Above / Good old signs of inflatable turkeys that are traditionally present along Naperville/Plainfield Road remind passersby that the Thanksgiving Day Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K is nothing new. (PN File Photo)

Updated Post, Nov. 13, 2023 / The 26th Annual Turkey Trot in Naperville steps off at 8AM Thurs., Nov. 23, 2023, hosted by the Noon Lions Club. Keep reading as most of the details remain the same. The good news is organizers say sign-ups are outpacing 2022. 

The Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot is continuing to accept entries for its 26th annual run, walk, stroll or waddle. Register at www.napervilleturkeytrot.com.

Original Post, Nov. 22, 2022 / When it comes to all-American footraces, competitions such as the Boston Marathon, New York Marathon, even Chicago Marathon, likely run through your thoughts.

Or maybe the fun and frolic that accompanies the Naperville Rotary Sunrise St. Patty’s Day 5K the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day come to mind. In March, the popular fundraiser precedes the annual WSI St. Patrick’s Parade. Both events are aimed at putting on the green to raise a little green for local charities.

First known Turkey Trot started in 1896 in Buffalo, New York

Yet, according to the “Interesting Facts” in our inbox, when it comes to the longest running of all footraces, the honor goes to the Buffalo Turkey Trot, an 8K race hosted by the YMCA of Buffalo, New York, that dates back to 1896.

2022 Naperville Noon Lions Club Turkey Trot marks 25-year milestone

Milestones are worth noting, so local Lions and their volunteers will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Naperville Noon Lions Club Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day 2022. Also a community fundraiser that supports many local charitable initiatives, the family-friendly event steps off at 8AM on Thurs., Nov. 24, from Naperville Central High School.

Afterward, many folks gather at watering holes such as Quigley’s Irish Pub in downtown Naperville to cheer on Turkey Trot participants. And this year revelers likely will be watching the World Cup (Portugal vs. Ghana kick off at 10AM.) Thanksgiving morning.

Furthermore, considering a national tally won’t ruffle feathers, this Thanksgiving it’s reported that more than 200 Turkey Trots are expected to wind through local communities in the U.S., all inspired by the original race more than 125 years ago.

Want to step off at 8AM from NCHS on Thanksgiving Day?

The Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot is continuing to accept entries for its 25th annual run, walk, stroll or waddle. Register at www.napervilleturkeytrot.com.

The race starts at 8AM on Hillside, which is the street behind Naperville Central High School. The race is chipped time, so no need to crowd together. Individual race time starts at the Start Line, not at the starting gun.

After the 2022 Turkey Trot 5K, simply save the the date for same time next year. Cheers!

2021 Turkey Trot by the Numbers / 4,758 Official Runners / Click here for more

Run fast. Eat Later. No Penalty.