Chicago Turkey Trot
The Lowdown
The Chicago Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day tradition held along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Lincoln Park, with the start and finish on Cannon Drive just south of Diversey Parkway. Now organized by Life Time and presented by NOBULL as the Life Time Turkey Trot Chicago, the race returns for its 48th annual running on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with the 5K and 8K both starting at 9:00 a.m. on a flat, wheelchair-friendly lakefront course. A separate Plymouth Rock Ramble Kids Race starts later at 11:00 a.m. from the Diversey Harbor North parking lot. Finishers receive a long-sleeve tri-blend event shirt and medal, plus post-race food and hot beverages at the Turkey Day Tailgate, which features live music and family activities. The event benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository and has sold out in recent years, drawing tens of thousands of runners and walkers of all ages. Entry fees are non-refundable, though a one-time deferral to the following year is available through November 19, 2026 at 50% of the paid fee.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Lincoln Park
Lake Michigan shoreline
Diversey Harbor
Cannon Drive (start/finish)
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Chicago, Illinois, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Keep Chicago Turkey Trot's countdown, checklist and bib pickup plan on your phone with MarathonOS →
Eligibility
- 5K and 8K: minimum age 8 by race day
- Plymouth Rock Ramble Kids Race: separate, family-friendly, no adult 5K/8K bib required
- Course is wheelchair-friendly and welcomes para-athletes
Required Documents
- Registered race bib, worn visibly on course
Entry Methods
- Online registration via turkeytrotchicago.com/registration
- Life Time members with 6+ months of Club-Access Membership get early registration access one week before general public registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
One-time deferral to the following year available through November 19, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CT) at 50% of the paid entry fee
Refund/free-deferral exceptions for active military with deployment orders and pregnant/postpartum participants with medical documentation
No refunds or changes permitted on transactions over 365 days old
48th annual running in 2026; benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository
Currently organized by Life Time and presented by NOBULL as the 'Life Time Turkey Trot Chicago presented by NOBULL'; recorded here under the neutral common name since title/presenting sponsors have changed over the event's four-decade history
Has sold out in recent years (e.g., the 45th annual running in 2023)
Post-race Turkey Day Tailgate features live music, fall treats, and family activities
Cannon Drive closes to vehicle traffic at 5:00 a.m. on race morning
Running this race?
MarathonOS keeps the countdown on your Lock Screen. Checklists, travel logistics and your race report are free on your first race.
Scan to download
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.