30th Gibbons Turkey Trot Changes Route to Address Huge Popularity

The annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot has outgrown its route. But don't worry—there's still plenty of room to accommodate the nearly 10,000 runners expected to cluck and flap through Elmhurst Nov. 28.

It's been 30 years since the race was founded by Dan Gibbons, who laid out the original course using his car's odometer in 1984. Runners wore hand-made numbers and were clocked with somebody's old stop watch. That year, the race had 74 participants, no sponsors and raised about $520 for Schwartz School's Good Neighbor Food Drive.

Find lots of great history here.

From those humble beginnings, the race to date has raised more than $2.65 million (all of which has been kept in DuPage County), providing nearly 3 million meals for families served by numerous organizations, including DuPage PADS, Catholic Charities DuPage and many more.

Last year, a record 8,250 runners participated in the 5-K. So the organizers determined it was time to change the course, again. (Remember when everyone fit on the Illinois Prairie Path?)

"Because of our participants’ overwhelming support, the fact is we have simply outgrown our former route and location,” Gibbons said. “Additionally, the city was concerned about the public safety and logistical implications of closing down St. Charles Road, like we did for the last two years." 

To better accommodate the ever-growing race, to provide a safer and more enjoyable event for everyone, and most importantly to raise more money to help feed the hungry, organizers are excited to announce a new course that includes a leg through downtown Elmhurst. Runners will start on Park Street, at Adell Place and finish at Elmhurst College. (See map attached.) 

Runners have a "sentimental attachment" to the old route and starting line, Gibbons said.

"(But) the fact is that by moving the Turkey Trot to this new location we are in a better position to grow the race and help more people," he said.

And that is the point, ever since the early days of the Trot. 

Register in advance for $30—which is a $5 savings compared to signing up on the day of the event. Register early on-line, or in person from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Knights of Columbus, 537 S. York Street in Elmhurst. This is also the packet pick-up time for those who registered on-line or by mail. 

Race day registration will be from 6:30 to 8:55 a.m. at the registration tent in the parking lot just north of Elmhurst Public Library. The Turkey Trot begins at 9 a.m. sharp. 

Gibbons will be featured on the "Your Chicago" segment with Rob Johnson on the CBS News at 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.

“It is hard to find a family that has escaped the impact of our sluggish economic recovery, and those with little to begin with have been hit the hardest,” Gibbons said. “Unfortunately, hunger is a persistent and growing problem in our own community. It’s affecting our neighbors, the senior down the block, maybe even a family member. We are grateful that through the generosity of others, the Turkey Trot provides a critical infusion of cash to organizations that feed the hungry."

Once again, all proceeds will benefit organizations operating in and feeding people in DuPage. 

“We have decided to expand our impact by increasing the number of organizations that will receive funding from Turkey Trot proceeds,” Gibbons said.

Organizations receiving funding from the 30th will include: Catholic Charities –DuPage, West Suburban Community Pantry, People's Resource Center, Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry, United Community Concerns Association, DuPage PADS, Elmhurst Walk-in Ministry, DuPage Senior Citizens Council and Elmhurst/Yorkfield Food Pantry.

Everything you need to know, including information about the new route, shuttle bus and parking availability, and registration can be found on the Turkey Trot website. 

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