UPMC Health Plan Joins YMCA Turkey Trot As Presenting Sponsor


YMCA TurkeyTrot Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (September 5, 2019) – The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh has entered into a deal with UPMC Health Plan to serve as the presenting sponsor of the YMCA Turkey Trot, an annual event that not only is one of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in the nation, but serves as a tremendous source of support for YMCA food pantry programs and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Registration is now open for the 29th edition through active.com for participants in all 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+5-Mile).

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

The YMCA continues it work to eliminate health disparities and food insecurity for the more than 14 percent of Allegheny County residents who are struggling to consistently gain access to healthy food. Now presented by UPMC Health Plan, the annual Turkey Trot is a fun and exciting family tradition that support efforts to provide food security to children, families, individuals and seniors in need in Pittsburgh.

"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,” Dr. Joon Lee, chief medical officer at UPMC Health Plan, said. “We encourage Pittsburghers of all ages to increase their physical activity during what should be a tremendous start to Thanksgiving Day."

All event proceeds will be reinvested in programs that help serve our communities. Last year, the YMCA Turkey Trot collected approximately 10,000 pounds of food and raised $285,419 that went back into the community.

The 2019 Turkey Trot will begin outside PNC Park and feature the following events:

  • 8:00 a.m. - MedExpress 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk
  • 8:30 a.m. - UPMC Health Plan 5K Turkey Trot and Double Gobble
  • 9:15 a.m. – 5-Mile Turkey Trot

Events are open to adults, children, strollers, dogs and everyone else is welcome at the event and costumes are encouraged!

About the Y
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is a 501c(3) charitable organization committed to closing the achievement gap, eliminating health disparities and providing aid to financially struggling families throughout the greater Pittsburgh region. Our Y serves more than 80,000 individuals each year and provides nearly $1.5 million dollars in membership subsidies to individuals and families. Every day, the Y works side by side with people of all faiths and beliefs to ensure that everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.