Registration Opens For Lincolnwood Turkey Trot, Drumstick Dash

LINCOLNWOOD, IL — Halloween in the rear view mirror and declining temperatures herald the approach of winter. That can only mean one thing — it's time for Thanksgiving turkey trots. Since it began nearly 125 years ago, the seasonal tradition has offered a great way to get in some exercise ahead of holiday dinners.

Across the North Shore and Chicagoland area, registration is open for a multitude of local running events, including the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot and Drumstick Dash.

The village's 43rd annual event featured chip-timed races of 5 and 10 kilometers, as well as a 5-kilometer fitness walk.

The races begin at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 24 with walkers to immediately follow the departure of timed racers. Both course routes — the 5K and 10K — begin and end at Prosel Park, 7055 N. Kostner Avenue.

Children 6 and under can take part in the Drumstick Dash, which includes 50- and 100-yard dashes starting at 10:20 a.m. Participants are divided into heats by age, and all those pre-registered in the races receive medals and gift bags, according to organizers.

Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age division, the Lincolnwood residents with the best times in each race and the woman and man with the best overall times. All registered runners and walkers who cross the finish line, according to organizers.

A portion of the proceeds from the race benefit the scholarship fund of Lincolnwood's parks and recreations department to help local needy families cover the costs of camps and after-school programs.

The race also supports the Niles Township Food Pantry. Organizers encouraged participants to donate non-perishable food items, either while picking up their packets or on race day near the gear check tent. For each item donated, donors will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes provided by local businesses after the race.

Registration is available online, in person, by fax or by through the mail until 5 p.m. Nov. 22 or whenever it is full. There is no registration allowed on race day, parking is discouraged within the race area and the event often sells out.

The cost to register for either the competitive races or the untimed fitness walk is $37 until Nov. 15 and $42 afterwards. The registration fee for the Drumstick Dash rises from $17 to $19 on Nov. 16.

Registered racers can pick up their packets at Village Hall, 6900 N. Lincoln Ave., starting Nov. 18. Organizers are also seeking sponsors and volunteers for the event.

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.

More: 2019 Chicago Area Thanksgiving Turkey Trots