November 20, 2024
Many people celebrate holiday traditions, and in Palatine, one of those traditions is the annual Palatine Park District Turkey Trot. For the past 44 years, people have kicked off their Thanksgiving Day by running or walking in this popular event. This year’s Turkey Trot is Thursday, November 28, at Harper College.
Alison Shariatzadeh, Palatine Park District’s Fitness Coordinator said Palatine’s Turkey Trot has become a popular event because of the choices offered. “There is a two-mile run at 8:00am for families to take part in, no matter what their age or fitness level,” she said. “For more serious competitors who want a good workout there is a five-mile run at 8:30am.” Also offered is the Sammy Scurry, a 100 yard dash for kids which takes off at 9:30am. Medals are awarded to all participants. The Thanksgiving event unites over 2,000 participants for a morning of fun, fitness, and community spirit.
Participants are encouraged to sign up before the race for $35; same day pricing is $40 and the Sammy Scurry is $10 per person. Register at runsignup.com/PalatineParksTurkeyTrot.
For Marc and Melissa Cossey and baby Camden of Palatine, the Turkey Trot is becoming a family tradition. “We became too old to be going out to the bars,” Marc Cossey said. “So, we switched to running the morning of Thanksgiving. We began doing the Palatine Turkey Trot three years ago,” he added. ”In order to get Melissa up and going, I take over our music system in the house and blast “Eye of the Tiger” as early as possible on Thanksgiving morning. I may have to come up with a new strategy considering our five-month-old may not agree with this! We do various 5k’s through the year with friends and family.”
Why do the Cossey’s choose the Palatine Turkey Trot? “The other Turkey Trots can’t compete with Palatine,” he said.
Entrants receive a Turkey Trot shirt, enjoy photo opportunities, free snacks and beverages and visits with on-site sponsors. Palatine Park District’s mascot, Sammy the Squirrel and his buddy Gobbles, the Turkey, will also be roaming the race site.
Palatine Park District fitness instructors Del Crawford and Lisa Hoppe have made the Turkey Trot a tradition. Crawford has been participating in the Turkey Trot for over five years. “It’s a fun tradition,” she said. “Now I have my son, husband and friends coming this year! I get up at 6:00am most mornings so it is not hard for me. And we are usually up cooking as well. This is strictly for fun and we walk the whole way.” Crawford encourages those who have not tried the Turkey Trot to give it a try. “It’s nice being a part of the community,” she added. “This will be my 4th or 5th year,” Hoppe said. “I saw Del post on Facebook that she was going, and she invited friends to join her, so I signed up. It’s a fun way to get out and get in a good walk on Thanksgiving. I look forward to the Turkey Trot every year.” Training for the event is not typically done by Crawford and Hoppe. “Does shopping for fun outfits count as training?” Hoppe said. “Seriously, this is just for fun. We walk it, but we have been known to do some Zumba moves as we cross the finish line.”
This year, Palatine Park District has joined forces with The Harbour, an organization which offers immediate, stable, and safe housing to youth and young mothers experiencing homelessness. Event goers can bring donations to support The Harbour’s mission. Needed items include cleaning products, paper products such as toilet paper and paper towels, new twin bed sheets, and new towel sets. The organization also has an amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2HFSVZ5PA5846
Thank you to the following sponsors who help Palatine Park District bring this tradition to the community including: Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Hurley & Volk Orthodontics, Celebration Signs, Immanuel Lutheran School/Palatine, Sue Gould with Berkshire Hathaway, Palatine Dental Associates, Napleton’s Palatine Subaru, Loving Care Animal Hospital, and Dick Pond Athletics.
Why should YOU flock to the Turkey Trot? “I would encourage everyone to join Turkey Trot,” Hoppe said. “It’s fun, and you can walk it. You can even get photo ops with Sammy the Squirrel, so that’s a bonus!” “And wearing silly turkey-themed things is fun,” Crawford added.
