North Shore Turkey Trot

The North Shore Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in Highland Park, Illinois, drawing runners and walkers to the city's North Shore neighborhoods for a 5K, a 10K, and a Kids' Trot. First run in 1978, the event has grown into one of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in the Chicago area, with roughly 4,000 participants in recent editions. Both the 5K and the 10K start at 8:00 a.m. from St. Johns Ave. and Central Ave. in downtown Highland Park, following two USATF-certified, single-loop courses closed to traffic that pass the Ravine, the Lake Michigan lakefront, and the downtown district before finishing at St. Johns Ave. and Elm. The Kids' Trot starts later at 10:00 a.m., with age-group waves for 2-4, 5-6, and 7-10 year-olds. Registered 5K and 10K runners receive an exclusive knit hoodie and a Thanksgiving-themed finisher's medal, plus free finisher photos; a virtual option is also offered. Afterward, the Turkey Trot Tailgate serves warm apple cider and pie with live music and games. A portion of race proceeds benefits the Highland Park Community Foundation.