UPMC Health Plan signs on as YMCA Turkey Trot sponsor

Lace up your sneakers, put the kids in the stroller and the dog on a leash, set the table early and head to Pittsburgh’s North Shore on Thanksgiving Day.

Start training, and sign up now — registration is open — for the YMCA Turkey Trot, set for 7 a.m. to noon Nov. 28 outside PNC Park.

Register for the 29th annual trot at active.com in one of four races: MedExpress 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk, UPMC Health Plan 5K Turkey Trot, the 5-mile run and Gentile, Horoho & Avalli, P.C. Double Gobble (5K plus 5-mile).

Participants also will be helping to support YMCA food pantry programs and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

“For nearly 30 years now, the YMCA Turkey Trot has been about families helping families and neighbors supporting neighbors. We are grateful to UPMC Health Plan for joining our cause and supporting our mission to combat food insecurity in our area,” Kevin Bolding, YMCA president and CEO, says in a release.

According to the food bank, more than 14 percent of Allegheny County residents struggle to consistently gain access to healthy food.

“UPMC Health Plan is pleased to be the title sponsor of the YMCA Turkey Trot, a truly community-wide race that gets people outside and active while supporting the important work of local food pantries here in Western Pennsylvania. We encourage Pittsburghers of all ages to increase their physical activity during what should be a tremendous start to Thanksgiving Day,” adds Dr. Joon Lee, UPMC Health Plan chief medical officer.

The YMCA Turkey Trot collected approximately 10,000 pounds of food and raised $285,419 that went back into the community in 2018, according to the nonprofit.

Details: pittsburghymca.org