Heather and Tom Matthews founded the Issaquah Turkey Trot in 2010, after residing in Issaquah since 1983. Heather grew up in this beautiful city and loved the community. For two years, she participated in the Seattle Turkey Trot and loved it. During the second year, she noticed many friends and community members had driven to Seattle to participate, so she decided to bring the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving tradition to Issaquah to help our local neighbors in need.
The first Issaquah Turkey Trot raised $4,000 for the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, and the racers were put to the test with a snowstorm on Thanksgiving morning. Since its inception, the event has raised over $460,000 for the programs and services at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.
The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank now leads the Issaquah Turkey Trot, but still relies on many of Heather & Tom Matthews' wonderful friends and volunteers who have supported this huge event for so many years in order to make it an enjoyable and successful experience for everyone.