On Thursday, November 25th, Ballard Food Bank will host the 15th annual Turkey Trot, a 5k run/walk/trot. This year’s event has special significance because it will support operations in the Food Bank’s future home at 1400 Leary Ave. The new building is set to open on October 18th.
This family-friendly Trot will be virtual for the second year in a row, offering participants the chance to run/walk anytime on Thanksgiving Day and engage with the community on social media using the hashtag #SeattleTurketTrot. Ballard Food Bank is looking forward to seeing participants from around the region participate dressed as Turkeys, Tofurkeys, and boasting other festive Thanksgiving attire.
Ballard Food Bank encourages runners of all levels to register for the Seattle Turkey Trot; there is a spot for everyone! “We are excited to bring more food, support, and hope to people in our new home. This is particularly important during the holiday season, when so many families are dealing with hunger, poverty, and the continued impacts of COVID-19,” said Jennifer Muzia, executive director of Ballard Food Bank. “The Turkey Trot is an opportunity for our community to come together and help our neighbors.”
This event is made possible by local sponsors, community partners and of course, the trotters themselves. “With thousands of Seattle families facing food insecurity throughout the pandemic, Ballard Food Bank has pivoted time and time again to support our community. Now it’s our turn to support the Food Bank by participating in their largest fundraiser of the year,” said Chef and Turkey Trot Sponsor Ethan Stowell. Before the pandemic, in February 2020, 3,200 people visited Ballard Food Bank or received home deliveries; that number has now more than doubled to 7,000+ in a single month.
Other sponsors include Graham Baba Architects, Spectrum Development Solutions, Wilcox Construction and Minerva Strategies.
Fifteen years ago, the first Seattle Turkey Trot was organized by Erin Fortier, Matt Ramme, and John O’Brien who gathered 50 of their friends to get active on Thanksgiving morning and it’s been growing ever since. Last year the Turkey trot attracted 1,514 runners and walkers and raised $103,501. The Trot has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many families around Seattle.
Registration includes a Turkey Trot t-shirt and running in costume is encouraged! To register for the Seattle Turkey Trot, visit www.seattleturkeytrot.org. Early Registration ends October 31st and is $35. Regular Registration (Nov 1st thru Nov 24th) is $40. All proceeds from the Seattle Turkey Trot will benefit the Ballard Food Bank.
