While Thanksgiving Day holds host to an inflatable cartoon parade, football rivalries, annoying relatives, over eating, and unnecessary shopping, it also provides the perfect venue for one of  running’s most beloved traditions: the Turkey Trot. While this festive race is usually fun and light hearted in nature, the folks at Applied Materials in Silicon Valley play host to the most competitive Turkey Day run in the nation.

 

On the women’s side, Ethiopa’s Buze Diriba headlines this incredible field with her 14:50 PR. This former World Junior Champion not only has outstanding credentials in the 5k, but has 4:10 and 8:39 speed to her name. But close on her heels will be 2012 Olympian and defending champion Kim Conley, whose sub 15:10 speed will no doubt put her as a favorite for a top 5 finish. Looking to make an impact on the road, high schooler Alexa Efraimson will be looking to prove her ranks on the professional scene. With 12 athletes under 16 minutes and a multitude of fantastic middle distance runners in the mix, expect to see some fast times out in San Jose.

 

The men’s side is equally, if not more exciting than the women. Coming off a close 2nd place finish in last week’s US National 12k, US Road 5k Champion and 2012 Olympian Diego Estrada comes home to his old stomping grounds in Northern California seeking a victory in front of his home crowd. But looking to steal the show will be Kenya’s Wilfred Kimitei, whose 13:12 PR this past summer puts him as the favorite over Estrada’s 13:15. Nineteen athletes in this field have run under 14 minutes for 5000m, but some fantastic middle distance stars are looking to crash the party. Five sub 4 minute milers, including 2x Olympian Andrew Wheating, will test their range against 8 sub 13:30 guys. 

 

With such an incredible field organized and a $12,000 purse at stake, will we see a new American Record tomorrow? Women’s race goes off at 7:25 am; men at 7:35 am PST.