A List of 2020 Virtual, Yet Local, Chicagoland Turkey Trots
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Thanksgiving is the single largest day of running in the world.
The Thanksgiving morning race is a right of passage in the running world. More than one million people participated in more than 1,000 turkey trot races around the country in 2017, according to Vox. The races range in length from local one-mile fun runs to massive 8K events, like the YMCA Turkey Trot in Buffalo, New York.
For many of us, the Turkey Trot was the first race we ever ran as a kid. Maybe it’s the only race you’ll do all year. The point is, if you’re not running this Thanksgiving, you’re missing out on a pretty spectacular running tradition.
So with that in mind, we’ve got a list of virtual turkey trots that you can run anywhere but proceeds benefit local organizations in the Chicagoland area.
North Shore Turkey Trot
What: This year the North Shore Turkey Trot is partnering with Turkey Trot events all over the country to make this the largest Turkey Day of running ever. Grab your flock and run (or walk) the distance you pick wherever you want. They'll ship the full-zip jacket, pumpkin-pie inspired finisher’s medal, and navy-blue beanie direct to you.
Where: Anywhere
When: Complete your virtual race by November 26th.
Distance: 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon
Link: https://www.northshoreturkeytrot.com/anywhereusa/
Life Time FitGiving Challenge & Turkey Day 5K
What: The annual Turkey Trot Chicago is canceled this year unfortunately but there is still a way the Life Time Turkey Day family can come together with the new Life Time FitGiving Challenge presented by Invisalign. This 26-day experience challenges you with daily fitness & gratitude tasks, leading up to a virtual 5K on Turkey Day. So gather your friends & family, and let’s nourish ourselves from the inside out with this new holiday tradition.
Where: Anywhere
When: Complete your virtual race by November 26th
Distance: 5K and various fitness challenges along the way
Learn more: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Chicago/LifeTimeFitGivingChallengeand5k
Edison Park Turkey Trot
What: While we cannot physically gather on Thanksgiving morning, the Edison Park Turkey Trot is still bringing the spirit of the community together during the Thanksgiving season as they raise funds and awareness for local worthy causes. A virtual 5K allows you to plan the date, the time, and the route for your own race. Registrants receive a limited-edition version of the famous Turkey Trot T-shirt.
Where: Anywhere
When: Registration is open between September 14-December 1.
Distance: 5K
Learn more: https://epturkeytrot.enmotive.com/
37th Annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
What: The famous Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot is going virtual this year. In more than 30 years, the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot reports raising over $3.5 million for the need in DuPage County, and it’s become an Elmhurst staple. This year's beneficiaries include Loaves and Fishes Community Services, Elmhurst Food Pantry, Dupage Pads, People's Resource Center, and more.
Where: Anywhere
When: You have seven days to complete your run or walk anywhere, anytime between November 23 – November 29th
Distance: 5K
Link: https://dangibbonsturkeytrot.org/
Grant Park Turkey Trot
What: Run the tradition virtually. This year, fly solo or with your family flock on your own course.
Where: Anywhere
When: Run or walk the distance on a course of your choosing between Thanksgiving Day – November 29th.
Distance: 5K, 10K, and half marathon
Link: https://allcommunityevents.com/grantparkturkeytrot
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Schaumburg Turkey Trot
What: The Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon & 5K is still the beloved event it has always been, and this year instead of having a mass gathering event, runners can race the course on their own or run virtually anywhere on a date of their choosing between Thanksgiving Day and November 29th.
Where: Anywhere
When: Run virtually anywhere on a date of their choosing between Thanksgiving Day and November 29th
Distance: Half marathon and 5K
Link: https://allcommunityevents.com/schaumburgturkeytrot
Evanston Subaru Flying Turkey 5k presented by NorthShore University HealthSystem
What: The 2020 Evanston Subaru Flying Turkey 5k presented by NorthShore University Health System will be a community fundraiser and not our regular running event. The focus will be on raising funds for local charity partners, the Evanston Vineyard Food Pantry and Foundation 65 and we encourage everyone to donate at whatever level they are able.
Where: Anywhere
When: N/A
Distance: N/A
Link: http://evanstonflying5k.com/
Long Grove Turkey Trot
What: Due to COVID-19, there is a participant cap for total participants on race day that has already been reached. The virtual run option is still available.
Where: Anywhere
When: Thursday, November 26, 2020 - Monday, November 30, 2020
Distance: 5K & 8K
Link: https://allcommunityevents.com/longgroveturkeytrot
The Fox and the Turkey Races
What: As with everything else in 2020, this year’s event will be a bit different. The races will start and finish you’re your home with the ones that you love or you love running with.
Where: Anywhere
When: November 26th
Distance: 4-mile
Link: https://raceroster.com/events/2020/35286/2020-virtual-fox-and-the-turkey-races
Lincolnwood Turkey Trot
What: The 44th Annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot is taking place virtually this year. While we won’t be able to gather together for this community tradition, the race is excited to announce that the new virtual format presents some unique opportunities for racers.
Where: Anywhere
When: Select a day between November 1st and 22nd to complete your Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 5K or 10K
Distance: 5K, 10K
Link: https://www.lincolnwoodil.org/enjoy-lincolnwood/parks-and-recreation/turkeytrot/
Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot
What: We invite you to keep your holiday traditions by joining the Virtual Turkey Trot 5K. You'll receive a fun race shirt and 2020 race decal. Send in your results and photos and be celebrated on the race's Facebook page and on Instagram.
Where: Anywhere
When: Pick your favorite course and run it any time between November 14-29
Distance: 5K
Link: https://napervilleturkeytrot.com/
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Pilgrim Pie Run 5K
What: Support the Pilgrim Pie Run this year virtually. The race is partnering with America’s Turkey Trot virtual run and your entry will support the local race, their non-profit partner and you will receive amazing swag delivered right to your door.
Where: Anywhere
When: Complete your virtual race by November 26th
Distance: 5K
Link: http://pilgrimpierun.com/
Henry's Thanksgiving Day Hustle 5K
What: The virtual Annual Henry's Hustle 5K benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of the race's friend, Henry Betts. We are collecting
Where: Anywhere
When: Thursday, November 26 - Sunday, December 6th
Distance: 5K
Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/LakeInTheHills/HenrysThanksgivingDayHustle5KKidsDash
Beverly Hills Turkey Trot 5K
What: This year’s virtual event includes a 5K run, untimed walk or team registration. All participants in the 5K who register by Thursday, November 5th are guaranteed a hooded sweatshirt, then a race shirt will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis after Thursday, November 5th.
Where: Anywhere
When: You can do your 5K between Thursday, November 26th through Sunday, November 29th.
Distance: 5K
Saint Linus Turkey Trot 5K
What: The Saint Linus Turkey Trot 5K is for a good cause. The money from this race helps provide Chromebook laptops and the necessary software programs for our students through the Erica Heilmann scholarship.
Where: Anywhere
When: The race will be held on November 7-21
Distance: 5K
Link: https://www.stlinusoaklawn.org/gobblegobblerunorwobble5k/
The Winnetka Glencoe Turkey Trot
What: The Winnetka Glencoe Turkey Trot is going virtual. Create your own course through the Green Bay trail through the beautiful streets of Glencoe. The main charity is the Wings Organization for women and children.
Where: Anywhere
When: November 1 - 30
Distance: 5K
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