Naperville's largest Thanksgiving tradition returns Nov. 26 when the 29th annual Turkey Trot 5K fills the streets near Naperville Central High School.
The timed race and walk starts at 8 a.m. at 440 W. Aurora Ave., with the starting line on Hillside Road. Race Director Glenn Behnke and the Naperville Noon Lions have room for up to 8,000 runners and walkers, according to Positively Naperville. More than 7,000 people typically participate.
Every dollar raised stays in Naperville. Since the first Turkey Trot in 1998, the Naperville Noon Lions have helped more than 4,000 children and families receive vision, hearing and diabetes care, according to NCTV17. Club President Dave Cleveland and Behnke appeared on NCTV17's Spotlight program to discuss the race and the club's charitable work.
The Naperville Noon Lions Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3), runs the event. The club provides diabetic testing support for students in Indian Prairie School District 204 and Naperville Community Unit School District 203. Its foundation delivers vision and hearing care to more than 350 Naperville residents each year, according to the group's website.
What it costs
Adult registration (ages 15 and older) is $40 plus fees from Nov. 1 through Nov. 20 and $45 plus fees from Nov. 21 through race morning. Kids ages 10 to 14 pay $30. Kids 9 and under pay $25. Every registered participant gets a long-sleeved shirt.
What to know before you go
Parking is available in the school's east and west lots and in downtown municipal lots, including the Municipal Center, Riverwalk Rotary Hill and Centennial Beach. Tuk Tuk Naperville will run one-way shuttles from several lots to the school. The shuttle map and schedule will be posted closer to race day, according to organizers.
The Field House will not be open for gathering, so bring warm layers. A gear check runs outside the east side of the Field House from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Running strollers are allowed.
Regular strollers, dogs (except service animals), skates, bicycles and scooters are not. Walkers are asked to finish within one hour.
After the race, Belgio's Catering donates a free pancake breakfast in the school cafeteria. Enter through Door 9, the pool entrance.
Packet pickup
Pick up race packets at Naperville Running Company, 34 W. Jefferson Ave.:
- Nov. 21: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Nov. 22: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Nov. 23: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Nov. 24: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Nov. 25: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Limited pickup is also available on Thanksgiving morning from 7 to 7:30 a.m. at the race site.
Beyond the race
Turkey Trot proceeds support local groups serving veterans and fighting hunger and homelessness, in addition to the Lions' own care programs. The 2026 race is partially funded by a grant from the City of Naperville.
Awards go to the top three male and female finishers overall and the top three in each age group. Awards can be picked up after 9:20 a.m. on race day or at Naperville Running Company from Nov. 27 through Dec. 31.
To register, volunteer or learn about sponsorship, visit NapervilleTurkeyTrot.com.
