The 24th annual Turkey Trot 5K run, organized by the Naperville Noon Lions Foundation, will take place on Nov. 25 at Naperville Central on Hillside Road. 

The race is open to all runners, whether casual or competitive. The race begins at 8 a.m. After the race, runners will be treated to a complimentary breakfast by Belgio’s Catering. 

Interested competitors can register online. It costs $30 for runners ages 10-14 to register, and $35 for runners ages 15 and up to register. The first 5,000 registered runners will receive a Turkey Trot shirt on race day, while later registrees will get it mailed to them after.

The Turkey Trot began in 1998 as a simple way to bring runners together, but developed into a massive charity event with thousands of yearly participants. 

All proceeds go to the Lions Social Service Program. Their website says that the program “provides eye examination, eye glasses and hearing examinations to children and adults in Naperville that cannot afford this type of service.” Since 1998, the Lions have been able to provide help to more than 4,000 Naperville children.

Those who are not able to attend can still donate to the program here. 

Even if you’re not a runner, there are other ways to be a part of the Turkey Trot. Many volunteering opportunities are present for ages 16+. From the twentieth to the twenty-fourth, volunteers can sign up to distribute information packets and on the twenty-fifth, volunteers are needed to monitor the race. Sign-ups are available here.

“People should come. It’s very rewarding,” runner Jackson Ruthig said. “It feels amazing to finish the race.”