Alexandria Turkey Trot

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. Participants can 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.

Registration is open at alexandriaturkeytrot.com; while participants can register at any time until Nov. 28, the deadline to order a commemorative t-shirt is Nov. 13. Registration for the race is $10 for children 12 and under; $20 for 13-21; and $25 for 22 and up. In addition to logging their times, all runners will receive a commemorative 2020 bib.

In the spirit of the holiday, runners are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items for ALIVE! Needed items include 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; canned chicken; and baking mixes (such as Bisquick, 5-7 oz.). Information on drop-off locations is available at alexandriaturkeytrot.com.

The event 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 Alexandria Turkey Trot is also the primary fundraiser for the Del Ray Business Association, which hosts a wide range of community events year-round and represents the independently-owned restaurants, retailers, and businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.