North Shore Turkey Trot Returns To Highland Park For Thanksgiving

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — With Halloween behind us and temperatures on the decline, it time to start planning for Thanksgiving turkey trots. Since the first recorded turkey trot nearly 125 years ago, the tradition has offered a great way to get in some exercise ahead of holiday dinners, as well as another chance to run around in costume.

Across the North Shore and Chicagoland area, registration is open for a multitude of running events, including the annual North Shore Turkey Trot in Highland Park.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Nov. 28, the chip-timed race includes 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer courses certified for distance by USA Track and Field starting at Park Avenue and St Johns on the east side of the parking lot at the Highland Park Metra station.

Registered runners will receive a full-zip maroon and orange track jacket. Organizers encouraged donations to the Highland Park Police Benevolent Association.

Registration fees are $44 for the 5-kilometer race and $59 for the 10-kilometer race. Each price will increase by $5 after Nov. 10. Race packets can be picked up all day on Nov. 26 or Nov. 27 at Fleet Feet, 800 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, but will not be available on race day.

Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group and mailed within six to eight weeks. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Race-related road closures in Highland Park begin at 3 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning on St. Johns Avenue, with other closures to begin at 7:45 a.m. and end by about 10 a.m.

More: 2019 Chicago Area Thanksgiving Turkey Trots

The tradition of Thanksgiving turkey trots, which can often feature costumed participants among the competitive racers, traces its origin to 1896 in Buffalo, New York. The Buffalo Niagara YMCA identifies it as the oldest continuously run race in North America.