Some 2,200 people participated in the annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 5K/10K and 5K Fitness Walk Sunday in Lincolnwood, an annual holiday staple event that this year also included collecting winter wear and toiletries for those in need.
This year was the 48th year of the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot, said Karen Hawk, director of parks and recreation for the village of Lincolnwood. About 70 volunteers assisted. There was a “Drumstick Dash” for children age 6 and under, which included a photo opportunity to start the holidays.
A coat and toiletry drive was in place that organizers say will benefit the Niles Township Food Pantry Foundation.
“This is an incredible tradition,” Hawk said about the ever-popular Turkey Trot. “It’s a great thing. Families get together, come back, run the event and then they get to have the holidays.”
Hawk expressed gratitude to the volunteers and called them the “heartbeat of this event.”
The Lincolnwood Turkey Trot has been a holiday memory-maker since 1976. The event is CARA certified, USATF-Certified and chip-timed for the 5K/10K race. This year, people participated from such international places as Germany and England, and from U.S. states including Florida, New York and California, according to organizers.
The run/walk course took participants through Lincolnwood and its Proesel Park.
Mayor Jesal Patel waved at participants as they passed the start line.
“Everybody loves this race,” Patel said. “Everything’s all about family and Thanksgiving’s the big time for my family.”
WNBA guard Jewell Loyd, who plays for the Seattle Storm, is also a two time old medal-winning U.S. Olympian from Lincolnwood and Niles West High School alum, was a surprise celebrity guest welcomed on stage at the start line.
Loyd won gold medals for Team USA at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics.
“I’m from here, this (Turkey Trot) has been a part of tradition forever,” Loyd said. “I’m super proud to be here.”
The basketball standout offered a message of encouragement: “Find what you love and do it full heartedly.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
