Runners will be off to the races Sunday in Lincolnwood at the village’s 41st annual Turkey Trot in Proesel Park.
The 5k and 10k runs will kick-off with the 5K fitness walk set for 9 a.m. The children’s Drumstick Dash is scheduled to follow at 10:20 a.m. Children age 6 and younger are allowed to participate, according to a village news about the event.
“We love seeing the many generations of families that come back year after year to be part of this historic event. We have participants ranging in age from 1 to 79,” Laura McCarty, Lincolnwood’s director of Parks and Recreation, said in the release.
Both runners and walkers must register for the Turkey Trot in advance to participate.
Participants and community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Niles Township Food Pantry for community members in need. Those who bring non-perishable food items or make monetary donations to the Niles Township Food Pantry on race day will be entered in a post-race raffle, according to the release.
The village will also donate a portion of the race profits to the Niles Township Food Pantry, officials said.
“We see a lot of businesses and organizations get involved by running, walking or volunteering as a group,” McCarty said. “It’s a really fun, friendly event with something for everyone.”
Several area businesses support the Turkey Trot, such as the 90 Miles Cuban Café, which usually provides fried sweet plantains. Also, Lou Malnati’s pizzeria is known to offer warm soup to help runners recover following the race, among other supporters.
Volunteers are always needed for the Turkey Trot, the release states.
The Turkey Trot will also provide pacers for the first time this year to help runners reach their time goal by keeping pace with them, according to the release.
Race officials said that as they cross the finish line, all runners and walkers will receive a 2017 Turkey Trot finisher medal.
Kyra Senese is a freelancer.
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