2026 The Fox & The Turkey Races

THE RACES: Fox River Trail Runners (FRTR) is proud to again host The Fox and the Turkey Four Mile and One Mile Youth Race...it's a Thanksgiving Day tradition!!! On November 26th, we will be celebrating our 30th year of this classic event. The races will start and finish in downtown Batavia! Youth Mile at 7:30 AM followed by the 4 Mile at 8:15 AM.

FRTR will donate $5 for each 4-mile registration to our community partner, Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, to help those in need in the tri-cities area. When you register for the event, there will also be an opportunity to make additional donations.

NEW FOR 2026: All registrants will be given a choice of a Fox & Turkey lightweight tech hoodie, Fox & Turkey knit stocking hat, or Fox & Turkey running hat (all while supplies last). 

Our Mission – Fox River Trail Runners (FRTR) was founded in 1995 and is a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Corporation whose mission is to promote running as a healthy lifestyle in the Fox Valley Region while also benefiting our community.

If you are interested in supporting FRTR's mission, please consider becoming a member!

Additional donations may be made as part of race registration. If you would like to donate without registering for the race, please click here: DONATION ONLY

   

Pre Race Day (highly encouraged) - Wednesday, November 25th from 12:00PM (noon) to 6:00PM at Sturdy Shelter, 10 Shumway Ave, Batavia.

Race Day morning -
Youth Mile: Thanksgiving Day 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM
4-Mile Race: Thanksgiving Day 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM

Batavia United Methodist Church (rear entrance of Church on Water Street between Houston and Wilson Streets - one block from the start / finish line)

Bring your food donation to packet pickup or race day morning.
Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry will accept non-perishable food donations, cash or checks made out to Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry.

4 Mile Race - Awards for the overall top three male and female winners; awards for top three male and female masters (40+ years old and not in overall top three), then top three male and females in the following age groups (Please note: *Overall and Masters male and female winners are not eligible for age group award):

14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+

Also, first, second and third place will be awarded in the non-binary category overall (not by age group).

All 4-mile participants will receive a custom Fox & Turkey finisher medal.

NOTE: 4-mile race participants who do not reach the approximately 1.5-mile point by 8:55 am will be diverted at that point and will end up completing an approximately 3-mile course, and such individuals will not be eligible for any age-group awards.

1 Mile Youth Race - Awards for those 12 years and under are given to the top 3 boys and top 3 girls in the following age groups (Finisher ribbons will be given to all finishers):

0-7, 8-9, 10-12

Also, first, second and third place will be awarded in the non-binary category overall (not by age group).

Sample mock-ups shown below.

  OR  OR 

Thank you City of Batavia!

NOTE: 4-mile race participants who do not reach the approximately 1.5-mile point by 8:55 am will be diverted at that point and will end up completing an approximately 3-mile course, and such individuals will not be eligible for any age-group awards.

Also, please note that this is an "open road” event whereby event participants share the roadway with the motoring public. There will be police and course marshals to direct runners and vehicle traffic, but runners should exercise caution.

Segregated Start: For everyone’s safety, we ask that kids 14 and under stay to the right side of the starting area so as to not impede faster participants. Also, while this is not a waved start, we ask that faster participants stay toward the front of the starting area, and that walkers those with strollers stay toward the back.   

Please LEAVE dogs, bicycles or roller skates at home, as having them on the course is a safety hazard to you and other participants.

4-Mile Map

1-Mile Map

Parking: Several lots exist surrounding the race village. A detailed map can be found by clicking this LINK.

THERE ARE NO DEFERRALS OR REFUNDS. 

Transfers: Transfers in the same race event are permissible. just email foxandturkey@foxrivertrailrunners.org by the end of day, November 20.

Questions, please contact us via email at 

foxandturkey@foxrivertrailrunners.org 

or 

president@foxrivertrailrunners.org.

Wed, November 25, 2026 12:00 PM - Packet Pick Up (12-6pm) at Sturdy Shelter, 10 Shumway Ave, Batavia

Thu, November 26, 2026 6:30 AM - Race Day Registration and Packet Pick Up at Batavia United Methodist Church, Water Street Entrance

Thu, November 26, 2026 7:30 AM - 1 Mile Kids Run Starts

Thu, November 26, 2026 8:00 AM - Announcements

Thu, November 26, 2026 8:10 AM - National Anthem

Thu, November 26, 2026 8:15 AM - 4 Mile Fox & Turkey Run Starts

Thu, November 26, 2026 9:30 AM - Awards Ceremony (Approximate Time) - Overall and Masters Only

Event contact:   The Fox and The Turkey Race Director

Email:   foxandturkey@foxrivertrailrunners.org

Website:  Visit website