SAN JOSÉ, CA (November 25, 2024) — The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, America’s largest Thanksgiving Day race, returns for a landmark 20th year on November 28. The Turkey Trot has donated more than $12 million to date in support of local charities. More than 20,000 registrants are expected to participate in person and virtually this year.
This year’s Turkey Trot will feature thousands of entrants running, walking or jogging the course in person on Thanksgiving morning. There are several events to choose from, including a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, a Kids Fun Run, and a costume contest. Elite runners, joggers, and walkers enjoy the downtown San Jose course, which is flat, fast, and flows through local neighborhoods and business areas. This year’s event will continue to offer the flexibility of a virtual race, which can be completed anytime between Nov. 28 – Dec. 4.
WHEN & WHERE:
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Start Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Downtown San Jose, W. Santa Clara Street and 1st Street
Note: Media opportunities with Ahmad Thomas, CEO of SVLG and Executive Director of the SVLG Foundation, will be available upon request. Please email press@svlg.org to register and request an interview.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of one of our region’s most impactful and beloved traditions – the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “For two decades, this event has brought together families, friends, and neighbors on Thanksgiving morning to support those in need. It’s been the model for events popping up across the country – and togetherness far and wide.”
“We are thrilled to kick off the holiday season with the annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot,” said Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation Chairman Kim Fennell. “We’re especially excited with this being the 20th anniversary and we’re counting on lots of support for an event that has meant so much to the families that participate year after year – and to the worthy charities and recipients of the donations it generates. We’re proud that the Turkey Trot – the largest in the US — has donated $12 Million over the last two decades and we want to make this one bigger than ever”
“For two decades, we’ve had the privilege of watching the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot grow into America’s largest Thanksgiving Day race, and we couldn’t be more proud to continue supporting this extraordinary event that brings our community together while making a meaningful difference,” said Joe Pon, Corporate Vice President, Applied Materials, Inc.
“The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot has become a beloved Thanksgiving tradition that unites our region’s top tech companies, nonprofit partners, colleagues, families, and friends in making a meaningful difference for our community. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’ve raised over $12 million, and this year’s event is shaping up to be extraordinary, with more than 20,000 participants expected to gather at the starting line!” said Ahmad Thomas, CEO of Silicon Valley Leadership Group and Executive Director of the SVLG Foundation.
Beneficiaries of the Turkey Trot include the Second Harvest Silicon Valley, The Health Trust, Healthier Kids Foundation, and Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.
For more information and to register, please visit https://svturkeytrot.com/.
About the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation works to improve the quality of life in the region by raising and distributing funds for food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and other needs. For more information, please visit svlg.org/foundation.
