For the 55th year, the Southland welcomes Chicago area runners to the Thornton Turkey Trot races on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 23, at Sweet Woods Forest Preserve, 183rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue in Glenwood.
The community race offers thousands of runners a scenic run before their Thanksgiving festivities.
The event also gives back to the community. Proceeds will be donated to the Winged Foot Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 Charitable Organization assisting student athletes throughout Illinois since 2009.
Two races will be run on a well-marked paved trail: The 1.5 Mile Kids Run and the Community 5K (3.1 Miles).
All registered participants will receive a pair of racing gloves. All finishers in the Kids Run receive a ribbon and 5K finishers will receive medals. Medallions will be awarded to the top three runners in eight age groups.
Additionally, there is a high school team competition. Teams with a minimum of three members will battle for the team trophies.
Reduced early registration fees are available through Nov. 21. Race day registration will begin at 8 a.m. The Kids 1.5 Mile Race will start at 9 a.m. and the 5K race will start at 9:30 a.m.