Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot

Founded and produced by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is America's largest Thanksgiving Day race. It allows participants to start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot by celebrating generosity and wellness with thousands of other runners and walkers committed to investing in their community. All event proceeds are donated to four nonprofit beneficiaries: Healthier Kids Foundation, HomeFirst, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, and Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.

This family-focused event welcomes participants of all fitness levels—elite runners, joggers, and walkers—to enjoy the flat and fast course that flows through downtown San Jose's local neighborhoods and businesses.

So kick off the holiday season by joining your Silicon Valley neighbors at San Jose's biggest Thanksgiving Day block party. Sign up to make the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot your newest Thanksgiving tradition!

REGISTRATION

Is my registration tax-deductible?

Because your registration fee covers the cost of your entry, shirt, and bib – i.e. services and goods, the registration is not tax-deductible. If you make a direct donation – that amount is tax-deductible. Be sure to check if your company matches your donation.

What's included with the registration fee?

Your Turkey Trot registration includes race entry, our iconic Turkey Trot shirt, a race bib, and professional timing. All proceeds from the event will be donated to local nonprofits who serve our community by providing food, healthcare, and housing to those most in need. 

Can I change the distance I initially registered for?

You can change your registration by clicking on "Manage Your Registration" in your confirmation email, in your RunSignUp profile, or by following this link. If you have any issues with this process, please reach out to Race Support.

Where do I register on race day?

There will be NO on-site registration, but you can still register from home or via your smartphone until 8:30am on race day. After you register online, come to bib pickup in the festival area between W St John St and W Santa Clara St between 7–8:30am to retrieve your shirt and bib. Click here for the bib pickup location.

May I run the race without registering?

No. You must be registered and have a race bib to participate in the event.

If my child registers for the 5K/10K race, can they still run in the Kids Fun Run?

Your child may only participate in the event they have registered for. For example, if your child only registers for the Kids Fun Run and has a Kids Fun Run bib, they may not participate in the 5K/10K (and vice versa). However, you are welcome to register them for both events if they would like to partake in both. NOTE: Other Kids Fun Zone activities aside from the run are open to everyone, regardless of registration.

RACE MATERIALS

How and when will I get my race packet?

Lumentum Packet Pickup will be held at Sports Basement Almaden and Sports Basement Sunnyvale from November 22–26, 11am–6pm. If you choose to have your Bib mailed to you, it should arrive 3–5 days prior to the race; your shirt will be available in the festival area on Race Day. Race Day Bib and Shirt Pickup will begin at 7am; bib pickup closes at 9am and shirt pickup ends at 11am. 

If you are running the virtual event and chose to have your packet shipped directly to you, your packet will be mailed out the week of November 17.

Can I pick up my friend’s packet?

Yes! You'll need either their first and last name or the QR code from their confirmation email in order to do so.

Can I exchange my shirt for a different size?

You can change your registration by clicking on "Manage Your Registration" in your confirmation email, in your RunSignUp profile, or by following this link until November 12. If you want to change your afterwards, please reach out to Race Support or visit the solutions table at a packet pickup location and we will do our best to accommodate. Please note that only unworn race shirts may be exchanged.

RACE DAY

Can I walk the 5K or 10K?

Registrants are invited to participate in our events in a safe manner. Most participants can walk the 5K distance in the allotted time. The 10K distance can be more challenging as the roadways are opened at 11 am to traffic. This gives a participant about two hours to complete the course. Please be sure to check your pace so that you will have the best experience at our event.

Where does the race start?

The race starts at the intersection of W Santa Clara Street at First Street (1 W Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113). Please start by lining up at the correct corral designated on your bib – there will be a corral number and an associated color for each corral to make it easier for you to line up. Click here for the location of the start line.

How early should I get to the start line on race day?

You should plan to be at the start line 40 minutes prior to your corral's start time. Remember that you need to have enough time to park and make it to your designated corral with other runners and walkers!

When and where does the Kids Fun Run take place?

The Kids Fun Zone will open at 9 am and the Kids Fun Run starts at 10:15 am at the intersection of South Autumn Street and West St. John Street. We recommend that you line up at the Kids Fun Zone for the Kids Fun Run at 10 am.

How far is the Kids Fun Run?

2–3 year olds will have an 100-yard course; 4–5 year olds will have a 200-yard course; 6–7 year olds will have a 300-yard course. Parents may run with their children in the 2–3 year old race. If you plan to run with your child, please line up behind children who are running on their own, to ensure a safe event. All age groups will meet a parent at the finish line corral area.

Will there be water stops along the course?

Yes! There will be one water station on the 5K course and three water stations on the 10K course. 

Will we be able to check our belongings?

Yes, gear check will be available at Arena Green along the tennis courts between 7–11am. Participants may check small items to be held during the event. All participants must use the clear bags we provide and all items must be visible in the clear bag. Backpacks, suitcases, purses, children and pets will not be accepted at gear check. You must show your bib number to pick up the bag with the corresponding bib number labeled on it. No exceptions will be made. All items left after the race will be donated. Click here for the location of the gear check.

GETTING THERE

If I don’t want to drive to the race, will the bus, light rail, or train be running?

Yes! Please visit the VTA website for more information about the holiday schedule for light rail and buses. However, Caltrain will not have an early enough train for the Turkey Trot. Please check holiday scheduling for respective public transit to ensure a smooth race day.

Where is the best place to park on race day?

There are a number of parking locations within a short walk from the start and finish lines. Many of the parking garages are free. Visit https://parksj.org/. We will share parking maps on our website as we near the event day.

Where can I park my bike on race morning?

There are several public bike racks available downtown. Please bring your lock and feel free to find a spot that’s closest to your start corral.

Where are the nearest transit stops?

The nearest transit stop to the start line is Santa Clara Street via the VTA light rail. For the finish line and volunteer area, use the San Jose Diridon station, which is served by buses, light rail, Caltrain, ACE and Capitol Corridor. Please check holiday scheduling for respective public transit to ensure a smooth race day.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located at the start line, in the festival area, in the Fittest Firm area, in the Kids Fun Zone, and near the finish line.

I’ve lost my child, what do I do?

If you are separated from your child while in the Kids Fun Zone, please go to the Kids Stage for assistance. If you are separated from your child during the Kids Fun Run, go to the Kids Fun Run start line. If you are separated from your child in any other area, find a medical station, info booth, or go to that area’s stage and staff will assist you.

I’ve lost someone (child, parent, friend) what do I do?

Go to an information booth near the start line (on the corner of Santa Clara and First Street) or to one of the two stages (located in the Main or Kids Festival sites).

Will there be medical assistance on/along the course?

Yes! We will have EMTs stationed in the festival areas and on course, as well as two ambulances on course. The main medical tent will be located just past the finish line on the left-hand side, across from the Santa Clara Street and Delmas intersection.

Which items are not permitted on the course?

Per USA Track & Field regulations, the following are not permitted on course: dogs or any pets (except for certified service animals), baby strollers/joggers, bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles, and wagons.

We reserve the right to remove anyone causing a safety hazard from the course.

RESULTS

Where and when will the race results be posted?

After the race, results will be posted here. Please note that there will be a delay of up to several hours before full results are listed.

VOLUNTEERING

How do I volunteer?

Volunteer registration will open in September 2025. When open, you can sign up to volunteer for the Turkey Trot here.

Where is Volunteer Check-In?

Volunteer check-in is located in “Sharks Ally” at the corner of W. St. John Street and N. Montgomery Street under the stairs near the back entrance to the SAP Center.

How do I get my volunteer slip signed for school?

Report to volunteer check-in at the SAP Center after your shift to have your hours signed off.

 
GENERAL

Can you tell me more about the charities benefiting from the Turkey Trot?

You can find more information about the beneficiaries of the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot here.

VIRTUAL

How do I run the virtual race?

You can complete your virtual 5K/10K run anytime, anywhere from November 27–December 6. Run outside, on a treadmill, with family, or on your own. Use our RaceJoy app or your own tracking app to complete the distance you registered for and record your time. 

When and where can I submit my time?

You can submit your run time on our results page beginning November 27 until December 6. If you use our RaceJoy app to complete and track your run, your results will be automatically uploaded to our results page. 

What is RaceJoy?

RaceJoy is an app that tracks your 5K/10K run/walk and automatically uploads your time to the results page for your event. This app is free to use and you must download the app before race week from the App Store. You need to carry your phone with you to track your time through the app. You can also track your friend's or family member's run, and send them audio messages or virtual cheers.

Not running? Download the app to watch your runner complete their race!

How do I use RaceJoy?

Once downloaded, go through the RaceJoy Tutorial to learn how to find your event and track your run. Once you have selected your event and entered your name, you are ready to track your run. Go to My Races on the day you choose to complete your 5K/10K run/walk, and just hit the green ‘GO’ button once you begin! Make sure your GPS tracking is ON and WIFI is OFF (if you are leaving the house for your run). Once you are finished, hit the red ‘END RUN’ button to complete your run and submit your results to the leaderboard. 

The Marvell Fittest Firm Competition is a participant-based corporate challenge that pits your company against similarly-sized businesses to see who can really call themselves the ‘Fittest Firm’ in the Valley! The largest teams in each size category will also qualify for a Race Day Company Tent to showcase company logos and gather together. We also offer rates for bulk purchasing of registrations should you be interested in subsidizing costs for your employees!
 

• Offer colleagues a chance to build camaraderie with a focus on community AND fitness!
• Get additional team points while supporting our beneficiaries by encouraging employees to donate
• Subsidize ticket sales for your employees with a customizable discount code
• Take advantage of social media to share your team's times and photos
• Internal communication is simple with the use of our Fittest Firm Media Kit
• The largest teams will receive a tent on race day, a customized plaque, and on-stage recognition during race week!

You can make it happen by signing up to be your Company Champion!

As Champion, you’ll receive materials to inform and motivate your colleagues to sign up for the Turkey Trot! Learn more here.

Fill out the Fittest Firm Registration Form or contact Katharina Tschirner at katharinat@svlgfoundation.org to get your corporate team up and running today!

NEW PACKET PICKUP LOCATION AVAILABLE!

Our Lumentum Packet Pickup hosted by Sports Basement will be held from Saturday, November 22 to Wednesday, November 26 from 11am–6pm at two locations:

• Sports Basement Almaden: 5353 Almaden Expressway, San Jose CA 95118

• Sports Basement Sunnyvale: 1177 Kern Ave, Sunnyvale CA 94085

Enjoy participant discounts on any purchase at Sports Basement when you come in to pick up your gear! When registering, please let us know which location you plan to pick up (you are not locked in to your choice).

If you are participating in the virtual race AND selected to have your packet shipped to you, it will be mailed out the week of November 17. To ensure your packet arrives before Thanksgiving, please register for the virtual race no later than November 16.

Friendship pays off. Refer 4 friends to join you at the Trot for a $25 refund when they register using your referral link. Keep it up until you're running for free! Just share your unique referral link (available in your confirmation email) after you register to get started.

*Only referrals using your custom link will count towards your refund. Referrals cannot be awarded retroactively.

W Santa Clara Street at N First Street
San Jose, CA US 95113

RACE DAY TIMELINE

7:00 am: Bib/shirt pickup and gear check open in the festival area
7:45 am: Costume Contest judging at the start line
8:30 am: 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run start
9:00 am: Bib/shirt pickup closes in the festival area
9:00 am: Kids Fun Zone opens in Arena Green West
10:00 am: Awards ceremony at festival area stage
10:15 am: Kids Fun Run (ages 2-7) starts in Kids Fun Zone
11:00 am: Gear check closes in festival area
11:30 am: Event conclusion

*Race times subject to change.

VIRTUAL RUN TIMELINE

Begin your run anytime from November 26 through December 6! 

You have 10 days to complete your 5K/10K run/walk and you can utilize our RaceJoy run tracking app for automatic result upload, or manually upload your results here. 

Learn how to use the RaceJoy app here!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn for the latest information on the event, and join our running community on Strava to stay connected with others.

Love the Turkey Trot? The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation produces three annual races for local charities and organizations. Check out our events!

• Santa Run Silicon Valley
  

• Lumentum Heart & Soles Run
  

• Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot