Inaugural Tom-A-Hawk Turkey Trot 5K Set For Nov. 20 In Aurora

AURORA, IL — The A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools and the Aurora East Educational Foundation, not-for-profits raising money for their school districts, are coming together to host the first-annual Tom-A-Hawk Turkey Trot 5K in Aurora Nov. 20.

To help raise money for "the improvement of the public education experience" at Aurora West School District 129 and East Aurora School District 131, runners can sign up for the turkey trot that will begin in the heart of downtown at 9 a.m.

The price for everyone 18 and under is $25, and people 19 and older pay $30 until the price increases Nov. 1.

The running course — 3.11 miles long — will start along the Fox River path just north of a new pedestrian bridge on the west side of the river in downtown Aurora, near 309 N. River St. Runners will head north for about a mile and a half before they'll make a U-turn beneath Indian Trail and go back south on the river's west side.

From there, participants will turn run east across the river on Illinois Street to continue south on the river's east side. The 5K will end with a right turn to head west across the new pedestrian bridge, finishing near the start line.

"This debut event is sure to be an exciting one, finishing with the final straightaway across the brand new pedestrian bridge in downtown Aurora," organizers said in the event's description.

Runners will be able to pick of their packets for the day starting at 7 a.m. in Parking Lot X downtown. Once the turkey trot is complete, people can visit Two Brothers Roundhouse, at 205 N. Broadway St., to celebrate with others and take part in the awards ceremony that starts at 11 a.m.

All participants will get a long-sleeve Dri-Fit shirt, a finisher medal, a chip-timed result, and either a draft beer or non-alcoholic beverage at Two Brothers during the post-race celebration.

To buy tickets, view a map of the course and learn more about the school districts' foundations, people interested can visit the race's sign-up link.

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