Prime your metabolism at Elgin turkey trot

Neighbors in Elgin's Gifford Park Association are inviting runners and walkers to work up appetites for their Thanksgiving dinners and participate in their second Thanks A Lot! Turkey Trot.

The 5K run and walk is not only designed to be a healthy start to Thanksgiving Day, but a food drive for the First Congregational Church of Elgin's food pantry.

“Last year we had 109 runners,” said Amanda Carlson, of the organizers. “This year we're hoping for twice as many and twice as much food for the pantry.”

Early registration of $25 must be paid online by Tuesday, Nov. 22. Online registration can be found on the Internet at: gifford-park-assoc.org/turkeytrot. Those registering on the day of the race will pay $30.

The first 200 runners will each receive a T-shirt.

Monetary proceeds will be used by neighbors of the Gifford Park Association to continue their historic preservation efforts.

The race begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 at the Lords Park Pavilion in Elgin. Its route will take runners and walkers through historic Lords Park, home to the Elgin Public Museum, petting zoo, and new Family Aquatic Center.

Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the pavilion.

Some of the course will be on streets, but participants will also be running and walking on the nature trails among mature hickory and in view of the American bison, elk, and white-tailed deer that live in the zoo's wooden enclosures throughout the year.

Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers.

Volunteers are needed for the day of the race. To volunteer or to receive more information, contact Carlson at: abcarlson80@hotmail.com.