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Trotters, turkeys run popular Naperville 5K

Before turkeys made it to tables across Naperville and the suburbs, some of their likenesses covered 3.1 miles atop the heads of several Turkey Trotters in the Naperville Noon Lions Club's annual 5K race.

Crossing the finish line first was Brendan McDonnell, 23, of Palos Park, who finished in a tidy 15:20.

A goofy few among the race's sprawling field of more than 7,000 registered runners always show up in turkey hats as they burn a few calories before the big feast.

For many, the trot is just that - a leisurely trot - through streets of Naperville. But elites sprinting to the front on Thursday aimed to claim a top time akin to the race's motto: "Run fast. Eat later. No penalty."

The race is the Lions Club's largest fundraiser and it supports efforts to provide vision and hearing assistance to people in need.

  More than 7,000 runners take part in the 18th annual Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K run on Thanksgiving Day. Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com
  Running coach Jenny Wachter watches for 17 runners with the Run 101 club out of Naperville Running Company, during the 18th annual Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K run Thursday. Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com
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