Chicago Park District

11/08/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Chicago Park District Hosts Free Turkey Trots Citywide, Promote Active Living Through the Parks with Competitive Turkey-Themed Community Exercise Events

'Go Run Races, the City's Largest Free Turkey Trot at Horner Park, and More Community Events Highlight Fitness Activities this November

CHICAGO-- The Chicago Park District is excited to host several races at neighborhood parks throughout November, including Turkey Trots at Rainey, Russell Square and Avondale Parks. In addition, a basketball tournament and a free throw contest get adults and teens active on the court. View all Turkey Themed events here.

Additionally, in partnership with the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), the Chicago Park District will host the final two 'Go Run events at 63rd Street Beach and Horner Park the next two Saturdays. 'Go Runs are free, timed community runs through 1-mile and 5K courses within neighborhood parks. The 63rd Street Beach 'Go Run, located at 6300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., will take place on Saturday, November 9 at 9 a.m. Horner Park, located at 2741 W. Montrose Ave., will host the largest free Turkey Trot in Chicago on Saturday, November 16, 2024. At the final race of the season, each registrant will receive a neck gaiter, that comfortably protects from harsh sunlight, wind, and other elements runners encounter on a trail. This year, a DJ will provide entertainment for participants, including athletes from Girls on the Run. Last year, the Horner Park Turkey Trot saw over 550 participants cross the finish line. Interested patrons can register for both races here.

"One of the best ways to get Chicagoans to exercise is facilitating group fitness events at community parks. We want residents to know they are not alone on their fitness journey," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. "Thanks to our partnership with the Chicago Area Runners Association and the meticulous planning of park staff, we can provide free community runs at parks citywide, throughout the year, that facilitate an exercise routine for participants of all abilities. These are vital assets for patrons looking to lead a healthy lifestyle."

'Go Run Races

The Chicago Park District and the Chicago Area Runners Association have ensured that Chicagoans can achieve active living through parks with the 2024 'Go Run series, featuring free, weekly 1-mile and 5K races through community parks. This years' series began March 2, 2024, and will culminate November 16, 2024. In that span, 'Go Run series has hosted 33 weekly free, timed 5K and 1-mile courses at 11 neighborhood parks citywide since early March. To date, the series has yielded an average of 138 finishers, bringing this year's total to nearly 5,000 race participants. Each event brings communities together for a free cardiovascular workout, and the racing bibs provided by the Chicago Area Runners Association allow participants to measure and beat their times week to week. Strollers and mobility enhancement equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs are welcome, and participants are encouraged to move at a pace comfortable for them. Those interested in participating in 'Go Runs may register here.

The final two 'Go Run events take place at the following locations:

  • 'Go Run at 63rd Street Beach, located at 6300 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:00 a.m.

Registration is currently open and closes Friday, November 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

  • 'Go Run Turkey Trot at Horner Park, located at 2741 W. Montrose Ave.

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 9:00 a.m.

The event takes place Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Registration closes on November 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. or until the number of registrants reaches 1300.

Chicago Park District Neighborhood Turkey-Themed Events

The Chicago Park District is hosting turkey trots and basketball competitions throughout the city that not only feature scenic trails, but also exciting activities like fireside s'mores, fun giveaways, and of course, medals and prizes for race finishers.

The following events will give Chicagoan's a chance to come together for enriching physical and social activity:

November 16, 2024

Rainey Park, 4350 W. 79th St.

8:00 a.m. Registration, 9:00 a.m. Race Start

$5.00 registration fee, Ages 6 and Older

The 16th annual Turkey Trot at Rainey Park. The race is 1-mile in length, and the top three finishers receive a prize. Tee-shirts will be given to participants while supplies last. Registration is $5.00 and takes place in-person at the park in advance, day-of, or online here.

Amundsen Park, 6200 W. Bloomingdale Ave.

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Free Registration, Ages 10 to 18

Win a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner at our Teens in the Park turkey shoot - free throw basketball contest! Turkeys will be given out to the winners of each age group. Teams must consist of two-members, Tweens division (10-13), Teens Division (14-18) There will be a free raffle, Mini games and concessions too. Register in-person at the park at 11:30 a.m. before the event starts!

November 20, 2024

Senka Park, 5400 S. St. Louis Ave.

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Free Registration, Ages 8 to 13

Join us for a free throw contest and basketball fun!

November 21, 2024

Russel Square Park, 3045 E. 83rd St.

4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Free Admission, Ages 8 to 17

Activities include a youth run, campfire, s'mores, and games. Running groups will be split between participants ages 8 to 10, 11 to 13, and 14 to 17.

November 23, 2024

Avondale Park, 3516 W. School St.

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Free Admission, Ages 6 and Older

Join us for our annual Avondale Turkey Trot. This 1.3-mile fun run is perfect for family and friends to gather, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh air. Participants will start at Avondale Park, head to Parkview, and return to Avondale Park. Following the race there will be prizes for the top 3 runners in every age group. Participants can run with children, strollers, baby joggers and walkers. Those in the 12 and under group must have a parent or guardian present to participate.

LeClaire-Hearst Park, 5120 W. 44th St.

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Free Registration, Ages 14 to 49

Join us for a basketball tournament! Teens play in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Adults play 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Every Hour a raffle will occur for a Free Turkey!

Park District's Health and Wellness Pillars

The Park District plays an integral role in promoting health and wellness by providing Chicagoans with equitable access to resources to allow them to live healthy lifestyles, regardless of identity, income, or neighborhood. These runs align with the Park District's Health and Wellness Pillars, in particular, the pillar that promotes Active Living Through Parks - by providing access to spaces to allow Chicagoans to live accessible, active lifestyles. These activities can help Chicagoans achieve 150 minutes of movement each week, which is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended goal for physical activity. Chicagoans who are interested in exploring other ways to get moving can explore other Park District programs, available here.