Turkey trotters provide a boost for Grayslake Central athletics

With visions of turkey, mashed potatoes and other filling Thanksgiving staples dancing in at least some of their heads, dozens of runners loped through the streets of Grayslake early Sunday for the ninth annual Grayslake Central Turkey Trot.

The 5K run, a fundraiser for the Grayslake Central High School Booster Club, started on the high school's track and took runners through area neighborhoods before returning to the finish line on campus.

Money raised from the event is used to purchase athletic items that are not in the school's budget and to cover the athletic fees for students who otherwise could not afford to participate.

Organizers also collected food, including frozen turkeys, to be donated to a local food pantry.

Among the participants Sunday was Brian Droessler of Grayslake, who donned a turkey hat while running.

“I've done this race nearly every year,” he said. “Got to support those boosters.”