Seasonal & Holidays

Turkey Trots, Jingle Runs & More: Illinois Holiday 5Ks And Events

Wobble before you gobble: Your ultimate guide to Thanksgiving and holiday 5Ks, 10Ks and fun runs in the Chicago area.

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Run off that turkey and stuffing or get into the holiday spirit with a festive fun run in the Chicago area.
Run off that turkey and stuffing or get into the holiday spirit with a festive fun run in the Chicago area. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

ILLINOIS —It's almost time to hunker down for turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie — but first, it's the perfect time to get outside and get some exercise. Despite the frosty temperatures, there are still plenty of outdoor events happening in November and December to get Chicago-area residents outside and exercising, and many of them are holiday themed.

Many turkey trots returned in 2021 after a COVID-19 related hiatus.

Proceeds from most of the fun runs planned in the city and suburbs in the coming weeks will benefit local charities, including local food banks and scholarship programs. Some races include kid-friendly runs before or after scheduled 5-, 8- or 10-kilometer races.

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Most events are all-weather and registration is required, but check with organizers to ensure events are occurring as planned. Find out more about upcoming fall and winter fun runs Patch's 2022 Chicagoland turkey trot and holiday run guide, presented in alphabetical order by location.

AURORA

The second Tom-A-Hawk 5K Turkey Trot benefits the Aurora East Educational Foundation and A + Foundation for West Aurora Schools. Registrants will receive a commemorative long-sleeved performance shirt designed by an art student from East or West Aurora High school.

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BATAVIA

Fox River Trail Runners presents the 25th annual The Fox and The Turkey 4 Mile/ 1 Mile Youth Race on Thanksgiving Day. The event will include a donation drive benefitting the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry.

BEVERLY

The 14th Annual Beverly Hills Turkey Trot 5K Run and Family Walk is back, presented by CIBC banking. Participantscan walk or run the beautiful tree-lined streets of the 19th Ward’s historic North Beverly neighborhood. Proceeds from this year's race will again benefit the John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and the 19th Ward Youth and Community Foundation.

CRYSTAL LAKE

The McHenry County Santa Run for Kids benefits Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Count Appointed Special Advocates for Children of McHenry County, Big Brother Big Sisters of McHenry County, Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois, Kiwanis Club of Crystal Lake and Turning Point.

DOWNERS GROVE

The Grove Express 5K on Thanksgiving Day benefits the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, Downers Grove Rotary Club and the Roadrunners Soccer Club.

ELMHURST

Dating back to 1984, the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot will return to downtown Elmhurst this Thanksgiving. Some proceeds from the event go to area charities and food pantries.

EVANSTON

A portion of the proceeds of the Evanston Flying Turkey 5K 2022 will go toward the Evanston Vineyard Food Pantry and Foundation 65. Canned goods will also be collected for the food pantry, as well as items for other local charities. Presented by NorthShore University HealthSystem.

GLEN ELLYN

Glen Ellyn will present the free 2022 Turkey Trot 5-Mile Predicto Race on Thanksgiving, plus a donation drive to benefit Glen Ellyn Food Pantry. Prizes will be doled out for the best costumes and for the runners who come closest to predicting their finishing race time.

  • When: Arrive between 7 and 7:55 a.m. to sign race waivers and predict your finish time, race starts at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24
  • Where: Lake Ellyn Boathouse, 645 Lenox Road
  • More info

GURNEE

The 28th annual Joe Callaghan Memorial Turkey Troy 5K Fun Run and Walk benefits the John Callaghan Memorial Fund and the Gurnee Community Church Youth Work Camp.

HIGHLAND PARK

The North Shore Turkey Trot benefits the Highland Park Community Foundation and its July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund to help those affected by the tragedy.

HINSDALE

The second Juniors Jingle Dash Community 5K Walk/Run benefits college scholarships for area high school students.

JOLIET

The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry will host the annual Santa Fun Run & Walk the first weekend of December. In addition to a fun run/walk, there will be a contest for best individual and group costumes, a pretzel truck and holiday photo opportunity. Every registrant will receive a Santa hat and a goodie bag, and Santa and the Grinch will make special appearances.

  • When: Race packet pickup at 9 a.m., race begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
  • Where: Van Buren Plaza in downtown Joliet at the intersection of Chicago and Van Buren streets
  • More info and online registration

LA GRANGE

The Pilgrim Pie Run benefits the La Grange Rotary Club.

LEMONT

The Lemont Park District's Frigid 5K will return the first weekend of December, featuring a fun run, hot chocolate bar, refreshments, awards and more. Wear your best ugly sweaters and fun holiday gear.

LINCOLNWOOD

A portion of the proceeds from the 46th annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot will benefit the village's parks and recreation scholarship fund. Participants welcome to wear costumes. Includes a 5K/10K race, 5K Fitness Walk and Kids Drumstick Dash.

NAPERVILLE

Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K 2022 is organized by the Naperville Noon Lions Club. Proceeds help Naperville children and seniors receive hearing and vision care, local agencies including veterans’ organizations and agencies fighting hunger and homelessness.

NEW LENOX

The Gobbler Gauntlet 5K benefits the New Lenox Community Park District scholarship program.

NORTHBROOK

The Village of Northbrook will present the 2nd Annual Illuminate Northbrook Hot Cocoa Stroll this November. Participants can do some holiday shopping, sip some hot cocoa and watch as the village turns on the lights to illuminate downtown Northbrook for the season. Guests are asked to BYOM (bring your own mug) for hot cocoa and encouraged to wear ugly sweaters. Collection boxes will be on site for guests to donate to Northbrook Rotary’s “Coat Off Your Back” Drive.

  • When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18
  • Where: Downtown Northbrook
  • More info

OAK BROOK

The post-Thanksgiving Turkey Dri Tri features rowing on Concept 2 rowers, cycling on Air Assault bikes and a 1.5-mile run/walk. Depending on the weather, the run portion may be outside.

OSWEGO

The Oswegoland Park District is once again hosting its annual Gobbler Hobbler 10K and Mashed Potato Mile. After the race, runners are invited to enjoy complimentary walking pancakes.

  • When: 10K race begins at 8:30 a.m., one-mile race at 8:40 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13
  • Where: Begins and ends at Fox Chase Elementary School, 260 Fox Chase Drive North
  • More info and online registration

PALATINE

The 42nd annual Palatine Park District Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot & Drumstick Dash includes 2- and 5-mile distances.

PLAINFIELD

The inaugural Turkey Trot 5K & Youth 1M Run/Walk will happen the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Community Park at Grande Park in Plainfield. Prizes for the top finishers in the men and women's divisions include gift cards from DNA Active Lifestyle Outfitters and frozen turkeys.

  • When: 1 mile youth run starts at 8:45 a.m., 5K starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
  • Where: Community Park at Grande Park, 26333 Grande Park Blvd.
  • More info and online registration

SCHAUMBURG

The Schaumburg Half Marathon and 5K Turkey Trot benefits the Fetching Tails Foundation has a new course through Busse Woods this year, new 2022 medals for every finisher and Spunky Dunkers Donuts waiting at the finish line for runners.

  • When: Half-marathon starts at 8:30 a.m. 5K & Kid’s 5K Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Where: Busse Woods – Ned Brown Meadow; parking across the street at Capital One Atrium,3 800 Golf Road
  • More info and online registration

WHEATON

The 11th annual Lions Club Reindeer Run is presented by the Wheaton Park District and benefits the Wheaton Lions Club Charities and the DuPage County Historical Museum. Come out in your best Santa hats or assortment of jingle bells and Run Run Rudolph to the finish line.

WINNETKA

The 2022 annual Winnetka Turkey Trot is supporting Wings Organization and is on a new trail this year.

  • When: 8 a.m. Need for Speed Runners, 9 a.m. family and leisure runners/joggers Thursday, Nov. 24
  • Where: Green Bay Trail at the Winnetka Train Station, 754 Elm St.
  • More info and online registration

YORKVILLE

The United City of Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department are organizing the annual Jingle Jog Fun Run & Rudolph Run 5K on Saturday, Nov. 19. Walkers and runners welcome. A portion of registration fees helps the Knights of Columbus to provide food and toys to families in need in Kendall County.

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