Naperville Turkey Trot perfect prep for Thanksgiving

Joe and Gavin Crowley woke up at 4 a.m. on Thanksgiving, anxious to run in Naperville's Turkey Trot.

Or maybe the boys, 6 and 4 respectively, were just eager to see their dad in a turkey costume.

"I figured it would be more motivation for the boys," dad Mark said. "They'd be laughing."

It seems to have worked as all three made it past the finish line. The trio took part in the 12th annual Turkey Trot with a group of about 15 who were running to honor a friend's sister who is serving in Afghanistan.

The race sponsored by the Naperville Noon Lions Club has become one of the largest 5K runs in the area. Results show 5,054 participants completed the race Thursday.

North Central College student Ryan Carrigan of Chatham came in first overall with a time of 16 minutes, 37 seconds.

Chris Rambke of Naperville has run in the Turkey Trot four other times but this year managed to convince her adult children - Nick and Patrick Rambke and Casey Hill - to join her.

Chris said she enjoys the "atmosphere, the family spirit."

"It's great exercise," she added. "Good for your heart."

Proceeds from the run go toward hearing and vision screenings as well as diabetes supplies for people in the Naperville area. Last year the event raised more than $105,000.

In addition to being for a good cause, runners said they had extra motivation - the chance to burn off a few calories before indulging in their Thanksgiving feasts.

"I have 22 people coming over for dinner and eating all the calories we just burned off," said Martin Ives of Naperville. "A no-guilt afternoon."

Jim Ostrenga of Naperville said the run helps "get the juices going" on Thanksgiving morning, preparing him for a full day of family, friends and food.

"It was cool, there was a lot of people here (which) made it fun," he said while snacking on a banana. "The course was fast and short and I was running with some friends. How much better does it get?"

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