Two charities got a holiday gift Tuesday afternoon.

Donations from this year's Troy Turkey Trot totaled $15,000. The money will be split between Joseph’s House & Shelter, and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.

The director of the regional food bank says every donated dollar provides four meals to people in need.

"It helps us get a good start on that new year, because then things do slow down, once you get into January and February. So this money is very important to us right now," said Mark Quandt, executive director of Regional Food Bank.

Warm-ups were all part of the running routine, but this Thanksgiving the aspect of warmth took on a second meaning in Troy.

"We just got the layers on [with] some handwarmers," said MacKenzie Robillard from Latham on November 22, minutes before the trot.

Temperatures were recorded in the single digits, making it the coldest in its history.

"You're surrounded by a lot of people that are just as crazy as you are for coming out," said Toni Howard of Waterford.

Despite the weather, Mayor Patrick Madden said he still expected a good turnout.

"There are people I'm sure who are going to roll over in bed and say nah I'm not going, but there will be a lot of hearty souls out here having a good time," said Madden.

Mayor Madden certainly knows his community well as more than 750 runners braved the cold for the 10 kilometer race. 

"It's like our yearly tradition. Usually there's a lot more of us but with the weather today some people decided to stay home," said Howard, who has celebrated the event in Troy for the past 17 years. 

Howard brought along Robillard; a first-timer who thankfully had no regrets.

"She convinced me to sign up this year and I'm definintely never going to forget it," said Robillard.

Though most who turned out were bundled up, some embraced the frigid weather by showing some skin.

"I don't really want to have to fight with my pants if I have to run," said Brad Lewis of Troy, who jogged in shorts. 

The Turkey Trot brought out the best in compeititors as some ran against each other. But there were the steady few who ran against themselves. 

Ryan Udvadia has participated in many trots for the past 15 years and even claimed the first place spot in the 10k. He says it was a personal record just shy of 32 minutes.

"Not running a Turkey Trot is like not eating turkey on Thanksgiving for me," said Udvadia.