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ORRC Turkey Trot at The Zoo

Thu November 26, 2026
Portland, OR 97221 US Directions

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Finish Line

Finish Line Leader High Priority

November 26, 2026

Details

Visit the zoo before Thanksgiving to talk with zoo staff and plan the layout of the finish line, as things change from year to year due to construction, etc. Maps from previous years will serve as a guide. On Thanksgiving, direct volunteers to set-up tables for food, delineators, banners and mesh for the finish line, etc.. Coordinate with the Finish Line Food Leader and Tot Trot/Gobble Gallop Leader.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Assignment near Finish area assistance near Elephant Plaza

Finish Line Food Leader High Priority

November 26, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Work with race directors to determine how much food to purchase. Contact Franz Bakery 3 weeks in advance to order baked goods. Purchase food and supplies at Costco, US Foods, etc. in advance, to be brought to the Cascade Grill (in the zoo) on Wednesday at 3pm. Make sure all food is brought to the finish line (Wednesday and/or Thursday). Direct volunteers to cut up fruit and bagels. Lay out the food on tables and refill as needed. Once the last person has crossed the finish line, clean-up and consolidate. Extra food may be given to entrants and volunteers, or donated to food banks. Return Franz Bakery trays after the race.,

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Assignment near Finish area assistance near Elephant Plaza

Finish Line Water Leader

November 26, 2026

Details

Work with race directors to determine how much water to provide. Lay out the cups of water on tables and refill as needed. Once the last person has crossed the finish line, clean-up and consolidate water jugs

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Tot Trot & Gobble Gallop Leader

November 26, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Visit the Zoo before Thanksgiving to see the layout of the two courses. On race day set-up cones and signs for Tot Trot & Gobble Gallop. Make sure chocolate turkeys, ribbons, etc. are ready. Start and lead the kids as they trot and gallop. Wear something silly. Clean up signs, cones, etc.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Assignment near Finish area assistance near Elephant Plaza

Finish Line Set-up

November 26, 2026

Details

Assist Finish Line Leader in setting up the finish line area

Finish line Water/Food

November 26, 2026

Details

Finish line Water/Food set up and distribution. Set up the food distribution set up area tables at the finish line. Fruit, bagels, donuts and other goodies are provided. Direct runners and personally watch over the food, replenishing foods as they are consumed.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Assignment near Finish area assistance near Elephant Plaza

Finish Line Swag

November 26, 2026

Details

Finish area assistants welcome runners and walkers at the finish line with "great job" greetings, chocolate turkeys and medals and directions to the food. Finish line is at the elephant plaza.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Assignment is at Finish line area assistance at elephant plaza.

Tot Trot & Gobble Gallop Assistants

November 26, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Provide assistance to the Tot Trot & Gobble Gallop Leader at the Elephant Plaza: hand out goodies, direct entrants, set-up cones, etc.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Tot Trot events are held at the Elephant Plaza

Finish Line Announcer

November 26, 2026

Details

using sound system, greet participants as they finish. Make announcements and give directions (to Tot Trot, Gobble Gallop, to food, exit, etc)

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Course Marshals

Course Marshal - SW Knights Blvd - SW Kingston Drive

November 26, 2026

Details

Course monitor position at the Intersection of Knights Blvd and Kingston Drive

Location

Assignment at Intersection of Knights Blvd and Kingston Drive - upper end of Zoo
Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Course - Turnaround

November 26, 2026

Details

Direct participants to turn around and head to the zoo entrance. Course monitor location on SW Kingston Ave

Location

Course monitor location on SW Kingston Ave.
Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Course Marshal - SW Knights Blvd -- S Zoo Rd High Priority

November 26, 2026

Details

Position yourself in the middle of SW Knights Blvd. Direct outgoing runners to go straight on Knights. Direct returning runners/walkers to turn left onto zoo sidewalk at upper end of zoo parking lot, heading directly to the zoo entrance.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right.

Assignment is at SW Knights Blvd meets zoo sidewalk at upper end of zoo parking lot.

Course Marshall - S Zoo Rd & Zoo Entrance

November 26, 2026

Details

At entrance to Zoo tell participants to have their bib visible, and the stay to the left upon entering Zoo.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Course Marshal Bib Check at Ticket Entrance

November 26, 2026

Details

Assist Zoo security by checking all incoming participants to the zoo for their bib entry. No one is allowed in the zoo without a bib except babies in strollers.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Course Marshall inside Zoo

November 26, 2026

Details

Direct runners and walkers to the finish line.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk inside Oregon Zoo main gate at Cascade Cafe inside zoo on right

Sweepers

November 26, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Follow the last person at 7:45 to let volunteers know when their assignment is done. Others will pick up the signs and equipment.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Zoo Parking

Parking Lot Leader

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

November 26, 2026

Details

Work with volunteers to coordinate parking and direct traffic to available spots

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Parking Volunteers

November 26, 2026

Details

Work with Parking Lot Leader to coordinate parking and direct traffic to available spots

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Cascade Crest & Start Line

Cascade Crest Leader High Priority

November 26, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Make sure everything is ready to go in the Cascade Crest area--tables for Bib & Beanie pickup, Trouble Table, Pie Table, etc. Coordinate with the Course Set-up/Pick-up Leaders, the Finish Line Leader and the Finish Line Food Leader. Direct volunteers to their assignments, prioritize if you are short volunteers and keep things flowing.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Volunteer Coordinator

November 26, 2026

Details

Responsible to check in volunteers for their assignments on Thanksgiving morning

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Start Line Leader

November 26, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Coordinates volunteers at start line and set-up. Work with finish line leader to start finish line clock

Start Line Volunteers

November 26, 2026

Details

Set up start area. Hold up pace signs and direct participants to correct waiting area

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Greeters

November 26, 2026

Details

Greet people and direct them to Bib pickup, restrooms, start line, etc.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

MAX Station Volunteer

November 26, 2026

Details

As participants for the Turkey Trot get off the MAX, give them a coupon for free appetizer at Spaghetti Factory. Limit of one voucher per participant.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Turkey Mascot High Priority

November 26, 2026

Details

Be the ORRC Turkey mascot and get photographed with hundreds of runners and walkers!

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Turkey Mascot Companion High Priority

November 26, 2026

Details

Help guide the Turkey Mascot around the Zoo.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Bib & Beanie Pickup - Thanksgiving Day

November 26, 2026

Details

Assist at bib & beanie pickup on Thanksgiving Day

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Pie Pickup

November 26, 2026

Details

Distribute pumpkin pies to lucky winners! Must be picked up BEFORE the event. Participants can pick-up their pies and put them in "bag drop" to pick up after the event (by 9am)

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Drop Bag Monitor

November 26, 2026

Details

Receive and organize provided garment bag drop both before and after event. Bags must be picked up by 9am

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Pre Race

Early Bib Pickup at Foot Traffic Stores High Priority

November 21, 2026

November 22, 2026

Details

Provide event bibs and beanie hats for participants at our early bib pickup events at Foot Traffic stores.

Location

Sellwood Saturday, Nov. 21, Noon to 4 p.m., 1260 SE Lambert Ave., PDX

Westside Portland Sunday, Nov. 22 - Noon to 4 p.m., Foot Traffic,13306 NW Cornell Road, PDX

Load equipment truck the day before Turkey Trot

November 25, 2026

Details

Load the Uhaul Van with equipment, etc the day before the Turkey Trot at ORRC's storage units in Beaverton at 10am

Location

ORRC Storage Units at U-Haul on 14225 SW TV Hwy, Beaverton, OR 97005

Set up at the Zoo day prior to event

November 25, 2026

Details

Meet at the zoo at noon at Cascade Crest to help set up Bib and beanie Pickup, and arrange equipment in van and truck for next day's set-up.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Early Bib Pickup at the Zoo - Day before Thanksgiving Day

November 25, 2026

Details

Bib and Beanie pickup at Oregon Zoo

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Course Setup and Pick-up Day of Event

Course Set-up Inside Zoo Leader High Priority

November 26, 2026

Details

Visit the zoo before Thanksgiving to review the course and talk with zoo staff. Review the maps and equipment needed. On Thanksgiving Day set up cones, signs and delineators on the course from the zoo entrance to the finish line. Check in with the Cascade Cafe Leader when everything is ready.

Location

Report to the Cascade Cafe (inside the zoo) to get supplies.

Course Setup Outside Zoo Leader

November 26, 2026

Details

Before event, go over course. Day of set-up signs, cones and delineators on the course. See maps and drop list for details.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Course Setup Inside Zoo

November 26, 2026

Details

Work with course setup leader to set up equipment inside the Zoo from the Zoo entry, so the finish line area

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Course Set-up Outside Zoo

November 26, 2026

Details

Set-up signs, cones and delineators on the course. See maps and drop list for details.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Course Pre-Sweeper High Priority

November 26, 2026

Details

Ride or drive the 5K course to be sure all course marshals are in place BEFORE the run/walk starts.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Course Pickup Outside Zoo

November 26, 2026

Details

Drive the course in the Uhaul, picking up equipment from the event. Once the course equipment is loaded, then load equipment from the Cascade Crest area, then equipment from the finish line (inside the zoo). Then unload equipment at ORRC storage units

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right. Check in with the Cascade Cafe Leader and Finish Line Leader periodically to keep them posted on your progress and location.

Course Pickup Inside Zoo High Priority

November 26, 2026

Details

Pick-up and pack-up everything from the zoo entrance and Cascade Crest to the finish line. Load up the trucks, then unload at ORRC storage units

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Cascade Crest Pickup High Priority

November 26, 2026

Details

Clean-up and consolidate equipment and supplies in the Cascade Crest area and near the Zoo entrance to make things ready to load in the Uhaul.

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Unload Equipment at Storage Units in Beaverton After Event

November 26, 2026

Details

After event unload the equipment from Uhaul Van at ORRC's storage units in Beaverton

Location

ORRC Storage Units at U-Haul on 14225 SW TV Hwy, Beaverton, OR 97005

Volunteer Groups

Aloha High School Group

November 26, 2026

Details

Volunteers from Aloha HS

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Century High School HOSA Group

November 26, 2026

Details

Volunteers from Century HS HOSA

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Century High School Key Club Group

November 26, 2026

Details

Volunteers from Century HS Key Club

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Gladstone High School Group

November 26, 2026

Details

Volunteers from Gladstone HS

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Hillsboro High School Lacrosse Group

November 26, 2026

Details

Volunteers from Hillsboro HS Lacrosse

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

Mountain View High School Group

November 26, 2026

Details

Volunteers from Mountain View HS

Location

Check in first at Volunteer Desk at Cascade Crest inside zoo on right

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