Per the YMCA: Each year, for the past 39 years, the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary have teamed up to host the annual Turkey Chase Charity Race. The event has run each year, except during Covid, on Thanksgiving Day in Bethesda and is the largest 10K in Montgomery County. This year, after a two year hiatus of the live event (it’s been held as a virtual event the past two years,) the event will take place with a live 10K run on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24.
In addition to the live 10K race, there remains a virtual option that allows registrants to walk, run or bike on their own any date from Nov. 12 to Nov. 27. Participants may choose to do a 5K run or walk (or a combination,) a two-mile fun run/walk or a 10-mile bike ride. Families, organizations and companies are encouraged to enroll and participate as teams in both the live and virtual options. Registration is open at turkeychase.com. On Thanksgiving Day, the 10K leads off at 8:30 a.m. in front of the YMCA (9401 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, Md.) with the three turkey mascots—Goblet, Giblet and Gravy. Race packets may be picked up at the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase on Nov. 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on race day (Thanksgiving morning) from 6 to 8:35 a.m.
Turkey Chase has been taking place since 1982 in Bethesda with participants coming from all over the U.S. with the highest concentration of runners from Bethesda and surrounding communities. In addition to being the largest race in Montgomery County, it is the largest fundraiser for the YMCA and BCC Rotary raising more than $6.2 million dollars. In the past, the event has drawn more than 10,000 runners. The event helps provide much-needed funds for community programs and support for YMCA’s throughout the DMV. “The past two years have been tougher than usual for many families in the Washington, D.C. community,” explained Angie Reese-Hawkins, CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. “Between inflation and rising housing costs, the Y has been actively supporting many of these families and the need is more critical now than ever.”
Sponsorships are available from $3,000 to $30,000 (title) and provide great visibility in front of a large audience. Complimentary entries come with sponsorships. For sponsorship information, please contact Carla Larrick, vice president of operations or Genette Comfort, vice president of philanthropy for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington at Genette.Comfort@ymcadc.org.
Back again this year, is the opportunity to donate $200 to feed families. A “Food for Good” donation provides a week’s worth of local produce for five families while also supporting local farmers. “More than 400,000 individuals face food insecurity within the Metropolitan Washington region,” said Reese-Hawkins. “The YMCA addresses food insecurity by working with Mid-Atlantic farmers to help to provide fresh produce as part of our community health and wellness initiative.” For more information on the 40th Annual Turkey Chase, its virtual options, sponsorship opportunities, registration and “Food for Good” donations, visit www.turkeychase.com. For more information on the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, visit www.ymcadc.org.
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