Naperville Thanksgivings start with Turkey Trot

Renee Kronin-Schertz remembers a time not so long ago when running with her husband meant pushing babies in a jogging stroller.

Throughout the years, children grew out of the stroller and into their own running shoes hitting the pavement beside Mom and Dad, oftentimes in Naperville's annual Turkey Trot 5K.

Like turkey and stuffing, the Turkey Trot has become a family tradition for many each year on the morning of Thanksgiving.

Organized by the Naperville Noon Lions, leaders say this year they expect as many as 7,000 people to participate.

“It's a great way to start the day, you can't ask for anything better,” Kronin-Schertz said. “We've grown from them being in baby joggers at local 5Ks to them being on their own now. It's very fun.”

The Turkey Trot is a somewhat unique 5K, runners say, beyond the fact that it's on Thanksgiving Day.

A typical 5K usually features several hundred runners not thousands, said Kris Hartner, runner and owner of The Running Company, 34 W. Jefferson St. in downtown Naperville.

A race of this size usually requires professional organization, he said.

The Noon Lions enlist the help of more than 200 volunteers to keep runners moving smoothly from the start at Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave., through west central Naperville.

Additionally, the race embraces runners of all ages and abilities, creating a really fun atmosphere, Hartner said.

“It's a big, fun party atmosphere, even if the weather is terrible,” he said. “It's just a really, really good time. People should just try it.”

Last year, 6,500 people ran, raising $125,000 for local people in need.

The Lions Club donates the largest chunk of the money to its social services program, which supplies vision and hearing testing and testing strips to those with diabetes in Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204, as well as local families in need. About 330 families were assisted last year.

Contributions go to the Easter Seals and YMCA after-school program, as well.

“The race is an enjoyment to plan,” said Bill McManus, Lions board member and event coordinator. “But the best part is always to see the beneficial results of the funds that we give back to the community which is all of it.”

Although the Schertz family won't be able to participate in the run this year, the trot has given them many years of fond memories.

“It's perfect. You get your workout in and then you've earned your meal,” Kronin-Schertz said.

Registration options include online for $25 and in-person registration at The Running Company for $30. Registering the day of the race costs $40.

Organizers expect the race to sell out this year and encourage early registration.

The Turkey Trot begins at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25.

For information, visit napervilleturkeytrot.com.

<p><b>Naperville Turkey Trot 5K</b></p>

<p>When: 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 25</p>

<p>Where: Starts at Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave. </p>

<p>Cost: $30 in advance, $40 day-of</p>

<p>Info: napervilleturkeytrot.com</p>