The region's favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition, the 45th Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, is moving to a virtual format due to COVID-19. While the in-person race was cancelled after consultations with local health officials, the community is encouraged to participate in this 45-year tradition during Thanksgiving week.
Registration for the Turkey Trot Is Now Open!
Participants in the Alexandria Turkey Trot complete a five-mile run or walk at the place of their choice any time between Nov. 21 and 29 and log their race times online. In addition to logging their times, all runners will receive a commemorative 2020 bib. Click here to register!
The annual event is and elps fund the community events in Del Ray. "The Alexandria community is known for its tremendous community spirit and deep generosity. With so many of our small businesses and so many of our neighbors struggling, this year's Turkey Trot is more important than ever," said Del Ray Business Association president Sue Kovalsky. " We look forward to seeing neighbors, dogs, and families running throughout Thanksgiving week."
Food Drive For ALIVE
The Alexandria Turkey Trot is a major fundraiser and food drive for ALIVE, a nonprofit organization that serves those most in need in the City of Alexandria. In 2019, the event raised over $6,000 for ALIVE, with runners donating over 2,000 pounds of food. The Del Ray Business Association will be assembling food kits for ALIVE; the following items are needed:
- One-pound bags of rice
- One-pound bags of dried beans
- Macaroni and cheese boxes
Canned vegetable, soup and fruit (14-15 oz.) - Canned tuna or canned chicken
- Baking mix, such as Bisquick (5-7 oz.)
- Peanut butter
From Nov. 21 to 29, donations can be dropped off in bins outside during business hours at The Dog Store (2301 Mount Vernon Ave.), Waxing the City (2727 Mount Vernon Ave.), Del Ray Psych & Wellness (1900 Mount Vernon Avenue), Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap (401 E Braddock Road), and the front porches of 403 E. Custis Ave. & 110 E. Del Ray Ave. Donation bins will also be outside the The Del Ray Farmers’ Market (Nov. 21 and Nov. 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
The Alexandria Turkey Trot traditionally takes place on Thanksgiving morning with a fast and flat course through the streets of Del Ray. The event, sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association and DC Road Runners, draws nearly 6,000 runners, including some of the fastest elite runners on the east coast. For complete information on the virtual race, and to register and reserve your commemorative 2020 t-shirt, visit www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com.