Since 1895, Buffalo has held its own Thanksgiving tradition, the longest running footrace in America. The Turkey Trot has been running the same route at least once in each of the last three centuries. Beginning just a block or so north of Hertel Avenue, the trotters wind their way down Delaware Avenue, past Buffalo City Hall, a quick left on Church Street and finally another quick left onto Franklin where participants finish outside of the convention center.

This year’s Turkey Trot is one of the coldest on record. With a race time temperature of twenty three degrees, the participants needed to run fast in order to stay warm. Over fourteen thousand people registered for the race, with untold others simply showing up to join in the holiday run. Delaware Ave. was lined from start to finish on sidewalks and snow banks with spectators and bystanders. From cheering on runners to handing out water and even some cases beer, Western New Yorkers all took part in the 118th annual Turkey Trot.

Not just known for its longevity, the Trot is also known as a celebration, a pre-Thanksgiving party where people can hang out with friends before they are dragged off to the in-laws. And given its proximity to Halloween, the Turkey Trot is also known for its collection of creative and sometimes skimpy costumes. From the expected pilgrim and turkey outfits, to almost every super hero, to the guy in a Speedo, people watching is even more fun than the race. Perhaps the best example was a chance encounter between two Batmans, arguing over who would get to Gotham first.

The race is put on by the Buffalo YMCA, which raised over two hundred sixty five thousand dollars last year for its charitable organizations. Inside of the convention center, post race snacks and water are handed out, and upstairs there is a live band and beer tables to get everyone feeling warmer. When all of the runners and walkers have finished, the race winners are announced, first by overall winner then broken down by age groups. Here's to another 118 years of this Buffalo classic.