Grayslake turkey trot draws record crowd to help athletes

Grayslake Central High School teams are known as the Rams, but on Sunday it was a bunch of turkeys who hit the pavement to help the school’s athletes.

A record-breaking crowd of about 450 runners, some dressed as the season’s most popular fowl, took part in the 13th annual GCHS Booster Club Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on Sunday.

“This is the biggest ever,” said Colleen Rollins, a volunteer with the Boosters. “People are very festive … so it’s really exciting. We’re very proud to have a (early Thanksgiving turkey trot) kickoff event in the Chicagoland area.”

The trot, which started and finished on the high school’s track, raises money to purchase items that are not in the budget for athletic programs and to help athletes in need cover their athletic fees.

Among those taking part in turkey attire was Tiffany Pruitt of Grayslake.

“I think the more you can show your personality at events like this really lets other people know that they can feel comfortable being who they are, too,” she said.

Among the more serious runners was race winner Jake Elmer, 26, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Elmer said described the course as “great.”

“It was nice and flat,” he said.