2015 Turkey Trots and Running Events in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 11/12/2015

Do turkey’s trot? Well, I would be the last person to tell you yay or nay (but I always like the alliteration of the phrase). Whether they trot, run, scuttle, or Mick Jagger, they definitely do gobble.

At this time of year someone is trying to feed you as much delicious homemade cuisine as possible. That being said, an abudance of people have the itch to run off those extra November 25 pounds you pick up. And there are plenty of turkey trots in the area to do so.

I was under the impression with the trend of running marathons, turkey trots had just begun a few years back: maybe 20-something years. I was terribly mistaken.

According to Active.com, the oldest turkey trot race dates all the way back in 1896 in Buffalo, NY. This event put on by the area’s YMCA, participants like today would wear Thanksgiving-themed costumes during this five-mile course.

Without further ado, here are Lake County’s Turkey Trots (or holiday races) beginning as early this weekend (Waukegan Park District Turkey Trot), and stretch as long after as December 13 (Elf Dash 5K ‘Come Chase Santa” in Libertyville). Be sure to check to the race tips so you’re enjoying your trot

Waukegan Pa rk District’s Turkey Trot  (This one is perfect for people who don’t want to run on Thanksgiving Day!) Saturday, Nov. 14 Race starts at 10 a.m. Event website

Cold Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Sunday, Nov. 22, Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Old School Forest Preserve, 28201 N. Saint Mary’s Road, Libertyville Event website 3rd Annual Turkey Trot Sunday, Nov. 22, Race starts at 9 a.m. Grayslake Central High School, 400 N. Lake Street, Grayslake Event website

North Shore Turkey Trot Thursday, Nov. 26, Race starts at 7 a.m. 10K or 5K. A 15 minute mile or better is required for both of the races. Downtown Highland Park, Park Avenue and St. Johns on the Eastside Metra parking lot Event website

Wauconda Turkey Trot 2015 Thursday, Nov. 26, Race starts at 9 a.m. This annual race features a 4 mile run around beautiful Bangs Lake in Wauconda, IL, as well as a 2 mile fun run/walk down Main Street and around Cook Park. The 2 mile one will be family-friendly. Downtown Wauconda & Bangs Lake, Main Street at Mill Street, Wauconda Event website

Village of Gurnee’s Jon Callaghan 22nd Annual Memorial Turkey Trot Thursday, Nov. 26, Race starts at 8 a.m. 5k fun run/walk The Gurnee Old Grand Ave. Fire Station, 4580 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee Event website

6th Annual Long Grove’s Annual Turkey Trot Thursday, Nov. 26, Race starts at 9 a.m. 5k Run/Walk, 8k Run Historic Downtown Long Grove, Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove Event website

Libertyville’s Cool 5k 10k Saturday, Nov. 28, Race starts at 9:30 a.m. 5K run/walk and 10k run over Lake County Forest Preserve trails. Old School Forest Preserve, Saint Marys Road south of Rt. 176, Libertyville Event website

Other 2015 Lake County 5Ks and running events after Thanksgiving

Zion’s Ugly Sweater Run Wednesday, Dec. 2, Race starts at 6 p.m. 5K run/walk Zion Park District Sports Arena, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion Event website

FrogHops “Arctic Frog” 50k, 25k, 15k Saturday, Dec. 5, Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville

The Chase’ 5K Walk/Fun Run Saturday, November 21, Race starts at 2:30 p.m. 5K Walk/Fun Run Steeple Chase Golf Club, 200 La Vista Dr., Mundelein Event website

Elf Dash 5k “Come Chase Santa” in Libertyville Saturday, Dec. 13, Race starts at 9 a.m. A flat point-to-point 5k course Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 Event website