Runners take off west on Houston Street in the 4K The Fox & The Turkey Races Thanksgiving morning in downtown Batavia. The 2,820 runners were the most in 19 years, said Tom Spadafora, president of the host Fox River Trail Runners.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
An estimated 2,820 runners started their Thanksgiving Day early at the 19th annual The Fox & The Turkey Races in downtown Batavia.
Many came wearing turkey or slices of pumpkin pie hats, but two of runners really stood out from the crowd, dressed in matching head to toe turkey costumes.
Paul Kelly of St. Charles and his daughter, Avery, 8, ran the 4K together, making for a comical scene.
The event, hosted by the Fox River Trail Runners, featured a youth mile and a 4K run. Tom Spadafora of Aurora, president of the group, said it was largest turnout ever.
Brady Ahern of Geneva won the youth mile in 6 minutes 9 seconds. Elijah Wilson of Aurora was second in 6 minutes 19 seconds. Ryan Giuliano of Oakwood Hills won the 4K in 20 minutes 58 seconds. Alex Arman of St. Charles was second in 21 minutes 20 seconds, according the race results website.
In addition to the races, a food drive was held. Runners and their families were asked to consider an additional monetary donation and bring a nonperishable food item. The food and money collected will be distributed in the Fox Valley area via the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry.
Paul Kelly of Batavia and his daughter, Avery, 8, near the finish line of the 4K run in the 19th annual The Fox & The Turkey Races Thanksgiving morning in Batavia. Avery was a turkey for Halloween and got a second use out of her costume.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Brian Ahern of Geneva juggles while nearing the finish line in the 4K of The Fox & The Turkey Races Thanksgiving morning in downtown Batavia. Ahern has run in the race for years, and he dressed as Yoda from "Star Wars" in previous years.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Ryan Giuliano of Oakwood Hills finishes first in the 4K run at The Fox & The Turkey Races Thanksgiving morning in Batavia.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Cole Kochen, 3, of Batavia sits on father Justin's shoulders while waiting for the start of the 4K race at The Fox & The Turkey Races Thursday in Batavia. Cole's mother, Heather, would be racing shortly. His brother, Owen, 7, ran in the youth mile.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com