Run like a fox and win a turkey

Run like a fox and win a turkey on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26.

The Fox and Turkey Races, now in its 19th year, is a Thanksgiving tradition. The races start and finish near downtown Batavia on the Fox River. There is a 4-mile run and a one-mile youth run. These races are Fox River Trail Runners Circuit Races. The 4-mile racecourse will be remain open until 9:15 a.m. allowing for a pace of 15 minutes per mile to finish.

The Fox River Trail Runners strongly recommends against the use of baby strollers/joggers by participants in this event. The inclusion of strollers increases the potential for injury to race participants and children.

For safety reasons, the use of headphones or other electronic devices during the race also is strongly discouraged. No dogs, walkers, roller-skaters or bikes are allowed in the races.

There are no refunds or deferrals. Transfers in same race event are permissible if done by Monday, Nov. 23. Email foxandturkey@foxrivertrailrunners.org for details.

This is a food drive event to help those less fortunate. Consider an additional donation and bring a nonperishable food item on race day. The money and food will be donated and distributed in the Fox Valley area via the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted at packet pickup and registration.

Online registration, which is open through Tuesday, Nov. 24, is preferred. Race-day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. and will close promptly at 7:15 a.m. for the youth mile and 8 a.m. for the 4-mile race.

Race headquarters are at the Peg Bond Center, 151 Island Ave., Batavia. There are several parking lots around downtown Batavia.

Both races are chip timed. Race results will be posted on the Fox River Trail Runners website.

The 4-mile race starts and finishes on Houston Street near Batavia Government Center and Peg Bond Center. The course will utilize neighborhood streets west on Route 31. There is one uphill at start and one downhill at finish. One water station is on the course near the two-mile mark. It starts at 8:15 a.m. The course closes one hour after the start of the race.

The Youth Mile is a race for ages 12 and younger. Race starts and finishes on Houston Street. The Youth Mile race starts at 7:30 a.m. Parents, guardians or relatives may run with Youth Mile participants. The course closes 20 minutes after start of the race.

For those who register by Nov. 24, pre-race packet pickup is available from noon to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at The Holmstad, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia. Enter and park off Fabyan Parkway entrance. Race day packet pickup will be 6:30 to 8 a.m. at the Peg Bond Center, 151 Island Ave., Batavia. Refreshments include hot chocolate, snacks and water.

Entry fees for the 4-mile is $35 or $15 for the youth mile There will be a small processing fee added to all entries when registering.

For information, visit www.FoxRiverTrailRunners.org, or email foxandturkey@foxrivertrailrunners.org.