Take Your Pick From One of These 15 Chicagoland Turkey Trots

Thanksgiving Day maintains its billing as the most popular day of the year to run a race, celebrating a record 901,753 finishers in 2015.

This list includes 15 Chicagoland races. Even if you're busy on Thanksgiving Day there's a few options the week before and even a half marathon on the weekend following.

Tinley Park Turkey Trot 5K

The Tinley Park Turkey Trot 5K is one of the three races the Tinley Park Park District hosts each year. The course runs through the scenic and spacious Vogt Woods, a local favorite picnic spot in Tinley Park.This year's race will give out awards for first, second, and third place runners in all age categories, male and female, based on chip timing. An award will also be given to the best overall resident and non-resident male and female runner. Unisex tech shirts are given to the first 550 registered participants.

Location: Vogt Woods (6527 W 171st Street)
Date: November 5, 2017
Time: 8:00 a.m.

Registration: Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. on race day

Saint Linus Turkey Trot 5K

The Saint Linus Turkey Trot 5K is for a good cause and it's located in Oak Lawn. All race participants registered before November 8, 2017 will be guaranteed a t-shirt in a size of their choosing. Those registered on or after November 8, 2017 will not be guaranteed a t-shirt in their size. Walkers are welcome at this race.

The money from this race helps St. Linus students. The money earned at last year's was designated toward growing the schools Think Pad initiative. This year our school was able to provide a Think Pad for every 6-8th grader and enhance each student's overall education across subjects. 

Location: St. Linus Parish / School, Oak Lawn, IL
Date: November 18th, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Registration: Online registration can be found here.

Lincolnwood Turkey Trot

This race is one of the longest running on this list. This year marks the running of the 41st annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot (1976-2017). This CARA certified, USATF-certified, chip-timed 5K/10K race and 5K fitness walk features a flat, fast course perfect for novice as well as experienced runners and walkers. For our youngest athletes (6 years of age and under), the Drumstick Dash 50 & 100 yard dash is the perfect way to round out this historic running event.

Location:  Proesel Park, 7055 N. Kostner Avenue (Near the Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center)
Date: November 19th, 2017
Time: 5K & 10K Race: 8:45 a.m., 5K Fitness Walk: 9:00 a.m., Drumstick Dash: 10:20 a.m.

Registration: There are five ways to register. They can be found at the bottom of this page.

Pictured: Runners take off from the start line at the 2016 North Shore Turkey Trot produced by Ram Racing.

North Shore Turkey Trot 5K and 10K

This race might be the most organized of the bunch. Handled by the professionals over at Ram Racing, the same organization that handled the Soldier Field 10 Mile, the North Shore Turkey Trot 5K and 10K runs through the beautiful Highland Park neighborhood. All participants receive a long sleeved technical t-shirt as well as a premium goodie bag.

Location:  Park Avenue and St. Johns in the Eastside Metra parking lot, Highland Park, Illinois
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 5K: 7:30 a.m., 10K: 8:10 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

The Fox and The Turkey 4 Mile

Run like a Fox or be a Turkey on Thanksgiving Day. The Fox and Turkey Four Mile and One Mile Youth Race is a Thanksgiving tradition as it is in its 21st year. The course runs through downtown Batavia on the beautiful Fox River. There is one uphill at the start and one downhill at the finish making it a race to conquer. Adult and youth swag is guaranteed to the first 2,500 pre-registered runners and hot chocolate is available post-race.

Location: Houston Street near the Batavia Government Center and Peg Bond Center, Batavia, IL
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 8:15 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Long Grove Turkey Trot 5K & 8K

This race is brought to you by the same folks that produce the Hot Cider Hustle. The course goes through the historic Long Grove neighborhood. Participants receive a two-toned commemorative hoodie, post-race beer, hot cider, a live band, and free race photos.

Location: 308 Old Mchenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 8:40 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Pictured: Runners toe the line at the 2016 Lifetime Fitness Turkey Trot.

Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago 5K & 8K

The 40th Annual Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago is back with the Turkey Day Run Chicago 5K/8K and Plymouth Rock Ramble kids race.  Supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository, you’ll join fellow runners, joggers and walkers in some light-hearted fun while ensuring no Chicagoan will go hungry this holiday season.

Centered around the Turkey Day Tailgate, you’ll enjoy pre and post-race activities like corn hole, football toss, turkey bowling and more while sipping on warm apple cider.  We can’t anticipate the weather, but we can guarantee the fun. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed Thanksgiving inspired group (Group must consist of 5 or more registered participants).

Location:  Lincoln Park, Chicago. On Cannon Drive, between Diversey and Fullerton Parkway.
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 8:00 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot

Another suburb option, the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot takes place in Elmhurst and is going into its 34th year. Plus, there's a great story to go along with the race. It was 1983 and Dan was listening to Ed Schwartz, overnight talk show host on WGN radio. Schwartz was angry because Mayor Jane Byrne was spending $300,000 on fireworks in Chicago for New Year’s Eve when so many people were going to bed hungry. Unfortunately, the problem wasn’t isolated to Chicago. In DuPage County, thousands of people were also hungry. This news really struck a chord with Gibbons and led to his involvement in Schwartz’s Good Neighbor Food Drive. Dan and some of his friends concluded they would organize a 5K Turkey Trot to raise money for families in need and provide them with food for the holidays. Gibbons had the most time to put towards the event and so the event was dubbed the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot. From 74 participants in 1983 to over 8,000 in 2016, this race is one of the most prestigious on the list.

Location: The intersection of Park Ave and Adell Place, Elmhurst, IL.
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Pictured: The 1990 Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot takes off in Elmhurst.

Evanston Subaru Flying Turkey 5K

This one is for the North Shore folks. The course is a chip-timed certified 5K course along the beautiful lakefront lined with course water stations and finish line refreshments. Participants receive a winter hat and goodie bag while awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers and top three in five year age divisions.

Location: The intersection of Park Ave and Adell Place, Elmhurst, IL.
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Winnetka Turkey Trot

This unique race starts and finishes near the Hubbard Woods Train Station on the Green Bay Trail. Runners will head north on the trail to weave through the scenic streets of Glencoe to return back on the trail to finish at Hubbard Woods Station. CorePower Yoga will be present for a pre-race, on-course yoga session 15 minutes before the race. This event will go down rain, shine, or snow so be prepared.

Location: On the trail at Hubbard Woods Train Station, 1065 W Gage Street.
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Edison Park Turkey Trot

Much like most of the races on this list, the Edison Park Turkey Trot is for a good cause. The registration fee benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Registration cost includes a bib number and a commemorative t-shirt, and all proceeds benefit the designated charity. Join in for the 21st annual running of the Edison Park Turkey Trot.

Location: Edison Park Field House. 6755 N. Northwest Highway.
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 9:30 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Pictured: A turkey dressed runner smiles for the camera at the Schaumburg Half Marathon & 5K Turkey Trot.

Schaumburg Half Marathon & 5K Turkey Trot

According to our research, this race is one of the only that gives away a finisher's medal as well as a commemorative hoodie. Pacers are on course to lead runners at a consistent pace throughout the run. The best part? Hot chicken noodle soup at the finish line. Gear check will be located at both the half marathon start area and 5K start area.

Location: Busse Lake Boating Center, Elk Grove Village, IL
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 5K start, 8:30 a.m. Half marathon start, 9:15 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Beverly Hills Turkey Trot 5K

The 9th Annual Beverly Hills Turkey Trot 5K Run and Family Walk will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017. The course leads runners and walkers through the tree-lined streets of historic North Beverly. This year they expect over 2,000 participants with spectators lining the race route. Proceeds will benefit the 19th Ward Youth Foundation and the John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Location: Christ the King Gymnasium, 9225 S Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL 
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 9 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Grant Park Turkey Trot 5K

Located in the heart of Chicago's downtown, the Grant Park Turkey Trot runs through the park and along the lakefront path. Participants receive a turkey-shaped finisher's medal and two-toned hooded sweatshirt. Free beer and hot cider await you at the finish line.

Location: Arvey Field at Grant Park, 1501 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL
Date: November 23rd, 2017
Time: 9 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.

Addison Park Turkey Trot

Celebrate Thanksgiving early this year by running the Turkey Trot on the Saturday before the holiday. The new route will go through Centennial Park and on some neighborhood streets. Hoodies will be given to the first 150 people who register. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals will be awarded to the top male and female finishers of each age bracket for both the Turkey Trot and kids race. Pre-registration is encouraged and available online for $25 per participant. 

Location: 1776 W. Centennial Pl., Addison, IL
Date: November 18th, 2017
Time: 8 a.m.

Registration: You can register on their website here.