Registration now open for 12th annual Turkey Trot 5k

The 12th annual Turkey Trot 5k is coming up in a few weeks, where thousands run/jog/walk through Sunset Hill to raise money for the Ballard Food Bank.

The costumed trot is on the morning of Thanksgiving day (Thursday, Nov. 22) and starts at 9am at 32nd Ave NW and NW 85th St. The 5k typically attracts around 4,500 people, many dressed as turkeys — or tofurkeys.

The Turkey Trot was started 12 years ago by Ballardites Erin Fortier, Matt Ramme, and John O’Brien, with just 50 trotters the first year of the event. “In my family, it was a tradition to go for a run on Thanksgiving morning,” Fortier said. “It was our way of spending time with family on the holidays and feel better about all the food we’d be eating for the rest of the day.”

The organizers expect this year’s event will raise over $140,000 to support the Ballard Food Bank.

“Thanksgiving is a time to offer thanks for everything we have, but it’s a bittersweet day for many of our neighbors who struggle with hunger and poverty in our increasingly expensive city. The Turkey Trot is a great way for all of us to come together as we run, walk, or trot to bring food and hope to our neighbors. We’re thrilled that so many people kick off their holiday with us year after year,” Jen Muzia, Ballard Food Bank Executive Director, said in a release about the event.

Registration is $25 for adults, $15 for children, and includes a Turkey Trot t-shirt. The deadline to pre-register is Nov. 19, but it is possible to register the day of the event — all proceeds go to the Ballard Food Bank.

Photos courtesy Seattle Turkey Trot’s Facebook page