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. With nearly 4,000 runners and walkers in 2017, the Valparaiso Turkey Trot has become the largest race of its kind in Northwest Indiana. Walkers, runners, sponsors and volunteers - everyone's presence this Thanksgiving morning supports and promotes mental health and wellness in our communities. 

2018 Updates! Due to increasing attendance, changes to this year's event include:

Packet Pick Up

Monday November 19, 2018, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 1330 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Tuesday November 20, 2018, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 1330 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Wednesday November 21, 2018, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 1330 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383

***PACKET PICK UP IS NO LONGER AT VALPARAISO HIGH SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY EVENING***

Thursday November 22, 2018, 7:00 am - 7:45 am
Valparaiso High School Fieldhouse - 2727 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385

Shuttle Bus Service: Shuttle bus service will be available race morning from the Valparaiso YMCA to Valparaiso High School. Look for the Valparaiso Turkey Trot Banner Flag, in-ground signage and a yellow school bus. Three shuttles will make round trips from the Valparaiso YMCA to Valparaiso High School starting at 6:45 am. The last shuttle will depart from the YMCA at 7:45 am. Only use the final shuttle bus departure if you have already picked up your packet.

Return service will be available from Valparaiso High School to the Valparaiso YMCA following the race. The bus drivers will not deviate from the assigned route. 

With thoughtful evaluation and community/participant feedback, we have made changes this year to the Valparaiso Turkey Trot. The 10K race will no longer be included in the Valparaiso Turkey Trot. As registration numbers continue to grow each year, we are increasingly committed to both participant and volunteer safety. While this was a difficult decision to make, we recognize the importance of hosting a safe event while being a friendly neighbor to the greater community. With these changes, we can better ensure that the Valparaiso Turkey Trot is a fun, safe, and family-friendly event for participants of all ages.

Race Day Schedule - November 22, 2018

7:00 am - 7:45 am - Packet Pick Up
7:45 am - Road Closures Begin
8:00 am - 5K Race Starts
9:10 am - Awards presentation
9:30 am - Roads open to traffic (the exception is Campbell St in front of the High School which will remain closed until 10AM)

Road Closures
It is estimated that over 4,000 walkers, runners and volunteers will flock to the streets of Valparaiso on Thanksgiving Day. For everyone's safety, several roads will be closed. The following roads will be closed starting at 7:45 a.m. and will reopen to traffic at 10:00 a.m. The only exception is the road closure on Campbell Street from Vale Park Road to John Glenn Drive, which will close at 6:30 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 (Bulleye Lake Road to Wall Street) 7:45 am to 9:30 am

Parking
Valparaiso High School (event location) - Those who park at Valparaiso High School must exit via Vale Park Road heading WEST, continuing to exit 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)

Strollers:  Strollers are allowed on the 5K route, however we do require all strollers to start at the back of the race corral. Please remember your race time will be measured by chip (not activating till you cross the start line) not gun time. 

Are Dogs Allowed? No, for the safety of all participants and your furry friends, dogs are no longer allowed on the 5K course. Dogs are also prohibited from entering Valparaiso High School, please leave all four-legged friends at home.

Finisher Medals: All registered 5K participants that cross the finish line will receive a finishers medal.