38th Annual Palatine Park District Turkey Trot Scheduled at Harper College
As the Holiday season quickly approaches, so does the traditional Palatine Park District Turkey Trot. The 38th annual event will take place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 22, at Harper College, 1100 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Turkey Trot includes a 2 mile run at 8:30 a.m., a 5 mile run at 9 a.m., and a Drumstick Dash for children up to age 10 starting at 10 a.m.
All participants who are pre-registered by Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. will receive a complimentary long-sleeve hooded pull-over. Participants should note this is a change from the shirt listed on some promotional materials. Goody bags with information and products from event sponsors will be given to the first 2,000 registered runners. Between the races, the park district will raffle off pumpkin pies to 10 lucky participants and all in attendance will receive one free raffle ticket to enter to win a variety of prizes. All runners will receive medals and the top male and female finisher in each age group per race will receive additional awards. The pre-registration entry fee is $25 through 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 and the fee is $30 on the day of the race. Groups of six runners or more can register for only $20 per runner and group registrations must be completed by the pre-registration deadline. Registration for groups is not available online and must be completed in person at Birchwood Recreation Center, Community Center, or Falcon Park Recreation Center by Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. A family discount is also available; if two family members pay full race fee, all remaining family members pay $10 each for pre-registration only. All family members must reside in the same household. Family and group registration fees must be submitted at the same time and paid using one check or credit card. These registrations are final at the time of payment.
Packet Pick-up will be offered prior to the event at Birchwood Recreation Center on Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Packets can also be picked up on race day at Harper College. Day of event registrants will receive the hooded pullover and goody bag while supplies last. The Turkey Trot will be located at Building M on the campus of Harper College. For a race map and additional event details, visit palatineparks.org.
This year's Turkey Trot has been enhanced through partnerships with a variety of community businesses including the Turkey Trot presenting sponsor Grade Power Learning of Palatine and the Drumstick Dash presenting sponsor Eric Esch - State Farm Arlington Heights. The following gold level sponsors have also contributed to the event's success including Andigo Credit Union, Daily Herald Media Group, Palatine Bank and Trust, Palatine Vision Center, and Illinois Spinal Care. Post-race refreshments are provided by Stephens Automotive, Jewel-Osco of Palatine - Plum Grove Road, KIND Snacks, and Pepsico.
Pre-registration can be completed online at palatineparks.org, in person, by mail or by drop off at Community Center, Birchwood Recreation Center, or Falcon Park Recreation Center through Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. Fees can be paid as individuals, as a family, or as a group. Bikes, baby joggers/strollers, roller blades, skateboards, and dogs are not permitted on the course.
For information, contact Superintendent of Recreation Keith Williams at (847) 496-6232 or kwilliams@palatineparks.org.
Many volunteers are needed to ensure the success of an event of this size. If you are interested in volunteering at Turkey Trot visit volunteer.palatineparks.org or contact Alissa DePue at (847) 496-6212 or adepue@palatineparks.org.
The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks, programs and recreational facilities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors while being fiscally responsible stewards of community assets and tax dollars.