Ballardites and gobblers alike are trimming their feathers and training their trots for the ninth annual Seattle Turkey Trot set for Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 26).

The event is a 5K run/walk devoted to raising awareness and funds for the Ballard Food Bank. The race starts at 9:00 a.m. and racers will start at 32nd Avenue NW and NW 85th Street and finish at Golden Gardens Park.

“The work we do at the Ballard Food Bank is a community effort. The Turkey Trot is a great way for all of us to come together as we run, walk, or trot for hunger. It’s also a fun event to kick-off Thanksgiving with friends and family,” said Jen Muzia, Ballard Food Bank Executive Director.

According to the Ballard Food Bank, over 3,500 people participated in the run last year and raised over $110,000. The first year of the event was back in 2005 and 50 participates made the trip to trot. In the last few years the Turkey Trot has been growing in increments of close to 500 runners per year. Two years ago 2,500 trotters traversed the course and raised over $90,000. BFB anticipates over 4,000 participants trot the track to Golden Gardens.

The Ballard Food Bank has been providing food, hygiene items and emergency financial help for people in need for the last forty years. Every week the Ballard Food Bank serves 1,200 households in Ballard, Magnolia and Queen Anne. The organization depends on funding events like the Turkey Trot and donation from neighbors and local small businesses.

The most recent One Night Count found more than 3,772 people – including children – without shelter in Seattle, which was a 21 percent increase from 2014. For some individuals the Ballard Food Bank is essential for helping with food and hygiene costs.

Ballardites Erin Fortier, Matt Ramme and John O'Brien started the event in Seattle after running in the Portland Turkey Trot ten years ago. No event of its kind had been organized in the city at the time.

“In my family, it was a tradition to go for a run on Thanksgiving morning,” said Fortier. “It was a way to spend time with family on the holidays and feel better about all the food we’d be eating for the rest of the day.”

“During Thanksgiving, people spend a lot of time thinking about food. We want to raise money for those in our community who are helping the hungry,” says Matt Ramme. “We chose the Ballard Food Bank because it is a local Ballard non-profit and people can connect the run with a nearby organization.”

Early Registration is $25; $15 for children (10 & under) and the deadline early registration is November 17th. Day of Registration is $30; $25 for children (10 & under). All proceeds from this family-friendly event will benefit the Ballard Food Bank.

For more information visit www.seattleturkeytrot.org/ and www.ballardfoodbank.org/ .