The numbers are in and the results are impressive!  In its nine year history, the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot has raised nearly $4.5 million for local charities that provide food, shelter and health care for underserved residents of the region.

This past Thanksgiving morning, despite the prediction of rain, skies and spirits were bright as community members of all ages took their place at the starting line— a mass of people that was four lanes wide and blocks and blocks long!

Nearly 25,000 participants flocked to downtown San Jose to walk, run, or stroll to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, the Housing Trust, Healthier Kids Foundation, and the Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

The crowd included more than 450 registered Applied employees and their families resulting in the company retaining its title as Fittest Firm!  While competition between companies was fierce and friendly, the contest that really heated up

was between seven local organizations’ furry mascots at the Kids’ Fun Run.  The San Francisco 49er’s Sourdough Sam won the 2013 honors but we understand San Jose Sharkie is already in training for next year’s 10th annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot.  

Watch out!