Are You Doing the Turkey Trot?

If you're lucky enough not to be the one doing all the cooking on Thanksgiving, consider working up an appetite for that feast—and give back to the community—by participating in the Palatine Park District's 33rd annual Turkey Trot.

Lavelle Law, a firm known for its community service, is joining the park district this year in presenting the event, to be held on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28, at Harper College.

Trots Past

The Palatine Park District Turkey Trot has been an annual event since Thanksgiving Day 1981. The event was originally held at Palatine Hills Golf Course, utilizing the bike trail, said Keith Williams, superintendent of recreation.

"This event was started at Palatine Hills on Thanksgiving morning to coincide with the last day of the year that the golf course was open.  The Turkey Trot slowly grew in popularity and after 17 years reached over 500 runners and outgrew the golf course location," he said.

The event was moved to Harper College in 1988.

"It's a great event many Palatine Park District residents have made part of their family's Thanksgiving Day tradition and this year we look to be on track to have the highest attended Turkey Trot ever," said Josh Ludolph, recreation manager.

So far, the numbers are on track to rival last year's registration of 2,200 participants, said Joan Scovic, marketing coordinator.

Event Details

Race start times are 8 a.m. for the 2 Mile Run; 9 a.m. for the 5 Mile Run; and 10 a.m. for the Drumstick Dash.

Register at the Community Center, 250 E. Wood St.; Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave.; Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Rd.; or online by 7 p.m. Nov. 21.

Download entry form here.

Participants can also register on the day of the event.

To learn more about entry fees, awards and race day registration, visit www.palatineparks.org.