The Fox and Turkey Races Held in Batavia Thanksgiving Morning

The Fox and Turkey Races will be held Thanksgiving morning in Batavia.

The running event, which is in its 19th year, will start with a youth one-mile run at 7:30 a.m. followed by an adult four-mile run at 8:15 a.m. Runners will start on Houston Street and Island Avenue and will run westbound across Route 31. The race attracts about 2,400 runners.

Online registration will be open through Nov. 24. Race day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Peg Bond Center, 151 Island Avenue in Batavia, and close at 7:15 a.m.

The race helps to raise money for the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. Those attending should consider making an additional monetary donation or bringing a non-perishable food item on race day.

During the race, which is expected to continue through 10:30 a.m., Houston Street in Batavia will be closed to vehicle traffic from North Island Ave. to Route 31 in downtown Batavia. Officers will stop vehicle traffic intermittently to allow runners safe passage across Rte.31/Houston St.

Runners will continue into the residential areas of the northwest area of the city, including crossing McKee St. and N. Van Nortwick Ave. Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the downtown business district during this event and motorists should use caution and be on the lookout for runners during these time frames, especially at the intersection of Route 31 and Houston Street.

Get more information online.