Thornton Turkey Trot

Thornton Turkey Trot takes place in Glenwood, Illinois, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. Described as the oldest Turkey Trot in Illinois, the annual event draws top runners from the south suburbs. The community 5K starts at 9:30 a.m., preceded by a 1-mile walk at 9:00 a.m.; there is also a 1-mile run for kids in eighth grade and younger. A high school team competition awards team honors based on points scored by each squad. Every finisher receives a medal, and the top three in each age group earn awards. Proceeds go to the Winged Foot Foundation, a nonprofit supporting student-athletes in the Chicago area through athletic and academic initiatives.

With a competitive field and team scoring, the 5K is a good place to test your speed at the end of the fall season, while the community walk keeps the morning accessible to families. If you plan to race, six to eight weeks of steady running with one weekly workout of intervals or tempo will sharpen you for a fast 3.1 miles.