Every Thanksgiving morning, while most Texans are basting turkeys or watching parades, more than ten thousand runners, walkers, and strollers \u2014 many with dogs in tow \u2014 lace up for one of Fort Worth\u2019s most beloved holiday traditions: the YMCA Turkey Trot. Now in its 44th year, the Trot is moving from The Shops at Clearfork to the very heart of the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For the first time, participants will set out from Bass Hall on Commerce Street and wind past Sundance Square, the Tarrant County Courthouse, and the Trinity River before finishing near the Fort Worth Convention Center. The new route isn\u2019t just about postcard views \u2014 it\u2019s also about space, according to a release. With record-breaking crowds year after year, organizers say downtown offers room to grow while keeping the Trot\u2019s festive, family-first spirit intact. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s races drew more than 12,000 people for the 5K, 8K, and kids\u2019 Gobbler Trot, not to mention the army of pets trotting along in holiday bandanas. But this isn\u2019t just a feel-good jog before the feast: the Turkey Trot raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, funding programs that range from afterschool care to financial literacy to health initiatives for cancer survivors and those living with Parkinson\u2019s.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Turkey Trot is more than a fun holiday tradition; it\u2019s a powerful engine for good. It fuels a mission that touches thousands of lives each year,\u201d said Mike Brown, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. \u201cThanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors and participants, this event has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure access to YMCA programs that change lives, from afterschool care and early education to financial literacy for teens and seniors. It even supports critical health initiatives for cancer survivors and individuals diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s\u00a0disease.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Texas Health Resources returns as the presenting sponsor for a third year, with support from Moritz Dealerships, ensuring the Trot\u2019s legacy as one of the city\u2019s largest fundraisers \u2014 and most spirited mornings. Whether you\u2019re a competitive runner chasing a personal record or a family out for a pre-pie stroll, downtown Fort Worth will be the place to kick off the holiday this year. And\u00a0registration<\/a>\u00a0is now open.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to showcasing our city to all the families and visitors who make the Trot part of their Thanksgiving tradition,\u201d Brown said. \u201cEvery step taken on race day helps someone in our community take a step toward a better future.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n