Naperville Thanksgiving Day Tradition Turns 20

NAPERVILLE, IL — This Thanksgiving, a Naperville tradition turns 20. The Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K is less than a week away and there are still a handful of open spots. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Noon Lions. Several local business and organizations step up to support the cause, too, according to Bob Hull, a past president and committee board member of the nonprofit. Hull advises those who are interested to hurry with registration because it's sold out in the past few years.

Hull has been a member of the Noon Lions for about 16 years, and has been on the race committee for that same length of time. He enjoys playing his part in a Thanksgiving event that has been ingrained in Naperville families for so long.

"We see about 60 percent families. Kids are out of high school, kids come back from college. It's a family tradition," he says. Now, in its 20th year, "this is quite an exciting thing for the club. It started out back in 1998 with about 300 runners. It's increased every year up to now. We'll probably have about 8,000 registrants this year." That includes sponsor slots.

The Lions host a summer raffle and sell funnel cakes at Ribfest, but those don't compare to the influx of donations at the Turkey Trot 5K. The organization's main initiative is to help local kids, mostly from school districts 203 and 204, with vision and hearing care. Those in need are able to use the money from fundraisers to book optometrist appointments, get free glasses or hearing aids and get diabetes test strips. Last year, Hull says they were able to help more than 350 kids in the Naperville area with $114,000.

The Noon Lions also support local social service agencies that help youth and seniors in the surrounding communities. The club prides itself on its philosophy of no overhead costs because its members provide their services at no cost.

Turkey Trot participants can run, trot, walk or stroll to the finish line, but if they want to have their times counted, they must complete the course within an hour or so. Running strollers are welcome, too, because the course is described as “flat and scenic." Blind or vision impaired individuals with leader dogs can also join.

After the race, the top three male and female runners will be awarded prizes, along with winners from specific age groups. But everyone’s a winner at the Turkey Trot 5K, because Belgio’s Catering will provide a free breakfast after the run at Naperville Central High School.

Registration is $40 online. Kids ages 10 - 14 are $30, and nine and under, $25.

Packet pickup is at the Naperville Running Company, 34 W. Jefferson Avenue, during the following times:

• Saturday, Nov. 18 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 19 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 20 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 21 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 22 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The race begins at 8 a.m. sharp at Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave.

Photos courtesy of Naperville Noon Lions