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The Ultimate Guide To Silicon Valley Turkey Trots 2025: Dates, Charities, And How To Run The Biggest Race In The US

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Every Thanksgiving morning, the Silicon Valley community trades in the butterball turkey for running shoes, participating in one of the most impactful and largest races in the United States: the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot. This guide, updated for the upcoming 2025 season, provides the essential details you need to join the thousands of runners, from elite athletes to families with strollers, who flood the streets of Downtown San Jose for a great cause.

Scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, the race serves as a powerful kickoff to the holiday season, not just as a physical challenge, but as a massive fundraising effort. With a history of donating over $12 million to local nonprofit organizations, the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is a cornerstone of regional charitable giving, making your pre-feast run a truly meaningful one. [cite: 17 (from step 1)]

The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot: Race Details and Charitable Impact

The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is not just a local event; it proudly holds the title of the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the US, drawing over 20,000 registrants annually. [cite: 10, 17 (from step 1)] The atmosphere is electric, blending the high-tech energy of Silicon Valley with a genuine spirit of community and giving back. The event is a crucial fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting valuable nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to people in need across the region.

Key Race Information for November 27, 2025

  • Event Name: Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot
  • Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
  • Location: Downtown San Jose, California
  • Races Offered: 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, and a Kids Fun Run
  • Registration: Registration is typically open until late November, with options for both in-person and virtual participation.

The Downtown San Jose Course Experience

Runners can choose between a 5K Run/Walk and a more challenging 10K Run. Both courses are celebrated for being remarkably flat and fast, making them ideal for setting a personal best (PR) or simply enjoying a comfortable walk with family and friends.

The race routes take participants directly through the heart of Downtown San Jose, offering scenic views of the city's urban landscape. The 5K event traditionally begins on Santa Clara Street, just west of Market Street, a central location that creates an impressive spectacle as thousands of runners take off simultaneously. Race organizers utilize multiple wave corrals to manage the large crowds and ensure a smooth start for all participants, from elite runners to casual walkers.

The Charitable Mission: Key Beneficiaries

The true legacy of the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot lies in its immense charitable impact. The event has become a financial lifeline for several key local nonprofit organizations. By participating in the race, you are directly supporting programs that address hunger, healthcare, and homelessness in Santa Clara County and the broader Silicon Valley area. [cite: 16 (from step 1)]

The primary beneficiaries for the 2025 event include a dedicated group of organizations making a significant difference:

  • Second Harvest of Silicon Valley: A major food bank working to end hunger in the region.
  • Healthier Kids Foundation: Focused on ensuring all children in Santa Clara County have access to health insurance and quality healthcare.
  • HomeFirst: Dedicated to ending homelessness in Silicon Valley by providing housing, services, and support.

The event’s organizers, including the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), emphasize that this collective impact is what makes the Turkey Trot so unique and vital to the community. [cite: 11 (from step 1), 8 (from step 1)]

Beyond San Jose: Other Notable Turkey Trots in Silicon Valley

While the Applied Materials race is the centerpiece, the spirit of the Thanksgiving run extends across the entire Silicon Valley, with several smaller, community-focused Turkey Trots offering different experiences and courses. These local events are excellent alternatives for those who prefer a smaller crowd, a different location, or a more trail-centric run.

The Palo Alto Turkey Trot Circuit

Palo Alto offers a few distinct options for runners looking to burn off some calories before their holiday meal:

  • XC Turkey Trot 2.2 Mile: A fun run typically held on the Gunn High School cross-country course (Gunn XC), offering a shorter, trail-style experience. This event is a great option for high school runners and those looking for a non-pavement course.
  • Spartan Turkey Trot: The 16th Annual Spartan Turkey Trot is another popular Thanksgiving morning tradition in Palo Alto, appealing to a dedicated local running community.
  • "Hometown" Virtual Turkey Trot: A flexible option allowing participants to run a 5K at their own pace and location between Saturday, November 22, and Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025.

South Bay Community Runs

Further south, the community of Los Gatos hosts its own charitable events:

  • Mountain School Annual Turkey Trot: This Los Gatos event, often hosted by the Los Gatos Saratoga Observation Nursery School, serves as a local fundraising initiative, providing a smaller, family-friendly atmosphere away from the major crowds of San Jose.
  • Piedmont Turkey Trot: Located near San Jose, this is another local race often listed on the Silicon Valley running calendar, offering a 5K or 10K option on the day before Thanksgiving or on the morning itself.

Tips for Running the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot (San Jose)

Preparing for a massive race like the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot requires a little planning. Here are a few essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day run.

Registration and Packet Pickup

Due to the race's popularity, early registration is highly recommended to secure the best price and guarantee your spot. Packet pickup is typically held in the days leading up to the race at local running stores or a central location in San Jose. Be sure to check the official race website for the exact times and locations to avoid long lines on Thanksgiving morning. Missing the cutoff date for registration is a common issue, so sign up well in advance of November 27, 2025. [cite: 6 (from step 1)]

Race Day Logistics and Parking

Downtown San Jose streets are closed for the event, making parking and navigation challenging. Plan to arrive early—at least 60 to 90 minutes before your start time—to find parking and walk to the start line. Utilizing public transportation, such as the VTA Light Rail, is a highly recommended alternative to driving and dealing with traffic congestion. The race starts early, often before 8:30 AM, so set your alarm clock accordingly. [cite: 9 (from step 1)]

Corporate and Team Participation

The Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is also a major corporate wellness event, with many tech companies and firms competing for titles like the "Fittest Firm." Companies like Marvell have been recognized multiple times for their high participation rates. [cite: 15 (from step 1)] Joining a corporate team is a fantastic way to build camaraderie, enjoy the event with colleagues, and add a competitive element to your morning. Team results are officially tracked for both the 5K and 10K events. [cite: 14 (from step 1)]

Whether you choose the electric energy of the Downtown San Jose 10K, the community feel of a Palo Alto 2.2 mile course, or the charitable purpose of the 5K walk, participating in a Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is the perfect way to earn your Thanksgiving feast while giving back to the community that makes the Bay Area unique.

The Ultimate Guide to Silicon Valley Turkey Trots 2025: Dates, Charities, and How to Run the Biggest Race in the US
turkey trot silicon valley
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