Elmhurst Turkey Trot supports DuPage food pantries

In the 31st annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot, runners will spend Thanksgiving morning helping to feed those in need.

The race, which drew a record number of runners last year, steps off at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, from the corner of Cottage Hill and Park avenues in Elmhurst.

Organizers predict record participation again in this year's fun run, which follows the downtown Elmhurst route that debuted last year to safely accommodate the growing field of runners.

"Last year a record 8,700 runners participated in the Turkey Trot. Based on early registration data, we believe the Turkey Trot may exceed 10,000 participants this year," said Dan Gibbons, race founder and executive director. "We are excited that more and more people are joining in this great Thanksgiving Day tradition and grateful for them and their help in raising money for those in need.

"We are also thrilled at the overwhelming show of support that we have received for the new Turkey Trot route that now goes through downtown Elmhurst," Gibbons said. "While we understand and share the sentimental attachment to the old route, we know it's the people and the sense of giving that makes the Turkey Trot so special."

Advance registration, $30, is available online at dangibbonsturkeytrot.com. The website also includes information on the race route, sponsors, parking availability and information on trolleys from Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Company.

Race-day registration, $35, is available from 6:30 to 8:55 a.m. at the Registration Tent in the parking lot just north of the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

"In a continued effort to respond to the ongoing need in our own community, we have decided that, once again, all proceeds from the Turkey Trot will benefit organizations operating in and feeding those in DuPage County," Gibbons said.

Organizations receiving funding from the Turkey Trot include Loaves and Fishes Community Services, West Suburban Community Pantry, People's Resource Center, United Community Concerns Association, DuPage PADS, Catholic Charities - DuPage, Elmhurst Walk-in Ministry, and Elmhurst/Yorkfield Food Pantry.