Former Turkey Trot Director Arrested, Accused Of Stealing $114,000 From The Race

The former director of one of America’s oldest road races has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $114,000 from the event he ran for years. Troy Police announced last week that George P. Regan, 73, of Troy, faces a charge of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree in connection with the Troy Turkey Trot, the Thanksgiving Day race that has been a Capital Region tradition since 1916.

Detectives say Regan took at least $114,110 collected during the 2024 and 2025 races and used it for his own benefit, according to the police announcement. He was arrested on a warrant issued by Troy City Court, processed at the police department’s Central Station, and arraigned in Troy City Court, CBS6 Albany reported. The Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution.

How The Investigation Unfolded

The case began in December 2025, when City of Troy administration personnel flagged potential fraud involving funds collected during past Turkey Trot races. Troy Police detectives opened what the department described as a detailed investigation, with help from several other law enforcement and professional organizations.

That work led detectives to the $114,110 figure tied to the two most recent races. Investigators presented their evidence to Troy City Court, which issued the arrest warrant. Police say the investigation is not over. Every interaction between Regan and the Turkey Trot is now under review, which means the total amount in question could still change.

Under New York law, Grand Larceny in the Second Degree applies to thefts exceeding $50,000 and is a Class C felony.

“An Unacceptable Breach Of The Public’s Trust”

“The allegations of theft uncovered by the Troy Police Department are deeply disturbing,” Troy Mayor Carmella R. Mantello said in the city’s announcement. “The Troy Turkey Trot is one of our city’s most cherished traditions, and the theft of more than $114,000 is an unacceptable breach of the public’s trust.”

She credited investigators for their work on the case. “I want to thank the Troy Police Department and all of the agencies involved for their diligent work in uncovering this alleged fraud and ensuring accountability,” she said. “My administration will continue to safeguard taxpayer dollars and remain committed to transparency, integrity, and protecting the interests of the people of Troy.”

A Race Older Than Most Marathons

The Troy Turkey Trot is the nation’s 12th oldest road race, according to the event’s organizers. It started in 1916, when six runners entered a two-mile handicap race held in remembrance of veterans.

The 2025 edition drew 7,484 registered participants across its 10K, 5K, Turkey Walk, and Grade School Mile, making it one of the larger Thanksgiving races in the Northeast.

Regan was a visible presence at the event for years, appearing in training runs and race announcements posted to the Turkey Trot’s social media channels as recently as 2024.

The charge against Regan is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Police say the investigation remains open as they review the full scope of his involvement with the race.