Palatine's 40th annual Turkey Trot will be virtual

The 40th anniversary of the Palatine Park District's Turkey Trot 2-Mile and 5-Mile Run will be held virtually, beginning Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26.

The run normally brings nearly 2,000 people together on Thanksgiving morning, but because of the pandemic and risks associated with gathering in large groups, the district has decided to host the event virtually.

Racers will have 40 hours to complete either distance, beginning at 6 a.m. Nov. 26 and ending Friday, Nov. 27.

The district created a committee of staff members in July to prepare for multiple race-day scenarios.

The 2020 Turkey Trot will feature a new logo, a die-cut premium medal, a ruby red TEK shirt and the option to purchase an additional upgrade item.

"Even though we can't host a traditional race with a start line, (the district) wants the 40th Anniversary Turkey Trot to be as memorable as the previous 39 races," said Brittani Sotzen, communications & marketing manager of the district.

While not mandatory, if racers would like to be competitive, they must submit their GPS tracked workout via a submission form on the district's mobile app. The top three male and female finishers will earn a place-ranked medal.

To register, visit palatineparks.org. Registration is $25 per person and there is an available upgrade item (a Turkey Trot branded blanket) for $16 that can be added to any registration.