Turkey Trot in Naperville sealed with a kiss
Brittany Acosta does not consider herself a runner.
So when her boyfriend, Colton Antos, pushed relentlessly for weeks for her to participate in Thursday's Turkey Trot 5K run in Naperville, she said she should have known something was amiss.
Instead, Acosta was surprised after she finished the race and Antos got on one knee to propose.
“I should have known,” she said, through tears. “I am in absolute shock. I did not have any idea.”
The Warrenville couple met in a Spanish class at Wheaton-Warrenville South High School and Acosta had never run with Antos. However, when she finally caved and chose to run, Antos, 24, said it made him comfortable that it was the right thing to do.
“It was the perfect moment,” Antos said. “She did something for me that showed a commitment for me so I wanted to show a commitment to her.”
Antos and Acosta, 22, were among 7,000 people, many decked out in turkey-themed costumes, to run the 13th annual race. The race raises money through the Naperville Noon Lions Club for causes concerning the blind and vision-impaired.
The venerable organization began the 5K in Naperville after a member returned from running the Boston Marathon and suggested they create their own race. Every year, officials say it grows by about 20 percent.
“It's become a family tradition thing,” said Maria Wilson, a board member and assistant chair of the turkey trot committee, noting that this year's race included a family of about 45 extended members. “When we started, we had the hard-core college kids who would come and run. But it's turned into a family event.”
Wilson said the race, which uses the slogan “Run Fast, Eat Later,” had reached a size that may be near its maximum. It also serves to raise awareness for the organization.
For Acosta and Antos, it served as the setting for their engagement.
“I was just happy she was surprised,” Antos said. “I am happy she is the one I get to spend the rest of my life with. And, I am happy she accepted.”
To donate or for more information on the Lions Club, call (630) 364-3922.