ROCHELLE – Anyone looking to begin their Thanksgiving Day with some fresh air and exercise all while supporting a great local cause, are invited to come out to the annual Turkey Trot 5K.
The annual 5K has been taking place on Thanksgiving morning for the last eight years. Whether participants choose to run, walk, or push a stroller, this is what the organizers like to call a no frills event. Meaning that it is very laid back with no times being recorded and no winners or prizes.
The idea came to fruition when Lauren Hintzsche and a few fellow runners decided two weeks before Thanksgiving that they were going to hold a run that day.
“There were three or four of us who had been runners in the community for a long time, and we kind of just said two weeks ahead of time that Thanksgiving we were going to do a run,” explained Hintzche. “Then the day of the run 75 people showed up.”
After seeing such a big turnout for the first event on such little notice, they realized that there was a need for this in the community.

Since then the event has continued to grow with an average of 200 people each year. All of the proceeds from the event are donated to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, which is then used specifically within their health and wellness field.
While the main goal of this event is to earn money for a great local organization, it is also aimed at getting families out for some fresh air and exercise together as well.
“This is just a good healthy way for people to be with their family and friends,” Hintzsche said.
For anyone looking to participate in the 5K, sign up in person at the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District office, 735 N. Second St., before the event or online at Eventbrite.com and search for Turkey Trot. Sign-ups can also be done the day of the event.
Tickets for the event are $10 per person or there is a family deal for groups of more than three for $35.
The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. but attendees can show up as early as 7:30 a.m. to begin checking in at Lincoln School.