The 45th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, a Thanksgiving Day tradition that draws more than 6,000 runners to the streets of Del Ray, is moving to a virtual format for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association and DC Road Runners, the virtual race encourages participants to complete a 5-mile run or walk at the place of their choice any time between Nov. 21-29 and log their times online.

"The Alexandria community is known for its tremendous community spirit and deep generosity,” said DRBA president Sue Kovalsky. “With so many of our small businesses and so many of our neighbors struggling, this year's Trot is more important than ever.”

The event is a major fundraiser and food drive for ALIVE!, a nonprofit organization that serves those most in need in the City of Alexandria. In 2019, the event raised over $6,000 for ALIVE!, with runners donating over 2,000 pounds of food.

The Alexandria Turkey Trot is also the primary fundraiser for the Del Ray Business Association, which hosts a wide range of community events year-round and represents the independently owned restaurants, retailers and businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.

Runners and others are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items for ALIVE! from Nov. 21-29. Needed items include one-pound bags of rice; one-pound bags of dried beans; macaroni and cheese boxes; canned vegetables, soup and fruit (14-15 oz.); canned tuna; canned chicken; baking mixes (such as Bisquick, 5-7 oz.); and peanut butter. Donations can be dropped off in bins outside The Dog Store (2301 Mount Vernon Ave.), Waxing the City (2727 Mount Vernon Ave.), Del Ray Psych & Wellness (1900 Mount Vernon Ave.), Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap (401 E. Braddock Road), and the front porches of 403 E. Custis Ave. and 110 E. Del Ray Ave. Donation bins will also be outside The Del Ray Farmers’ Market on Nov. 21 and Nov. 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“We look forward to seeing neighbors, dogs, and generations of families running together throughout Thanksgiving week," Kovalsky said.

For more information or to register and reserve your commemorative 2020 t-shirt, visit https://www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com/.