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Thousands of runners, walkers, families and four-legged companions will fill Alexandria’s streets Nov. 27 as the Del Ray Turkey Trot celebrates its 50th year.
Retired Circuit Court Judge Jim Clark will lead the Thanksgiving morning tradition as grand marshal. Clark, a former varsity runner at T.C. Williams High School—now Alexandria City High School—has participated every year since the race began in 1975.
Clark and then-Mayor Jim Moran were among the original runners who tackled the five-mile route through Del Ray. That inaugural event drew 244 participants; the 2024 race attracted more than 6,000.
The anniversary race begins at 9 a.m. at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue. The school will also serve as the finish line for the USATF-certified five-mile course. Strollers and dogs are welcome and will have designated starting areas.
Online registration remains open until 6 a.m. on race day. Early packet pickup is scheduled for Nov. 23 through Nov. 25 at Alexandria Toyota and Pacers Running in Old Town, with additional pickup available Nov. 26. Race-day pickup will run from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food for ALIVE!, an Alexandria organization that helps local residents facing poverty and hunger. The race has collected thousands of pounds of food and raised substantial funds for families in need over its five-decade history.
Registration and additional details are available at alexandriaturkeytrot.com.