The Seattle Turkey Trot was founded in 2007 by 3 Seattle Ballardites who wanted to run on Thanksgiving morning in an attempt to counteract the large quantities of food that would be consumed later in the day. 

A scenic course was chosen, friends and family were invited to join, and 30 people showed up to run that inaugural year. The next year, 200 people showed up, and the extra money raised was donated to the Ballard Food Bank. With each year the trot grew, and soon it attracted more than 5,000 annual attendees! With it’s growth, the event was passed on from the founding trio to the Ballard Food Bank, who continues to host the trot today.

Now, on our 15th anniversary, the trot continues in a modified format as we adapt to a world with COVID. The Turkey Trot is now virtual, and hosts a plethora of family-friendly activities for all to enjoy. In this way, the trot is able to stretch out and embrace neighbors in cities around the world who may not normally be able to attend!