Thousands of families across Chicagoland will start their Thanksgiving holiday with a fun run or walk, paving the way for a guilt-free feast. On Thursday, November 26, more than 8,500 people – including 1,200 kids – will kick off their Turkey Day festivities by heading to Lincoln Park to take part in the 38th annual Life Time Turkey Day Run Chicago 5K/8K.

“This is one of Chicago’s oldest running traditions, and it’s a great, quaint neighborhood event that draws in people from all over the city. It started in and continues to be held in Lincoln Park and is a family friendly, festive environment,” said Scott Hutmacher, regional brand manager for Life Time Athletic Events, which operates the Turkey Day run.

One participant, Logan Square’s Lionel Garcia, will be joined by his wife Daniela, older brother Angel and younger sister Joanna. “We try to incorporate running and health into our family activities as much as we can,” Lionel said. “On Thanksgiving I’d like to make it a Garcia family tradition. Wake up, run a 5K or an 8K, head home, shower, turn on the game and let the festivities begin. That’s the perfect day for me.”

Once again this year, race organizers from Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company, will collect non-perishable food donations prior to the event and donate all of the items to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Last year, race participants donated more than 6,100 pounds of much-needed non-perishable food, providing over 45,000 meals for the non-profit, and raised nearly $14,000 in donations. “More Americans run on Thanksgiving day than any other holiday,” Hutmacher said. “You might not expect that, but we at Life Time always encourage a healthy way of life, so we’re thrilled to be involved.”

The littlest of gobblers, youngsters ages 2 to 12, can participate in the Clif Kids Plymouth Rock Ramble, with races ranging from 50 yards to 1/2 mile. At the Turkey Day Tailgate participants and onlookers will find Turkey bowling, a football throw, cornhole toss, costume contest, bouncy houses and more. To register, please visit turkeyday-5k.com.

Photo Caption:
Race participant Lionel Garcia and his family (left to right: Joanna Garcia, Angel Garcia, Daniela Garcia, and Lionel Garcia)