

• The overall capacity of the in-person Turkey Trot will be limited to 10,000 registered participants
• There will not be registration on race day. Registration will occur online only through 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 25 or until the capacity has been reached, whichever comes first. Bibs may be picked up race day morning by anyone that pre-registered for the in-person event. T-shirts and other swag may not be available on race day, so we strongly encourage packets to be picked up in advance. Dates, times, and locations of packet pickup are to be determined.
• In 2020, there are three start times for participants to self-select during registration for the Timed or Untimed registration. 5K participants can choose to start their run/walk at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. or at 10:00 a.m. and 8-mile participants can choose to start at 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.
• There will be at least 2 additional staging areas for Timed and Untimed runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs that are available on a first come-first served basis to a combined maximum human capacity of 3000 participants for each start time.
• The corrals and staging areas will be marked for participants to physically distance at least 6' from participants not in the same household. Each 6’ marker should have no more than 1 adult and 2 kids or 2 adults from the same household. Groups/families with more people will be encouraged to spread their group to nearby 6’ distancing marks.
• Participants over the age of 2 years old will be required to wear face coverings or masks while in the staging areas/corrals, and can remove them once they have passed the start line and are able to physically distance themselves from other runners and walkers, approximately 1/2 mile or more onto the course.
• Water stops will still be available on the course with bottled water only. Participants will receive guidance closer to the event regarding the proper disposal of the container when it is empty. 
• Individually packaged snacks will replace whole fruit at the finish lines. Participants are encouraged to bring their own preferred post-race refueling snack, fruit, or beverage.
• A virtual option is available for participants who may be unable to attend in person. This virtual option includes the Trot t-shirt and other participant swag that is to be determined.
• Hand-washing units will be added at every portable toilet bank at City Hall Plaza. Hand sanitizer will also be available at key areas around City Hall Plaza and at the portable toilets along the course routes.
• All volunteers, staff and sponsor representatives will be required to wear a face covering or mask.
• Participants over the age of 2 years old will be required to wear face coverings or masks when 6’ of physical distancing is difficult to maintain.  For race day this means when moving to/from areas, while in the staging areas/corrals, using common areas, etc.  Once a runner has passed the start line and they are able to physically distance themselves from other runners and walkers (approximately 1/2 mile or more onto the course), they may remove their mask if necessary.
• Volunteers, staff, sponsor representatives, and participants will physically distance themselves from others not in the same household.
• Participants will be asked to self-screen for health and close contact prior to the event day.
• Staff and volunteers will be temperature checked and health screened prior to beginning their work on race day.
• Other changes may be made with or without notice if required by new state or local guidelines or if deemed to be a positive change to promote the health and safety of our participants. Any additional changes will be communicated to participants when they occur.

If you do not find an answer to your question in the FAQs, please feel free to email us at turkeytrot@ymcadallas.org

Q: Can I walk the 8 miles?
A: Yes, we have lots of walkers. We ask walkers to start at the back of the pack. Any runners who have not passed Union station by 10:45 a.m. will be asked to take a shorter route to the finish line. The 8-mile course will close at 11:00 a.m. at the mile 4 marker. The race course officially closes at 12 p.m..

Q: Is there assistance available if I can’t do the whole course?
A: Yes, we have paramedics, radio operators and police officers patrolling the course. If you need assistance, just ask a volunteer or an officer for help. We also have water stops and restrooms located on the course.

Q: Do you need to be timed to receive an award?
A: Yes, only runners or wheelchair racers with a timed bib are eligible to receive age group and overall prizes/awards.

Q: Do you offer Finisher Medals for runners who complete the 8-Mile course?
A: We offer a limited number of finisher medals. Details coming soon!    

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, well-socialized, non-aggressive dogs are welcome at the Trot.  Dogs may come as spectators with their owners or they may participate in the Trot by completing a Dog Registration and receiving a Turkey Trot dog bandanna.  Dogs will not be permitted in the Timed Runner Corral.  Dog owners are solely responsible for their pets’ actions and must agree to follow the Dog/Stroller Policy* for the safety of all participants. *Please see Dog/Stroller Policy below.

*Dog/Stroller Policy:

Participants with dogs and/or strollers are not permitted in the Timed Runner Corral.
Participants with dogs and/or strollers should line up at the back of the run/walk pack.  Let the runners get up ahead so all may enjoy the course safely.
We recommend participants with dogs and/or strollers walk the course, however if you choose to run the course with your dog/stroller, please use extreme caution for the safety of your child,your dog and others running around you. We want all pups, kids and participants to complete the course safely.
Only dogs who are well-socialized with other dogs and people should be brought to the Trot.  For the safety of all, please use your good judgment knowing your dog’s personality and behaviors.
Dog owner/handlers must be 18 years of age or older.
Dog owners/handlers may only be responsible for one dog at a time during the Trot.
All dogs must be on an appropriate leash at all times.  Fixed length/static leashes not longer than 3 feet should be used to prevent a hazard to other participants.
Dog owner/handler is expected to be a responsible dog owner, provide appropriate water and pick up after their pet at all times.