Before you eat, go for a run
Think of it as prepaying, as consumers often do at the gas pump these days.
It means crawling out of bed, facing the probably chilly dawn and putting on running shoes. Then it's down to Naperville Central High School for a brisk five-kilometer stomp.
Consider all the calories expended, the metabolisms revved, the fitness merit badges banked before the digestive excesses of the Thanksgiving feast even passes anyone's lips.
It's a Thanksgiving morning ritual in Naperville that more than 5,000 runners are expected to observe this year: the 5K Turkey Trot.
"Last year, we had slightly over 4,600 finishers," said Bill McManus, Turkey Trot race director. "For the past 10 years, it's gone up every year. We're prepared to handle 5,500 runners."
The race, a fundraiser for the Naperville Noon Lions Club, has become synonymous with Thanksgiving celebrations in the area, McManus said.
"It's a tradition in Naperville. It's a race that's competitive and family oriented and fun. There are many, many families that run. It'll be a mom, a dad and two or three children," he said.
This year, as a convenience to runners, the timing mechanisms have been upgraded, McManus said.
"This year, we'll be using disposable chips, so people won't have to have the chips removed at the end of the race," he said.
The race begins at 8 a.m. and follows a flat course certified by U.S.A. Track and Field. It begins and ends at Naperville Central, taking runners on a clockwise loop near Knoch Park.
"It's a scenic route," said Jane Bowers, Naperville Noon Lions Club board secretary.
Runners may preregister at Central from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 22, from 3 to 8 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 24, at the Naperville Running Company on Jefferson Avenue; or online at www.NapervilleTurkeyTrot.com.
Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m., Bowers said, and ends at 7:30 a.m.
The top male and female finishers in each age bracket will get medals; the top overall finishers will receive gift certificates for turkeys as well as shoes or clothes from New Balance, one of the race's sponsors.
Proceeds help the Naperville Noon Lions Club's philanthropic efforts.
"It does go toward our use in the community," Bowers said.
She said Lions Club funds are used to help those who can't afford eye and ear care and corrective eyewear. The club also funds the purchase of diabetes test strips for students in Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204.
The race is a major fundraiser for the Lions.
"Last year, we raised just a little over $100,000," McManus said. "That all goes back in donations to the community. Everyone thinks of Naperville as a very affluent community. Last year - we helped 200 families in Naperville to see better and hear better."
McManus said 125 to 150 volunteers will help stage the race. Volunteer opportunities remain available, he said.
And Naperville Mayor George Pradel is expected to give the start signal, another nod to tradition.
"The mayor has started it all 10 years of the run," McManus said.
<p class="factboxheadblack">11th annual Turkey Trot 5K</p> <p class="News"><b>Who:</b> Sponsored by Naperville Noon Lions Club</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 8 a.m. Nov. 27</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville</p> <p class="News"><b>Registration:</b> $35 on race day; $25 to $30 for preregistration</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 364-3922 or <a href="http://www.NapervilleTurkeyTrot.com" target="new">www.NapervilleTurkeyTrot.com</a></p>