Above / Fond memories of Turkey Trot finishes are reminders that the clock is ticking to enter this year’s Naperville Noon Lions 5K. (Photo courtesy Jo Lundeen)
UPDATE, Nov. 23, 2016 / Today’s the day to pick up packets for the Lions Club Turkey Trot. Pick up packets 10AM to 4PM, Wed., Nov. 23, at Naperville Running Co., 34 W. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Naperville.
Run Fast, EAT LATER, No Penalty!
As the Lions Club website says, “You are the reason the Naperville Noon Lions has been able to help over 3,000 children and families in Naperville with vision and hearing care and diabetes support since our first run in 1998.”
Happy Thanksgiving! Celebrate safely.
Previous Post / On November 24, 2016, the streets of Naperville will be filled with runners from around the country to participate in the Naperville Noon Lions Club Turkey Trot.
In its 19th consecutive year, this Naperville family tradition expects will attract more than 7,800 runners to start the Thanksgiving holiday. The course can be described as flat and scenic and the times are fast for those that take running seriously. Walkers and individuals with special needs are also welcome. Running strollers can be used to accommodate infants and toddlers with an adult runner, making it fun for the whole family. Individuals who move a little slower are asked to complete the course within an hour if they wish their times counted.
Come in costume!
A contest will be held for runners in costume. The best costume will be awarded a complimentary registration in next year’s run. The catered breakfast after the run, tech-long sleeve shirts for all registrants and knowledge that each person’s participation is helping someone in need make this a worthwhile event.
Thanks for giving support to Lions programs
Proceeds from this event and the Club’s annual summer raffle and sales of funnel cakes at Naperville’s Rib-Fest raised over $215,000 last year to support the Lions programs. There are no overhead costs, as all Club members and other individuals donate their time. In the 1920’s Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become the “Knights of the Blind.” The Lions took up this challenge. Today the main programs of the Naperville Lions are to support the blind, low vision and hearing impaired individuals.
Part of the funds raised are used to support the Lion’s testing site at the Anne Reid Early Childhood Center in Naperville to provide on-site pre-school eye examinations for disadvantaged children entering kindergarten.
In addition, during the last fiscal year the Lions supported initiatives in research related to inherited retinal disease by providing a grant to the Foundation for the Blind and supported education of children in braille and nonvisual skill instruction by providing a grant to the National Federation of the Blind-Illinois.
Lion President Dr. Steve Hertzberg stated the Lions are extremely honored to be able to provide these types of service at this high level to our community and support low vision and blindness in the world.
Cheers to all participants!
Several downtown Naperville establishments, including Quigley’s Irish Pub, will open Thanksgiving morning where runners, fans and spectators can toast a good Turkey Trot before heading home to help with Thanksgiving dinner. Cheers to the fun!
Again… Run Fast, EAT LATER, No Penalty!
As the Lions Club website says, “You are the reason the Naperville Noon Lions has been able to help over 3,000 children and families in Naperville with vision and hearing care and diabetes support since our first run in 1998.”
