New Turkey Trot 5K benefits Wheaton school, nonprofits
Wheaton serves as the setting for many 5K races, but members of Emerson Elementary School's Parent Teacher Association recently realized there was one type of run that was missing.
On Thursday morning, in an effort to start Thanksgiving on a "really positive, community note," the PTA will host the city's first Turkey Trot 5K run/walk, co-chairwoman Jen Moreno said.
"We wanted to do a big community event that could grow bigger and bigger every year," she said. "We really hope this is going to become a great new tradition in Wheaton."
The timed race begins at 8 a.m. at Emerson, 119 S. Woodlawn St. Walkers and runners of all ages and levels are welcome.
Moreno said organizing the race took a great effort because they needed approval from the city to close neighborhood roads, from the park district to have the course go through Graf Park, and from the county to let participants pass through the DuPage Fairgrounds.
More than 180 people had registered for the event as of Monday, Moreno said. That includes kids, people planning to push strollers and extended family members who are in town for the holiday.
Online registration will be open until Wednesday morning. Participants will have a chance to try samples from race sponsors Nothing Bundt Cakes and High Brew Coffee if they preregister and pick up their packets at the school from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. that day.
Registration is $30 for Emerson residents or $20 per person for Emerson residents in groups of four or more. Participants from elsewhere will pay $35, or $25 per person in a group of four or more.
Prices will be the same on the day of the race, but payments must be made by cash or check.
Some proceeds will go into a PTA fund that is used to pay for school items that members vote on at the end of the year, Moreno said. Usually, that includes technology purchases, although there is also talk of funding items that would encourage health and fitness, such as mile markers for runs during gym class or upgraded playground blacktop and basketball hoops.
The race, however, will benefit more than just Emerson, Moreno said.
"This one is a little less of a fundraiser and more of a community event," Moreno said.
Participants are encouraged to wear blankets, hats, gloves and sweatpants over their running clothes that they can take off at the starting line. Those items will be picked up by organizers and donated to the People's Resource Center.
In addition, a portion of the proceeds are being donated to the Ross K. MacNeill Foundation, a local organization working to end pediatric brain cancer in honor of a Longfellow student who died from the disease last year.
Everyone who participates will receive a long-sleeve shirt and refreshments.
Moreno said the top two male and female runners will get gift certificates from Dick Pond Athletics. Run Today in Glen Ellyn has donated prizes for the top runners age 12 and younger, along with a prize for the overall "middle of the pack" runner.
For information or to register, visit facebook.com/EmersonPTATurkeyTrot5kRunWalk.