Thousands turn out for frosty Silicon Valley Turkey Trot
Over 22,000 people registered for nation’s biggest turkey day race
The air was cold and crisp Thursday morning as runners and walkers toed the starting line of the 15th annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot.
But even as the temperatures lingered in the upper 30s in San Jose, spirits appeared high.
“It’s not that bad,” said Christina Bui, bundled in a jacket and gloves. “Our hearts are warm.”
As some people were at home enjoying a leisurely morning or preparing meals, Bui was among more than 22,000 people who signed up to pack the streets of downtown San Jose and shake out their legs before a day full of festivities.
Although Thanksgiving day road races are a staple in big cities across the nation, San Jose is home to the largest. The race draws a wide range of people: professional runners, participants dressed as turkeys, first- time trotters, dedicated veterans. It features a 10K run, 5K run/walk, kids fun run and costume contest.
Pro athlete Aaron Templeton and three-time Olympian Shannon Rowbury finished as the top elite male and female runners in the race.
Jeffrey Jackson, 32, of San Jose and Triya Roy, 17, of Cupertino were the community
5k winners, and Adam Bodner, 29, of San Jose and Josephine Brysting, 23, of San Francisco were the 10K winners.
Standing along the fence outside the finish area Thursday morning, Lucy Oyer was keeping her eyes peeled for her family members who had yet to cross the line — and were conveniently wearing matching crochet winter turkey hats.
Oyer, 23, of San Fransisco said that she runs a turkey trot almost every year, but this was her first in San Jose.
“It’s just a fun and healthy activity to do before a long day of eating and watching TV,” Oyer said. “And it’s always for a good cause.”
Over the past 15 years, the race has raised nearly $ 9.6 million, including $900,000 this year alone, for local charities.
This year’s beneficiaries were Healthier Kids Foundation of Santa Clara County, The Housing Trust of Silicon Valley, the Health Trust, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.
“In Silicon Valley, people get so busy that they often forget it only takes a tiny bit of effort to help others,” said Carl Guardino, Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO and founder of the race. “So it’s pretty cool to see the way that the community rallies together every year and are willing to help people they’ve never met.”
Matt Pera, 52, of San Mateo has run the race at least seven times, but this year was only his second time running it alongside his 14-year- old daughter Sammy.
“It’s really the best part about it,” Pera said, sporting a matching T-shirt with Sammy. “I used to take her in a stroller, so it’s really cool being able to see her run — and actually beat me now.”
Making their way to the postrace festival area, the pair seemed to have their priorities in line.
“Now we can go home, eat all we want and feel good about ourselves,” Pera said.