Registration Open For Evanston Flying Turkey 5K

EVANSTON, IL — With Halloween in the rear view mirror and declining temperatures heralding winter's approach, it's time for Thanksgiving turkey trots. The seasonal tradition has offered a great way to get in some exercise ahead of a holiday dinner since it began nearly 125 years ago.

Across the North Shore and Chicagoland area, registration is open for local running events, including the Evanston Flying Turkey 5K. Wednesday is the first opportunities for those registered to run in the Evanston event to pick up their race bags, including bibs, hats and a goodie bag, according to organizers.

The ninth annual 5-kilometer run and walk heads along Evanston's lakefront paths and through the campus of Northwestern University. The chip-timed race begins at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 28, with a wave start from Centennial Park at Arrington Lagoon, located at the corner of Sheridan Road and Church Street.

The first 2,700 people to register will receive winter beanies. Organizers are also looking for volunteers to serve as course marshals, gear checkers and aid station station workers. All volunteers will also receive free hats.

The cost of registration for the event, which has sold out in each of the past eight years, is $40 for adults and $15 for children under 13.

Organizers will be collecting donations of canned food for the Vineyard Food Pantry, which serves families in need from its 2495 Howard St. location.

The tradition of Thanksgiving turkey trots, which can often feature costumed participants among the competitive racers, traces its origin to 1896 in Buffalo, New York. The Buffalo Niagara YMCA identifies it as the oldest continuously run race in North America.

More: 2019 Chicago Area Thanksgiving Turkey Trots