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 11th 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, 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 a critical source of food security and community support across Northeast Seattle. Demand continues to grow: in 2025, the Food Bank served more than 123,000 households and 368,000 individuals, an 80% increase in customers over the past four years. Altogether, it distributed 3.9 million pounds of food, with 52% purchased directly by the Food Bank and 48% donated. Those served span every generation, including children, adults, seniors, and infants, underscoring just how broad the need has become.
That impact extends far beyond the Food Bank’s primary pantry. Home Delivery serves more than 550 homebound households every week, while Packs for Kids provides weekend and summer meals to more than 820 students each week across 16 Seattle Public Schools and other community sites. Satellite pantries at Magnuson Park and North Seattle College serve another 430+ households weekly, and the Food Bank’s Apple a Day Café serves more than 1,000 nutritious meals each week. In 2025 alone, the organization provided more than 33,000 hot meals, 36,000 weekend food packs, and 25,500 home deliveries. Meeting that growing demand requires significant community investment: the Food Bank’s FY 2025–26 budget includes approximately $4 million in expenses, with 36% dedicated specifically to purchasing food.
That’s why events like the Montlake Turkey Trot matter. The Trot is recognized as one of the Food Bank’s two largest annual fundraisers, bringing together local businesses, families, runners, and neighbors around a shared mission. Sponsoring or supporting the Turkey Trot is more than putting your name on a race—it directly helps keep groceries on shelves, meals reaching children, and deliveries going to neighbors who cannot access the pantry themselves. Together, we can make the 2026 Montlake Turkey Trot one of the most impactful yet and help the University District Food Bank continue meeting a level of community need that has never been greater.
Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor $10,000
Premium Sponsors
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Turkey Trotter Sponsor
Countdown to event
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
5K Run/Walk
Price changes in 3 days 23 hours-
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Register for 5K Run/Walk$39.91Now registering Sep 25 – Sep 29
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$48.53Sep 30 – Oct 20
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$56.07Oct 21 – Nov 17
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$66.83
Late Pricing Shirt Not Guaranteed
Nov 18 – Nov 26
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Kids 1/2 Mile Run
Price changes in 3 days 23 hours-
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Register for Kids 1/2 Mile Run$23.75Now registering Sep 25 – Sep 29
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$25.90Sep 30 – Oct 20
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$34.53Oct 21 – Nov 17
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$45.29
Late Pricing Shirt Not Guaranteed
Nov 18 – Nov 26
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Untimed 5K or 1 Mile Walk
Price changes in 3 days 23 hours-
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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Register for Untimed 5K or 1 Mile Walk$34.53Now registering Sep 25 – Sep 29
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$43.14Sep 30 – Oct 20
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$50.68Oct 21 – Nov 17
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$56.07
Late Pricing Shirt Not Guaranteed
Nov 18 – Nov 26
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Kids 1 Mile Run
Price changes in 3 days 23 hours-
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Register for Kids 1 Mile Run$23.75Now registering Sep 25 – Sep 29
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$25.90Sep 30 – Oct 20
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$34.53Oct 21 – Nov 17
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$45.29
Late Pricing Shirt Not Guaranteed
Nov 18 – Nov 26
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Event schedule
- Thu, November 26, 2026 7:30 AM - Check-in/Packet Pick Up
- Thu, November 26, 2026 9:00 AM - 5k Turkey Trot
- Thu, November 26, 2026 9:45 AM - Kids 1 Mile Walk/Run
- Thu, November 26, 2026 9:55 AM - Kids 0.5 Mile Walk/Run
- Thu, November 26, 2026 10:00 AM - Untimed Walk (1 mile or 5k)
Contact information
- Event contact
- Josh Oliveri - Race Director
- Phone
- 503-926-2497
