The 39th Annual YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley/McCarthy Bush Turkey Trot gobbles up Davenport on Thanksgiving morning.
By Nicholas Cunningham
With the Zombie Run and the Quad Cities Marathon in the rear-view mirror, it’s turkey trottin’ time! The 2025 YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley/McCarthy Bush Turkey Trot will be taking over downtown Davenport on Thursday, November 27th better known as Thanksgiving. “Once the zombie race is concluded it becomes Turkey Trot season,” said YMCA Executive Branch & Turkey Trot Director, Luis Leal.
As the event is the organization’s largest fundraiser for the year, Leal and his team are always looking for ways to improve each year. “All races are important,” explained Leal. “But this one in particular is our biggest fundraiser for our association. The incentive is more kids and families getting scholarships.”
With entry numbers almost double what they were this time last year, Leal hopes some new additions on race week will finally get them the participant number they have projected for the past few events. “We’re working with Great River Brewery,” said Leal. “We are going to do guest bartending on Tuesday and that’s going to be the official pre- and post-race Turkey Trot headquarters.” Opening at 8am on race day, 10% of the proceeds are going to go back to the YMCA. Tips and 10% of the proceeds are going to the YMCA from the guest bartending done by Luis on Tuesday night as well.
And as the race turns 39 this year, Leal is already thinking of some record-breaking plans for its fortieth. “Dallas YMCA currently holds the Guinness World Record for most turkey costumes worn at a race at 661,” said Leal. “We could beat that. How awesome would it be for Davenport to own that record?”
Just under a month before race morning, Leal is confident that this year will be its biggest yet. “My goal is 3000,” said Leal. “But, ultimately our goal is to have a community event that builds connections, unites generations and provides a sense of belonging. We’ve got to keep driving volunteerism and civic pride in our community.”
For more information or to register for the Turkey Trot visit, https://runsignup.com/ymcaoftheimvturkeytrot
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