2021 Valparaiso Turkey Trot

Just clucking in to let you know… ALL SHIRTS HAVE BEEN GOBBLED UP! Due to supply chain issues, shirt and medal quantities were extremely limited this year. Because “Sold Out” shirt sizes belong to trotters who have already registered, there is no wiggle room for shirt exchanges – now, during packet pick-up, or race day morning. Additional Finisher Medals have been ordered and will be available at the finish line. Thank you for your patience and understanding, we certainly don’t want to ruffle any feathers. The Valparaiso Turkey Trot has always been about gathering as a community in the spirit of gratitude and in support of health and wellness for those we serve. We cannot wait to see our trotters again on Thanksgiving Day! Gobble Gobble!

A holiday tradition since 2003, the Valparaiso Turkey Trot brings together families and friends from Indiana and beyond to kick off Thanksgiving Day. The race includes a 5K Walk/Run through the streets of Valparaiso, Indiana. Hosted by the Porter-Starke Services Foundation, event proceeds benefit mental health and wellness programs and resources in Northwest Indiana. 

Packet Pick-Up

Sunday, November 21, 2021, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 1330 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Monday, November 22, 2021, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 1330 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 1330 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 1330 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383

*** THERE IS NO RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP. ***

Race Day Schedule - November 25, 2021

7:45 am - Road Closures Begin*
8:00 am - 5K Race Starts
9:30 am - Roads open to traffic (Exception: Campbell Street in front of Valparaiso High School which will remain closed until 10AM)

Road Closures

Road closures in front of Valparaiso High School (VHS) are different this year due to Start/Finish area. If you want to park at VHS, please plan ahead. Both VHS parking lot entrances (North and South) are on the 5K route and are affected by road closures.

• 6:30 am ROAD CLOSURE: Campbell St./Vale Park Rd. intersection to South VHS parking lot entrance. If you want to park at VHS:
  • Approaching VHS from the North: Drive south down Campbell St. Take a right onto Towne Commons Dr. Take a left onto Vale Park Rd. Take a right into VHS/North Parking Lot entrance.
  • Approaching VHS from the South: Drive north on Campbell St. until visible road closure near VHS. Take a left into VHS parking lot. Entrance closes at 7:45am when Campbell St. closes through to John Glenn Dr. for the 5K start at 8:00 am.
• 7:45 am ROAD CLOSURES (Reopen to traffic at 10 am)
  • Campbell Street (Vale Park Road to John Glenn Dr.) 6:30 am to 10:00 am
  • Vale Park Road (Calumet Avenue to Campbell Street) 7:45 am to 9:30 am
  • Cumberland Drive (Bullseye Lake Road to Wall Street) 7:45 am to 9:30 am
  • Valparaiso Street (Bullseye Lake Road to Wall Street) 7:45 am to 9:30 am

Parking

Valparaiso High School (event location) - Limited access (see road closures above). Post-event, you must exit VHS using the North entrance at Vale Park Rd. Turn left/WEST, and continue through Keystone Commons Subdivision. 

Dyke's Funeral Home - 2305 N Campbell St. (0.1 Miles)
First Baptist Church - 2205 N. Campbell St. (0.2 Miles)
Cook's Corner Elementary - 358 Bullseye Lake Rd. (0.6 Miles)
Growing Kids Academy - 3400 N. Campbell (0.3 Miles)

Awards 

All age group award medals will be mailed to recipients instead of a race day awards ceremony this year. There will be awards for Overall Male/Female and Overall Masters Male/Female. Age groups are listed below:

Age Groups (1st through 3rd place will be awarded): 0-8, 9-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

FAQ

Are Strollers Allowed?  Yes, strollers are allowed on the 5K route. To ease runner/walker flow, strollers start at the back of the race corral. Regardless of your place in the corral, no worries! Your race time is measured by chip, which activates when you cross the start line. 

Are Dogs Allowed? No, dogs are not allowed with runners/walkers on the 5K course. For the safety of all participants, please leave all four-legged friends at home.

Why isn’t my shirt guaranteed? Both event shirt and finisher medal orders were impacted by current supply chain shortages and shipping constraints. As a result, quantities are limited. Our “live” shirt inventory shows the sizes currently in stock at the time you are registering. 

Due to global supply chain and shipping issues, we have had to modify the usual race material inventory we have offered in previous years. Under these circumstances, we have done the best we can to provide you with the experience you have come to expect from the Valparaiso Turkey Trot. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time!

Some changes this year

We are excited to host this year's event with added safety measures, including: 

• Held completely outside. There will be no access to the Valparaiso High School or Fieldhouse on race day morning.
• No shuttle buses. Parking will be available within walking distance of race start. Please plan ahead.
• Masks will be required for all participants and volunteers. All participants must wear a mask prior to race start and may remove the mask when running/walking.
• Award medals will be mailed to all recipients instead of a race day awards ceremony.
• No race day registration or packet pick-up.