Great South Bay Turkey Trot Set for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving morning will bring a stampede of runners and walkers to the streets of Islip as the Islip Fire Department hosts its Great South Bay Turkey Trot, a 5K event combining holiday tradition, fitness and support for local volunteer firefighters.

Scheduled for Thursday, November 26, the 3.1-mile race will begin at 9 a.m., rain or shine, with check-in opening at 7:30 a.m. and the National Anthem at 8 a.m.

The scenic course starts at Richardson Lane and South Bay Avenue, heading south toward the waterfront before turning north along South Bay Avenue. Participants will then follow Maple Avenue to Monell Avenue, finishing at the Islip Fire Department headquarters.

According to the department’s official race registration page, proceeds will benefit the volunteer fire department, which provides emergency services to the community.

The event welcomes runners and walkers, with medals awarded to the first 800 participants crossing the finish line. Those registering by November 7 are guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt.

Participants will also receive free finish-line photographs, with race results available online and through text and email notifications.

A 50/50 raffle will add another opportunity to support the department. Tickets are available for $5 each, with the winning ticket to be drawn by the last participant crossing the finish line.

Advance race bib pickup will be available November 23-25 from 1 to 9 p.m. at fire department headquarters, 28 Monell Avenue.

Organizers are encouraging carpooling because of the event’s growing popularity. Free parking will be available at Islip Town Hall and designated municipal lots along Main Street.

Registration currently costs approximately $40, including processing fees, with race-day registration priced higher.

For registration, course information and additional details, visit events.elitefeats.com.