2026 Valparaiso Turkey Trot

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 behavioral and physical healthcare programs and services in Northwest Indiana. 

Packet Pick-Up

Monday, November 23, 2026, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 3400 Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 3400 Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Extra Mile Fitness Company - 3400 Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383

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

Race Day Schedule - November 26, 2026 - Held Completely Outside

7:45 am - Road Closures Begin* (Campbell St. directly in front of Valparaiso High School will close at 6:30 am - please see Road Closures below for more details)
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)

The 2026 Valparaiso Turkey Trot is being held completely outside. There will be no access to the Valparaiso High School or Fieldhouse on race day morning.

Road Closures

• 6:30 am ROAD CLOSURE
  • Campbell Street from Vale Park Road intersection to Valparaiso High School SOUTH Entrance - 6:30 am to 10:00 am
    • Parking at Valparaiso High School? Please plan ahead as both VHS parking lot entrances (North and South) are affected by road closures:
      • 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 
  • Campbell Street from Vale Park Road to John Glenn Dr. - reopens at 10:00 am
  • Vale Park Road from Calumet Avenue to Campbell Street - reopens at 9:30 am
  • Cumberland Drive from Bullseye Lake Road to Wall Street - reopens at 9:30 am
  • Valparaiso Street from Bullseye Lake Road to Wall Street - reopens 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. 

Cook's Corner Elementary - 358 Bullseye Lake Rd. (0.6 Miles)
Growing Kids Academy - 3400 N. Campbell (0.3 Miles)

No shuttle buses this year. Parking will be available within walking distance of race start. Please plan ahead.

Awards & Medals

All registered participants will receive a custom 2026 Valparaiso Turkey Trot Finisher Medal.

There will be awards for Overall Male/Female/Non-Binary and Overall Masters Male/Female/Non-Binary. 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.

Can someone else pick up my packet? Yes! If you are unable to pick up your packet, you may have someone pick up your packet on your behalf. Please provide them with your confirmation email that includes the QR code to avoid any issues during packet pick up.