FAQs
Why should I register early? Why not wait until the Monday?
Pre-registering is easy. You can do it in person at the Cobourg YMCA after September 1st or by going online. Online registration here.
This lets you be able to show up at the race and quickly pick-up your bib number and chip without much waiting. Otherwise you have to register at the event and this takes longer. You also save money if you register before September 1st!
What is a Family Rate?
The intent of the Family Rate is to allow a family with small children to attend without incurring a big cost. The Family Rate is good for two adults and up to 4 children 18 and under. You will get 25% off the regular pricing. Further subsidized rates are available by talking to the YMCA Membership desk. If you compare our cost to other chip timed races you will see we are very reasonably priced. Plus, the money goes to a great cause. You can find a promo code for the Family Rate on the registration page.
How can I squeeze this fun event into my busy day?
I have guest coming!
The Turkey Trot is planned so that you could pop the bird into the oven, come out and enjoy the crisp fall morning at our wonderful event, and still get home before lunch.
Hey, you could even invite your weekend guests to join you for some fun at the Trot!
We want to stay as a family, but have kids that want to do the Kid Run.
There are some fun age specific events that kids can participate in, but you are welcome to participate as a family in any of the events. If you think you will be enjoying the event as a walk, please consider The Gobbler 2.5K. Remember course etiquette to stay to the right of the path to allow people to pass on the left.
Who can enter the Wing Ding 1K Kids Fun Run?
This is a space where kids and those that are kids at heart can participate in an event of their own. This is a fun untimed event. Finisher medals and a small surprise for all participants. Adults can support on the course (no need for supporters to register if they are in a supporting role).
Can I push my stroller on the course?
No strollers are allowed on the course during the event. We are thrilled that the Trot has something for everyone. If you are looking at the events page you can see that there is something for all ages to participate in. Some families will want to stay together and participate in one event. We recommend the 2.5K Run/Walk. The 2.5K Run/Walk would work well for carrying wee ones in a backpack or sling style carrier. During the running events strollers are asked to stay off the course. There will be some challenging places where you will find a stroller just will not work well.
I want to be part of the fun , but I don't think I can participate because of a barrier. What do I do?
Contact us, we would love to chat to see how you can be a part of the fun. There are many ways to participate and show your Turkey Spirit. We're here to help ensure everyone can be included in the event.
Can I walk at the Turkey Trot?
Sure! The best event to choose if you want to walk would be The Gobbler 2.5K. This is a great way to enjoy the fresh Fall air. Race etiquette is to stay to the right of the course to allow passing on the left. Some people do a planned walk and run when they run and any event would be good for this style of running.
I've never been in a large event. What is the etiquette?
You are in for a treat. Event etiquette is to stay to the right of the course to allow passing on the left. As you approach someone from behind a polite call of, “On your left.” This let’s them know you are passing them on their left.
Is it true that there are hills?
The Turkey Trot is relatively flat and mostly grass fields. There is uneven ground and some rolling hills, but nothing big. Being a flattish course, means you can push harder and go faster!
Are there medals for finishing?
We will have finisher medals for the first 350 registered who participate in the 2.5K and 5K events.
We also have special medals in the 2.5K or 5K runs. The 2.5K and 5K runs also have special awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd males and females in two categories - 18 and under and 19 and older. The 1K Wing Ding Kids Fun Run has its own kids medals for all kids participating. Some kids like to run in the Wing Ding 1K Fun Run and then they join in the 2.5K/5K just for fun.
Why are there only a limited number of medals for the 2.5K and 5K?
Planning a big event takes some time. We have to order our medals well in advance. We look at our numbers from the previous year and order enough to cover that number, plus a good cushion amount. If our limit is 350 medals and you are one of the first 350 people to register and you participate you will get a medal. It is the registration number that counts not your finish place. If you registered and are the 351st person registered in the 2.5k or 5k, I will just let you know your registration does not include a medal.
Do I have to participate to get a medal?
Yes. These are awesome medals and should be worn proudly. These medals must be earned. There are multiple ways to participate. I am sure you can find a way that lets you express your true Turkey Spirit and earn a medal.
Someone told me it is a challenging course.
Challenging is all relative. I find the course really fun. The course can be done at your pace which allows you to determine how challenging it is. That said, after you finish you will definitely deserve extra dessert at your Thanksgiving dinner. It is not technically challenging in terms of terrain.
Can I bring my dog?
We love dogs, but dogs are not permitted on the course during the running events, but leashed dogs are always welcome to join the party in the start/finish field area.
How do you run in a full turkey costume?
Proudly!
What is the best way to cook my turkey?
If you are lucky like me, you are invited somewhere where they are cooking the turkey for you. However, if you are the cook, take a look at how the good people at Simple Bites suggest cooking a turkey.
What if it is raining?
This just adds to the fun. It would have to be pretty extreme weather to be canceled. We monitor the weather and would let you know if we had to cancel.
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Is there an Extreme Weather Emergency Procedure?
Please refer to the Extreme Weather page of the website.
Refunds
We are unable to offer refunds. There are lots of costs involved in running an event that are paid out before the event occurs and cannot be recouped by the organizers. You may be able to transfer your entry if you inform us within a reasonable amount of time.
