FAQ

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.

What's included with the registration fee?

Your Turkey Trot registration includes race entry, a dry-fit tech race shirt, and a race bib with timing chip. All proceeds from the event will be donated to four deserving local nonprofits, all of whom serve our community by providing food, healthcare services, and housing to those who most need it.

Can I change the distance I initially registered for?

Please visit the solutions table at Sports Basement during packet pickup or on race morning and we will do our best to accommodate.

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 8:30 am 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 am - 8:30 am 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. Further, the Kids Fun Zone activities are open to everyone.

RACE MATERIALS

How and when will I get my race packet?

Packet Pickup will be held at Sports Basement Sunnyvale from November 23–27 from 11am–6pm. Race Day Bib and Shirt Pickup will begin at 7am. 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 18.

Can I pick up my friend’s packet?

Yes! You'll need either their first and last name or their bib number in order to do so.

Can I exchange my shirt for a different size?

Please visit the solutions table at Sports Basement during packet pickup or on race morning 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 (11 S 1st St, 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 9am and the Kids Fun Run starts shortly after 10am 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 10am.

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 100 yard 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 see this map of closures and reroutes or 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.

PERMITTED ITEMS

Are dogs allowed?

No. Only certified service animals with proper certification and harnesses are allowed.

Are baby strollers allowed in the race?

Yes, but please be sure to calculate your proper estimated course time so you will be in the correct corral and will not impede other participants. For safety reasons, please stay to the right side of the street while out on the course so faster runners can safely pass.

Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles, wagons allowed on the course?

No. For the safety of all participants, only baby strollers/joggers and wheelchairs are allowed on the course.

RESULTS

Where and when will the race results be posted?

After the race, a link to the results will be posted on our website and on our race timer's website.

VOLUNTEERING

How do I volunteer?

Volunteer registration will open in September 2024. 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 four charities benefiting from the Turkey Trot?

You can find more information about the four 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 28 to December 4. Run outside, on a treadmill, with family, or on your own. Use the 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 28 until December 4. 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.