Chicago Racing Events | November 2016

As you explore November's events, you will find quite a few Thanksgiving-themed runs, with many featuring the turkey. Based on the many "turkey trot" logos depicting rotund turkeys wearing headbands and running shoes, jogging playfully along, it is easy to imagine turkeys as slow-footed birds. I have, however, seen turkeys run, fast. My husband and I were biking the Rawley Point Recreational Trail in Wisconsin's Point Beach State Forest when we came upon several wild turkeys on the path in front of us. They took notice of us approaching and began running along the trail. After continuing for what seemed like a mile or more, they suddenly pulled off the trail and into the woods. Their speed and endurance were quite impressive. Since that day, I have found out that wild turkeys can run up to 25 miles per hour. Slow-footed? Definitely not!

As you review the events below, be sure to visit the charity websites to learn more about the organizations benefiting from your registration fees, donations, and fundraising efforts.

In addition, check the event’s website to see how the charity partner is benefiting. Are 100 percent of the event proceeds given to the charity? Does the charity receive promotional benefits only? Does the charity receive a certain number of race entries in return for providing event volunteers? A charity may benefit from an event in many different ways. The answers can usually be found on the event’s FAQ, Charity, or About page. Each event should also have an email address or online contact form for any additional questions you might have.

Happy Thanksgiving, and do not challenge a wild turkey to a race!

November 5, 2016

UIC Veteran 5K
Location: University of Illinois at Chicago, 737 South Halsted Street, Chicago
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: Proceeds will go towards UIC programs and initiatives that support the student veteran community.

November 6, 2016

SkyRise Chicago
Location: Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago
Start Times: Various
Event Beneficiary: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

November 12, 2016

Turkey Trot at Rainey
Location: Rainey Park, 4350 West 79th Street, Chicago
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: No beneficiary listed

Funky Brunch 5K
Location: Tenzing Wine and Spirits, 165 North Morgan Street, Chicago
Start Time: 9 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: Bandwith's Scholarship Fund

November 16, 2016

Run in the Dark
Location: Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago
Start Time: 8 p.m.
Event Beneficiary: Mark Pollock Trust

November 19, 2016

Girls on the Run 5K & Li'l Spark Sprints
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: Girls on the Run

Ditka Dash
Location: Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago
Start Times: 9 a.m. (Wave 1) and 10 a.m. (Wave 2)
Event Beneficiary: Special Olympics Chicago

November 20, 2016

St. Teresa Turkey Trot (RSVP by November 18, 2016)
Location: St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1037 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago
Start Time: 7:45 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: There is no entry fee, but participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and retired running clothes/shoes for the homeless.

November 24, 2016

Edison Park Turkey Trot & Gobble Gallop
Location: Edison Park Fieldhouse, 6755 North Northwest Highway, Chicago
Start Times: 8:30 a.m. (Gobble Gallop Ages 3–6), 8:40 a.m. (Gobble Gallop Ages 7–9), 8:50 a.m. (Gobble Gallop Ages 10–12), and 9:30 a.m. (5K)
Event Beneficiaries: Avenues to Independence, New Hope Community Food Pantry, and Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care

Turkey Day Run & Plymouth Rock Ramble
Locations: Diversey Harbor, North Cannon Drive and West Fullerton Parkway, Chicago (Turkey Day Run)
Diversey Driving Range, 141 West Diversey Parkway, Chicago (parking lot) (Plymouth Rock Ramble)
Start Times: 9 a.m. (8K and 5K), 9:40 a.m. (Walkers/Strollers), and 11 a.m. (Plymouth Rock Ramble)
Event Beneficiary: Greater Chicago Food Depository

Joe Mittel Memorial Mile & 5,000 Meter Dick King Championship Race
Location: Riis Park, 6100 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago (east of The Brickyard shopping center)
Start Times: 9:45 a.m. (1 Mile) and 10 a.m. (5,000 Meters)
Event Beneficiary: There will be a Food for the Hungry collection box. Runners are asked to contribute nonperishable items.

November 26, 2016

Grant Park Turkey Trot & Kids' Dash
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
Start Times: 8:40 a.m. (Kids' Dash) and 9 a.m. (5K)
Event Beneficiary: Playworks

Beverly Hills Turkey Trot
Location: Christ the King Parish Center, 9235 South Hamilton Avenue, Chicago
Start Time: 9 a.m.
Event Beneficiaries: 19th Ward Youth Foundation and John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation