FAQs & General Info

For registration questions or technical issues, please reach out to Race Roster Consumer Support
Call or Email: turkeytrot@ymcadallas.org
They will be able to resolve technical issues and answer questions related to online registration.

Q: How do I register for the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot?
A: Online registration will be available until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 27th.  Race day registration will be available at the event from 7:00 to 8:15 a.m.

Q: Can I get a refund?
A: Due to the nature of the event and the advanced ordering of supplies, no refunds will be issued for any reason. You may cancel your registrations, but no credit will be applied. Your registration fees go toward supporting the YMCA Community Health programs in metropolitan Dallas.

Q: Can I change categories? i.e., untimed to timed or live to virtual
A: Yes, you can. CLICK HERE to manage your registration category. When you change categories, you will only be charged the price difference. Remember that if you are changing to a category that costs less than the one you originally signed up for, no credit will be applied or refunded.

Q: Where do I pick up my packet?
A: Packet Pickup locations, dates, and times can be found HERE when they are finalized at the end of October. All race packets, including virtual ones, must be picked up during the scheduled packet pickup times. Shipping is no longer available.

Q: Can someone else pick up my packet?
A: Yes. The person picking up the packet(s) will need the participant’s name, birthdate, and confirmation number.

Q: Is there an extra fee to register?
A: Yes, a nominal processing fee will be charged for each registration.

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/wheelchair racers with a timed bib are eligible to receive age group and overall prizes/awards.

Q: Are there Finisher Medals?
A: There will be a limited number of finisher medals at both the 8-mile and 5K finish lines. We cannot guarantee that every participant will receive a medal.    

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.

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: Are there Finisher Medals?
A: There will be a limited number of finisher medals at both the 8-mile and 5K finish lines. We cannot guarantee that every participant will receive a medal. 

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.

Q: Who can participate in the Diaper Dash?

A: Babies of crawling age at the time of the race

Q: How Far is the Distance?

A: The mat is 20ft, and the crawling distance will be roughly 12ft

Q: What is the schedule like?

A: There will be 7 start times starting at 8:00 am and ending at 11:00 am. They will be 30-minute slots.

Q: Is there a t-shirt?
A: Each participant will receive a long sleeve onesie (sizes 9mo, 12mo, and 18mo), and a bib with an image of the medal (given on race day)

Q: Is there a host hotel?

The 2024 Race Hotel has not yet been confirmed. We will update you as soon as we get a confirmation from our host hotel. Please check back soon!

Q: What time should I arrive at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot?
A: Participants should plan to allow plenty of time to get to the race start. We recommend arriving at City Hall Plaza at least 30 minutes before your selected start time to enter the corral or staging area when it is opened to you. With staggered start times and fewer participants this year, traffic and parking should take less time than in years passed.

Q: Where do I park when I get to the Turkey Trot?
A: There are several adjacent lots in the surrounding areas of City Hall Plaza. We encourage people to ride DART, our official transportation provider of the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot. For more info, contact DART at www.dart.org. There is a convenient DART rail station at the adjacent Dallas Convention Center.

For more parking options, use our parking map

Q: Is there a place I can leave my jacket, bag, etc.?
A: Due to the size of the event, a gear check is NOT AVAILABLE to general event attendees. Trot participants are encouraged to keep their gear with them at all times.

Q: Are there concessions available at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot?
A: More information coming soon

Q: What if it rains or snows? Will you still have the Turkey Trot? 
A: The Dallas Turkey Trot is a Rain or Shine Event. Based on OSHA, if lightning is present, there is a possibility the race may be canceled or shortened. Our window of time to start the final race is no later than 9:45 am.  We recommend dressing in layers so you can be comfortable all morning.

Q: Is there a charge if I choose to be timed?
A: Yes. The price difference of $5 is reflected in the registration fee.

Q: Is there a corral for timed runners?
A: The Timed Runner Corral will open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 8:25 a.m. or once it is at capacity, whichever comes first. Please arrive before 8:30 am. The Timed Runner Corral won't be available after 8:30 am. We highly recommend that timed runners arrive and line up early for the 8:30 start time if they want to qualify for overall awards. To allow for physical distancing before the race, the timed corral has a limit of around 900 people. Your timed run doesn't begin until you cross the start line, and you must be timed to be eligible for overall and age group awards. Age group awards are based on the time from start to finish and will not affect your actual start time.

Q: I’m a timed runner. Can I run with my dog or stroller?
A: Dogs/Strollers are prohibited from the timed runner corral. You can run with a pup or stroller and still qualify for age group awards, but you will have to line up toward the back of the run/walk pack.

*Dog/Stroller Policy:
Participants with dogs and/or strollers are prohibited 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 owners/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 responsible dog owner, provide appropriate water, and pick up after their pet at all times.

Q: Is assistance available if I can’t do the course?
A: Yes, we have paramedics, radio operators, and police officers patrolling the course. If you need assistance, 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 with a timed bib are eligible to receive age group and overall prizes/awards.

Q: Are there Finisher Medals?
A: There will be limited finisher medals at both the 8-mile and 5K finish lines. We cannot guarantee that every participant will receive a medal.

Q: What happens to the funds raised from the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot?
A: The 2023 Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot proceeds will support YMCA Community Health programs which provide access to a healthier lifestyle for North Texans. Our chronic disease prevention and childhood obesity prevention programs are critical to long-term health. The Y will support community health programs by contributing funds from this year’s Trot to families who need our services the most.

We serve Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Southern Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, and Cooke counties.

• Community Health - $50K
• Mobile Y(Tech Hub) - $100K
• Teen Camps - $50K
• Plano and Park South Pre-schools - $100K