ROCHELLE — Gather your flock and sign up for the 5K Turkey Trot to burn some calories and raise money for local organizations.
Seven years ago a group of local runners wanted to participate in a fun run before the feast on Thanksgiving day. The only problem? All of the races were in major cities and none were local for runners to be home in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
The seventh annual Turkey Trot 5K will be held on Thursday, Nov. 23 at Lincoln Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. and take place on the bike path.
The event is organized by Lauren Hintzsche and Keith Lamb with assistance from the Flagg Rochelle Park District.
“Great way to start the day,” encouraged Hintzsche. “Traditionally Thanksgiving is a holiday that is notorious for major calorie intake.  Why not start your day with some calorie deficiencies?”
Registration for the race can be purchased at the park district office or online at Eventbrite. Cost for a single entry is $10 and with long sleeve shirt is $22. A family may sign up for $35 but shirts are not included. Shirts can be purchased and picked up in the Lincoln School cafeteria beginning at 7:30 a.m. on race day.
Sign-ups will be allowed through race day but shirts are not guaranteed on Thursday, Nov. 15.

All proceeds will go to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.
Hintzsche previously stated, “Rochelle Area Community Foundation is a great non-for-profit organization that gives back to our community in many ways.”
The foundation has established a health and wellness fund to advance health and wellness of people of all ages in our communities. More information on Rochelle Community Foundation can be found at rochellefoundation.org or on Facebook.
The “no frills” 5K is family friendly and will be timed but no awards will be distributed. There will be prizes for the most festive dressed participants voted on by the committee.
The first race began with 75 participants and the organizers did not know how the race would go once they came up with the idea.
“I don’t think we really knew what to expect,” stated Hintzsche. “Really, our goal at the time was to provide a local turkey trot so that people would not have to travel out of town. We are pleasantly surprised at how it has become a tradition for many families and their friends.”
Since that first year, over 200 family members and friends have gathered together early Thanksgiving morning to run and walk the 3.1 miles together.  
“The Turkey Trot is a great way to start your Thanksgiving Holiday. I could list all the health benefits but I think we all know how good it is to move,” encouraged Hintzsche. “This had been a great place to catch up with friends from out of town that are here for the holiday.  We all know that we will probably overindulge in the eating department at Thanksgiving so why not give yourself an advantage to start the day.”
The race has grown to over 250 participants and Hintzsche explained they welcome any and all who would like to participate.
The Turkey Trot will go on rain or shine, and in the event of a cancellation of the event due to conditions beyond the organizers’ control they thank you for your donation to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.
Strollers are welcome on the trot course, however canine friends are asked to be left at home.
“We have a lot of great volunteers! Keith Lamb has been an invaluable member of our committee. Anyone interested in becoming a committee member can contact us,” added Hintzsche. “BEE Designs has always been a great vendor to work with in terms of the event shirts.  We also appreciate the Flagg Rochelle Park District and their employees for their help with this event.”