Hey, why not. Running is more fun in groups, and on this day of much eating (and perhaps drinking) it just seems like a good idea to get some exercise before the turkey (or tofurky, if you swing that way).

Yes! Even if you don't want to participate in the run but would like to help out, we can use volunteers on the day of the race. Please send us an email and we'll get back to you with more information. Thanks!

If you drive to Golden Gardens park, park in the parking lot near the pedestrian tunnel. This is where the turkey trot Finish Line is. Alternatively, you could park near NW 85th St and 32nd Ave NW, by Caffe Fiore. This is where the Starting Line will be. Please note that there is far more parking at Golden Gardens Park as there are several parking lots there. This will be easier for you than street parking by the Starting Line.

We liked the route with the view of the Olympics and running along the water, but you can't run up the hill from Golden Gardens Park because the road is narrow and busy (and frankly we, your organizers, didn't want to run up that hill anyway). We suggest you park at Golden Gardens and then walk up the several long flights of stairs to the top of the hill, at 85th and 32nd. Alternatively, you could get someone to drop you off at the starting line, if they like you enough.

The race will start at 9am. Please try to get there at least 10 minutes early to sign in and pick up your shirt(s). If you park at Golden Gardens, please allow 10-15 minutes to walk up the hill to the starting line.

No. This is an important point for everyone to take note of. The 2nd half of the course follows the Burke Gilman trail out to Golden Gardens, but for the first half we need people to run on the sidewalks. We will not be closing the roads for the run because the event is not large enough to make it financially viable when you factor in the costs to the city for police (especially on a holiday), etc. The city has given us permission to run the event this way based on our expected turnout, but in future years this will probably have to change if the event continues to grow.

The satisfaction of a race well run (or walked as the case may be). We don't have prizes, bibs or time chips. We really are just doing this for the fun of it and to raise money for the Ballard Food Bank, and hope you are too!

This event is a casual run, probably less formal than other 5k run/walks you might have taken part in. This really did just start as a way to get friends and family together and has since evolved into a way to come together during the holidays and help out our community.

The only issue will be getting up the hill to the starting line. We'd recommend getting dropped off at the starting line with the stroller, and then having someone else park your car at Golden Gardens.

Absolutely, we will have had a group of walkers.