The 43rd annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot happened on Sunday, November 24. This holiday tradition is hosted by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department and draws over 600 runners to the festive event.
There are three race options of a 10K, 5K, and 5K walk, allowing for runners of all abilities to participate in the fun. The races begin at 8:45 AM on Sunday morning under clear blue skies and sun. Temperatures were in the 40’s, making for great running weather.
The race staff ensured runners were comfortable before and after the race with bonfires and warming tents in the park located right next to the start/finish line. Races began on time and runners started together under blasts of confetti.
I love that this race route takes you through the streets of Lincolnwood. The course allows runners to see the different neighborhoods of Lincolnwood as we wound in and out of the residential streets. It is truly a showcase of the Village of Lincolnwood.
The race is well organized and fully supported with aid stations throughout the course. Residents and volunteers lined nearly every block of the race, cheering on runners throughout the race.
All racers received a long-sleeved, dark blue, T-shirt and a nice sized turkey trot medal. An entire warming tent was filled with vendors including Little Caesars Pizza and Walmart grocery delivery. Runners were able to stock up on goodies if they had time to make their way through the lines.
I have run this race the past several years and have found it to be consistent with parking locations, start/finish line accessibility, packet pick up on race day options, and high-level swag. I am always impressed with the large number of running groups that come to the event including Chicago Road Runners, Orange Theory and the Chicago Area Runners Association, among many others.
If you have not run this race before, I encourage you to check it out next year. It is always held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and is a good way to start off the holiday week.
