Thanksgiving is one of the few times of the year that it’s acceptable to stuff as much food into your body as possible. But before you get to eating, you might want to go for a quick run to prepare yourself. Most cities have their own version of turkey trots, but these are the ones around Chicagoland that you need to sign up for this year.
Turkey Day Run Chicago
Photo Credit: Turkey Trot Chicago via Instagram
9am
Benefitting the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Art Van Turkey Trot in Lincoln Park has your traditional 5k and 8k races. There’s also a kids race in the parking lot following the main trot. A Thanksgiving tailgate will also be happening before and after the races that includes turkey bowling, a football toss, a complimentary Lagunitas beer, and the Midwestern favorite, corn hole. Be sure to come dressed to impressed as there are prizes given out to the best Thanksgiving-inspired group.
Edison Park Turkey Trot
Photo Credit: Edison Park Turkey Trot via Instagram
9:30am
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the benefactor of this year’s Edison Park Turkey Trot. Complete with a t-shirt, runners can share their experience on social using the hashtag #epturkeytrot. This race starts at the Edison Park Field House, and a kids race will take place before the main event.
Flying Turkey 5k
Photo Credit: Flying Turkey 5k
9am
Sponsored by the NorthShore University HealthSystem, this lakefront course takes place in gorgeous Evanston. Enjoy a complimentary winter hat, goodie bag, and refreshments after the race.
Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot
Photo Credit: Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot
8am
It’s only natural that a suburb known for running hosts one of the largest turkey trots in the Chicagoland area — they have to limit their race to 7,800 participants. This one starts at Naperville Central High School. Be there early!
North Shore Turkey Trot
Photo Credit: North Shore Turkey Trot
7:30am
Highland Park is the location for this year’s North Shore 5k and 10k event beginning bright and early. The race has several sponsors, including Fleet Feet Sports and Ram Racing, who are raising money for this year’s charity, Love for Landon. As with most races, the North Shore Turkey Trot also has goodie bags available for participants.
Long Grove Turkey Trot
Photo Credit: Taking the Long Way Home
8:40am
The Long Grove Turkey Trot has both a 5k and 8k available to suit every runner. Participants also get gear with registration, beer and hot cider following the race, free photos of the event and some live music to keep them entertained. The event also is supporting the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
Photo Credit: Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
9am
Thirty-four years of trotting are behind this Elmhurst race. What started off as an idea to help raise money for those going hungry became an annual race that draws thousands of participants every year from the entire Chicagoland area.
