Montlake Turkey Trot
About the race
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 its second largest annual fundraiser. So every dollar beyond operating costs goes directly back into your local community and helps feed those in need.
Runners, walkers and neighbors are often potent contributors to positivity, and we believe that is the heart and soul of this race. 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!
About the University District Food Bank
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, as it directly helps keep groceries on shelves, meals reaching children, and deliveries going to neighbors who cannot access the pantry themselves.
Dogs and strollers
Dogs
- There are no dogs allowed for safety, due to insurance stipulations.
- Please leave your furry friends at home for this event.
Strollers
- Strollers are welcome, but please 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.
The course
5 km
0.5 Miles
1 Mile
The path runs 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.
Trail conditions and strollers
The trails within the arboretum can be muddy and have damp plant debris on them.
- If you plan to use a stroller, we recommend one that is easily used over various path surfaces.
- 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.
Location
Seattle, WA, USA Open in Google Maps
City insight: Seattle
Seattle is the most populous city in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest, situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. It is the county seat of King County and the northernmost major city in the United States. The climate is mild and often damp, with dry summers and wet winters, so summer and early autumn are the best seasons to race.
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