Lincolnwood runners compete in Turkey Trot 5K, 10K; kids get a Drumstick Dash

Nearly 2,000 people turned out for the annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot on Sunday, Nov. 19 in Lincolnwood with approximately 85 volunteers assisting.

This year was the 47th year of the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot, which includes a variety of races, said Karen Hawk, director of parks and recreation for the Village of Lincolnwood.

“This is a tradition here in Lincolnwood, there’s something for everyone,” Hawk said.

The Lincolnwood Turkey Trot has been a holiday feature since 1976. The event is certified by the Chicago Area Runners Association and USA Track and Field, and chip-timed for the 5K/10K race.

Participants could also take part in a 5K fitness walk that took them through the area of Proesel Park in Lincolnwood. The Drumstick Dash for children 6 and under became a photo opportunity moment for families.

Jeron Dorsey, superintendent of parks and recreation for the Village of Lincolnwood, took his first turn as Turkey Trot race director and he was stoked on Sunday as the sun rose on a crisp autumn day to start Thanksgiving week.

“It’s amazing, man, it’s a lot of preparation that went into it, it’s kind of good to see it all coming together now,” Dorsey said. “The weather’s good.

“I think this is a great kickoff to the holidays for the residents,” Dorsey added. “I think this is a great opportunity to not only kick off the holidays but bring a lot of people from different communities together and enjoy a nice race.”

Lincolnwood Chief of Police Jay Parrott was on hand with personnel.

Parrott said the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot is, “a great event. It’s an event that’s been here for many, many years in Lincolnwood and it brings out runners and the weather’s great today.

“We’re happy to make sure that we serve the public to keep everybody safe and make sure all of the runners are safe and anybody that comes out to cheer,” Parrott said.

Lincolnwood Mayor Jesal Patel wore a festive turkey hat on the race stage and waved at participants as they left the corral before the start line.

Patel said he had the opportunity to read through the special notes that people wrote when they signed up for the Turkey Trot. The comments indicated what the race meant to participants, Patel said.

Patel said, “So many people say, ‘It’s a family tradition, I look forward to this race, I grew up in the area, I come back for this.’

“You know,” Patel added, “people are saying, ‘I only do this because my son does it,’ the same son saying, ‘I only do this because my father does it,’ you know, so it’s community, a tradition.

“It’s our 47th year so a lot of traditions can be built in 47 years,” Patel said with a smile.

Taking part in the 5K event were Amanda Brennan of Lincolnwood and son Jacob Brennan, 11, a sixth-grader.

Jacob signed up because, “I like to run.”

Amanda Brennan said the Turkey Trot is becoming a tradition for them because, “he really likes this.”

The 5K first place finisher was Bora Celiknal of Skokie and the 10K first place finisher was Yoon Oh of Lake Zurich.

For results, see https://www.lincolnwoodil.org/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=2023-Turkey-Trot-Race-Results-32.