Sign up for Glen Ellyn Park District's 30th annual Turkey Trot Nov. 22

How often do you have an opportunity to participate in an event that (1.) is a lot of fun, (2.) helps increase your fitness level, (3.) helps those who are less fortunate, and (4.) encourages you to dress up in a crazy Thanksgiving-themed costume? The answer is: once a year, at the Glen Ellyn Park District's annual Turkey Trot!

This year's event is sponsored by 1776 Senior Care.

This popular annual event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 22, the morning of Thanksgiving. The race is open to all ages and all skill levels.

Attendance is free. Registration is not required, but participants must sign a waiver at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse prior to the event.

The race begins at 8 a.m. on the dot!

Runners, joggers, and walkers are welcome. Strollers are allowed, but please keep pets at home.

The Glen Ellyn Park District's Turkey Trot is a 5-mile "predicto" race that begins and ends at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road in Glen Ellyn.

The participants' goal isn't to finish the race in the fastest time; the challenge is to predict how long it will take to finish the race, no matter whether you run or walk, and see how close you come to your predicted time. Timing devices are not allowed on the course.

The top two winners will take home a delicious Thanksgiving pie to share with their family!

As you celebrate and give thanks for the abundance in your life this Thanksgiving, you need to remember there are others who are not as fortunate.

The park district is teaming up with the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry to help fill its shelves for the busy holiday season. Please remember to bring nonperishable food items to the race, and park district staff will collect the donations for delivery to the food pantry.

"In 2017, participants donated 868 pounds of food," said Christine Hartnett, recreation supervisor for the Glen Ellyn Park District. "Several forgot their food donation, which sort of takes the place of an entry fee for the race, so they offered cash instead for a total of an additional $130 for the food pantry. We'd like to match or exceed that this year! The most popular items requested by the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry include peanut butter, jelly, white and brown rice, pasta and spaghetti sauce, 1- or 2-lb bags (or boxes) of sugar, and canned fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups."

For more information about the 30th annual Turkey Trot, including the course map, visit www.gepark.org/turkey.