Record turnout expected for Naperville Turkey Trot

This year’s Turkey Trotters already are setting records.

Signup for Naperville’s annual Thanksgiving race sold out in record time — and includes 500 more runners than in years past.

A total of 7,500 people will step off at 8 a.m. Thursday from Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave.

In its 14th year, the popular 5K attracts entire families and serious runners alike with its charitable spirit and its “run now, eat guilt-free later” atmosphere.

“We’ve been Facebooking it, emailing it and telling everyone they need to sign up early this year,” said Kris Hartner, owner of The Running Company, 34 W. Jefferson St., Naperville, which co-sponsors the event.

Clearly, it worked.

Like seeing a Nutcracker performance or watching “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” the Turkey Trot has become the start of the holiday season for many.

With so many people home for the holiday, it’s common for entire families to take to the streets before hitting the dinner table later in the day.

“It’s become an annual thing for many,” Hartner said. “Everybody is in good spirits.” Sponsored by the Naperville Noon Lions, all proceeds go to those in need locally. Turkey Trot Race Director Bill McManus, board member and past president of the Naperville Noon Lions, says he sees the race as people helping people. #147;I think it#146;s driven by the community spirit and knowing that 100 percent of funds raised go back to the community,#148; McManus said. The Naperville Noon Lions support initiatives to improve sight, hearing and diabetes diagnoses and treatment, including major contributions to the Easter Seals and through a partnership with local schools that provides hearing screenings, eye glasses and hearing aids to students in need. The addition of 500 people will keep the race well within the comfortable capacity, Hartner said. #147;There#146;s a physical capacity (of any race). The winners are going to be coming through at the same point as the last people are coming off the line,#148; Hartner said. #147;Rather than try to go bigger and bigger and bigger, I#146;m a big fan of quality. And it#146;s been done really well.#148; This year, each runner receives a long-sleeve water wicking technical shirt courtesy of Reebok. #147;This has been a very, very good year for us, and we#146;re looking forward to another great run and the ability to give back,#148; McManus said. For details about the race, visit napervilleturkeytrot.com.