The first thing that Thanksgiving brings to mind is the homemade feast around which friends and loved ones gather.

This holiday has been “carved out” for making memories and showing appreciation for our time together. Each family celebrates this day differently and one way to celebrate that has burst onto the Thanksgiving scene across the United States in past years is participating in Turkey Trots.

The first Turkey Trot took place over 100 years ago in Buffalo, New York. Since then, this feel-good event has grown into a national rite of passage that hosts tens of thousands of people each year.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trots are typically a 5k race on Thanksgiving morning where runners and walkers alike brave the crisp fall air before most holiday-goers have even dressed the turkey (or themselves for that matter). Rochelle has been no exception to the institution of this new healthy trend and this year the Rochelle Park District will be fully coordinating The Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving morning.

While we don’t believe you need to “earn your meal,” or “run off your desert,” we do believe in balance as well as taking every opportunity to share some laughs with your loved ones.

In the past, this event has been coordinated by some outstanding members of the Rochelle community who have planned an organized outing with great effort and care. This year will see no change regarding energy put into making this a successful event, but there will be a new route that the race follows.

Sign-ins will be taken at The REC and move through many different areas of town all while remaining safe for participants and motorists. A complete staff will allow for road crossings to be manned and accommodate for anyone in need of assistance.

Registration for this all-ages event is $10 and can be paired upon registration with a long sleeve Turkey Trot t-shirt for $15 more. All proceeds from this event will go toward the Rochelle Park District’s ENGAGE program, which provides financial assistance for families looking to receive memberships to The REC and participate in the programs that the park district provides.

If you or a family you know would like to apply for the ENGAGE program, please do not hesitate to come into The REC or call the park district for more information.

Anybody interested in participating in the Turkey Trot this year may call the Rochelle Park District at (815) 562-7813 or visit our website for online registration.

Happy Holidays!

Scott Stevens is the recreation supervisor of the Rochelle Park District.