DID YOU KNOW?
Unlike many races, who partner with a charity and donate a portion of their proceeds, Montlake Turkey Trot is actually owned by The University District Food Bank and serves as it's second largest annual fundraiser. So every dollar beyond operating costs goes directly back into your local community and helps feed those in need.
We'd love to make it Number 1 -- and we think we can do it with your help! Runners, walkers and neighbors are often potent contributors to positivity and we believe that is the heart and soul of this race.
So, come gobble up the fun at the 10th Annual Montlake Turkey Trot and Kids Run,
A University District Food Bank Fundraiser
This year’s event is more important than ever, as every step and stride you take directly supports the Food Bank's efforts to feed our community amidst rising costs.
Bring your family and friends to run, jog, or walk through the stunning Washington Park Arboretum on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or simply want to join for the joy of community, everyone is welcome to partake in this fun and meaningful event!
As you navigate the course, expect to be surrounded by the Arboretum’s breathtaking natural beauty. The path meanders beneath towering, centuries-old trees draped in fall foliage, their leaves glowing gold, crimson, and orange in the crisp morning light. The gentle curves of the trail offer glimpses of serene ponds, winding creeks, and open fields, all backdropped by the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. Each step brings you deeper into this oasis of nature, making the run or walk an experience for all the senses.
Please note: There are no dogs allowed for safety and due to insurance stipulations. Even if a dog is normally great around other pets and kids, running in a crowded race environment with other kids and animals can often illicit unusual responses from animals. Please leave your furry friends at home for this event.
Strollers are welcome, but we do ask that you start in the back of the race corral so runners who are participating for a competitive time don't risk injury trying to get past the moving wheels. Please also note that the trails within the arboretum can be muddy and have damp plant debris on them, so if you plan to use a stroller, we recommend one that is easily used over various path surfaces, and make sure your stroller's passenger is suited for the chilly, rainy weather that is common this time of year and well secured if you're planning on keeping a brisk pace.
WANT TO KNOW WHERE YOUR RACE DOLLARS GO?
WE'D LOVE TO SHARE SOME STATS FROM THE WORK THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT FOOD BANK DOES
For nearly 40 years, the University District Food Bank has been essential to Northeast Seattle, providing food security to thousands of families. With inflation driving costs to new highs, community support through events like the Montlake Turkey Trot has become crucial to sustaining these services. The Food Bank currently supports 109,000 households (253,000 individuals) annually and distributes over 3.4 million pounds of food—reaching infants, children, adults, and seniors across the area. Nearly 25% of clients are unsheltered, making immediate access to nutritious food all the more vital.
Each week, programs like Home Delivery serve 550 households, while the Backpack Program partners with 18 local schools to provide meals for almost 1,000 children. Off-site locations, including Mercy Magnuson Place and North Seattle College, offer groceries to another 400 households weekly. With an annual food budget of $1.5 million—double what it was two years ago. The Food Bank relies on events like the Turkey Trot to maintain these essential programs. It serves as the second largest annual fundraiser.
Supporting the Turkey Trot means more than joining a race, it’s a way for local businesses and community members to help neighbors in need while gaining visibility through the Food Bank’s e-newsletter (8,000 subscribers) and print newsletter (11,000 households), boosting each other while making a difference. Together, let’s make this year’s Trot the most impactful yet!
Countdown to event
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K Run/Walk
Price changes in 5 months 26 days-
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$39.90Dec 6 – Feb 28
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Register for 5K Run/Walk$45.28Now registering Mar 1 – Nov 23
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$56.06Nov 24 – Nov 26
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$61.43Nov 27 – Nov 27
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Kids 1/2 Mile & 1 Mile Run
Price changes in 5 months 26 days-
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$23.74Dec 6 – Feb 28
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Register for Kids 1/2 Mile & 1 Mile Run$23.74Now registering Mar 1 – Nov 23
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$34.52Nov 24 – Nov 26
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$45.28Nov 27 – Nov 27
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Untimed 5K or 1 Mile Walk
Price changes in 5 months 26 days-
We are offering an untimed walk category for the race this year, to allow access for individuals who'd like to do a shorter distance or just have a leisurely stroll with their families without runners. Please note, this race is untimed, so you will no receive results in this category.
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$34.52Dec 6 – Feb 28
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Register for Untimed 5K or 1 Mile Walk$39.90Now registering Mar 1 – Nov 23
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$50.67Nov 24 – Nov 26
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$56.06Nov 27 – Nov 27
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Packet Pickup
There will be two packet pickup options prior to the race. While we will have packet pickup on race day starting at 7:30AM, we STRONGLY encourage you to pick up your packet in advance to minimize race-day lines.
WE WILL PUBLISH PACKET PICKUP DETAILS AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE RACE
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor $10,000
Premium Sponsor
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Turkey Trotter Sponsor
Public Transit Information
We do our best to provide accurate information, but of course always check your current transit routing, as routes are subject to change, but this will help you make your way to the race if you're looking to arrive without a vehicle and avoid dealing with parking!
Public Transit Directions:
Seattle's public transportation system, King County Metro Transit, offers several routes that service the Montlake area. Given the early start time and potential holiday schedule adjustments, it's advisable to verify the latest transit schedules closer to the event date.
From Downtown Seattle:
Bus Route 48:
- Board: Route 48 at 3rd Ave & Pike St.
- Disembark: Montlake Blvd E & E Lynn St.
- Walk: Approximately 5 minutes east on E Lynn St to reach the starting point at E Lynn St & 25th Ave E.
Bus Route 43:
- Board: Route 43 at 3rd Ave & Union St.
- Disembark: 23rd Ave E & E Lynn St.
- Walk: Approximately 2 minutes east on E Lynn St to the starting point.
From the University District:
- Bus Route 48:
- Board: Route 48 at NE 45th St & University Way NE.
- Disembark: Montlake Blvd E & E Lynn St.
- Walk: Approximately 5 minutes east on E Lynn St to the starting point.
From Capitol Hill:
- Bus Route 43:
- Board: Route 43 at E John St & Broadway E.
- Disembark: 23rd Ave E & E Lynn St.
- Walk: Approximately 2 minutes east on E Lynn St to the starting point.
Additional Tips:
Check Schedules: Holiday schedules may affect bus frequencies. Visit King County Metro's official website or use their trip planner tool for real-time updates.
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the race to account for any unforeseen delays and to participate in pre-race activities.
Alternative Transportation: Consider using ride-sharing services, biking, or carpooling if public transit options are limited.
For more detailed route planning, refer to King County Metro's trip planner or use your favorite navigation software.
No matter how you get here, we can't wait to see you and help raise more funds than ever for the University District Food Bank!
Parking Information & Recommendations
Parking in the Montlake neighborhood is limited, especially during events like the Montlake Turkey Trot. However, but participants have several options to consider! We highly recommend allowing extra time for your parking and arrival.
Designated Parking at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church:
- Location: 2100 Boyer Ave East, Seattle, WA 98112
- Availability: The church parking lot is available to race participants from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on race day.
- Access: Enter the parking lot via E Lynn St and 19th Ave E.
Alternative Parking Options:
- East Side of Montlake Blvd & Surrounding Neighborhoods: Street parking is available along the east side of Montlake Blvd and all throughout the local neighborhoods. Please adhere to posted parking regulations.
- Arboretum Parking Lots:The Washington Park Arboretum has several parking areas, including:
- Graham Visitors Center Lot: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Japanese Garden Parking Lot: 1075 Lake Washington Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Note: These lots are within a 15-20 minute walk to the race start line.
Street Closures and Drop-Off Points:
- Closed Streets: On race day, E Lynn St will be closed between Montlake Blvd and 26th Ave E, and 25th Ave E will be closed between E Miller St and E Newton St.
- Drop-Off Recommendations:For those being dropped off, consider using side streets outside the closure zones. Suggested drop-off points include:
- E McGraw St & 24th Ave E
- E Calhoun St & 22nd Ave E
Encouraged Transportation Alternatives:
- Carpooling: Share rides with fellow participants to reduce the number of vehicles.
- Public Transit: King County Metro Transit offers several routes servicing the Montlake area. Check schedules in advance, especially for holiday service adjustments, we've provided some recommendations above.
- Rideshare Services: Utilize services like Uber or Lyft for convenient drop-off and pick-up.
- Cycling or Walking: If you live nearby, consider biking or walking to the event. Bike racks may be available near the race area.
Additional Tips:
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the race to secure parking and reach the start line comfortably.
- Parking Regulations: Always observe local parking signs and restrictions to avoid fines or towing.
- Weather Preparedness: Seattle weather can be unpredictable; dress accordingly and consider bringing rain gear.
We're thrilled to have you, your friends and family join us for this fun, festive fundraising event for our community!
Event schedule
- Tue, November 25, 2025 1:00 PM - Road Runner Greenlake Packet Pickup
- Wed, November 26, 2025 1:00 PM - Fuel Coffee Packet Pickup
- Thu, November 27, 2025 7:30 AM - Check-in/Packet Pick Up
- Thu, November 27, 2025 9:00 AM - 5k Turkey Trot
- Thu, November 27, 2025 9:45 AM - Kids 1 Mile Walk/Run
- Thu, November 27, 2025 9:50 AM - Kids 0.5 Mile Walk/Run
- Thu, November 27, 2025 10:00 AM - Untimed Walk (1 mile or 5k)
Contact information
- Event contact
- Josh Oliveri - Race Director
- Phone
- 503-926-2497
