Easton, MD – Registration is now open for the YMCA of the Chesapeake’s annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26. The 2026 event will once again be hosted virtually and in person at seven locations across the Eastern Shore.
“Thanksgiving morning at the Y has become one of my favorite traditions of the year,” said Robbie Gill, YMCA of the Chesapeake CEO. “It’s a chance to gather with neighbors from across the Shore, get moving together before the turkey and stuffing, and know that every step is helping a family in our community. We hope you’ll lace up and join us.”
Proceeds from the Turkey Trot are dedicated to the YMCA’s Annual Fund, which supports a multitude of programs for all ages across the Shore. This includes local food drives, youth sports, Enhance Fitness (an exercise program for seniors), LiveStrong (a program for adult cancer survivors), Rock Steady (a program for those battling Parkinson’s Disease), child care, swim lessons, mentoring programs, before and after school care, and the YMCAs Open Doors Program, which ensures that no member of the community is turned away from a Y facility or program due to an inability to pay.
Those participating virtually can walk or run a 5K (3.1 miles) route of their choosing whenever it is convenient between Sunday, November 22nd, and Saturday, November 28th. The virtual Turkey Trot is an ideal option for those who travel for the holiday, but still want to support their local Y and its programs.
Each in-person Turkey Trot will be a 5K (3.1 miles) course held on Thanksgiving Day at 8:30 AM. Participants can run or walk as a team, with family (including their dogs), or on their own. All ages and abilities are welcomed and encouraged.
In-person Turkey Trots are being hosted by seven of the eleven YMCA branches across the Eastern Shore, including the Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA in Centreville, Easton Family YMCA at Peachblossom, the Richard A. Henson Family YMCA in Salisbury, the Cecil County Family YMCA in Perryville, the Pauline F. and David Robbins Family YMCA in Cambridge, the Kent County Family YMCA in Chestertown, and the David Landsberger Family YMCA in Chincoteague, Virginia.
Registration is now open, with early bird savings available before prices increase:
- Ages 18+: $38.10 through September 30; $43.40 October 1–31; $48.70 November 1–22; $50.82 during the final registration window, opening November 25 at 12 p.m. and closing November 27 at 8:30 a.m.
- Ages 7–17: $22.20 through September 30; $24.32 October 1–31; $27.50 November 1–22
- Ages 6 and younger: $6.30 through Thanksgiving morning at 8:30 a.m.
