The 76^th Troy Turkey Trot brought out thousands of runners, walkers and spectators.

One was Frank Linzillo, who said he first did the race on a whim.

“I just decided. You know what? It’s a good thing to do. I tried it out. I was horrible, but that’s when I started,” he said.

It has become an annual tradition for him.

“I don’t think it would be Thanksgiving morning without having the Turkey Trot,” he said.

The Turkey Trot is the nation’s 12th oldest and world’s 64th oldest road race.

Linzillo said there is nowhere else he would rather be on Thanksgiving morning. Anyone interested should just come out.

“It’s a lot of fun. There are all different abilities there. Just go. It’s a good way to start the day. Then you won’t feel guilty about that piece of pie,” he said.

James Withers was this year’s winner. The first female across the line was Selkirk resident Karen Bertasso Hughes.

A total of 6,641 people participated.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter.