THANKSGIVING ACTIVE-ITIES

Run, walk or shoot to burn those Thanksgiving calories! One of the highlights of November is a big feast that often includes a slew of comfort food dishes that leave you feeling sluggish. To counteract that food coma, there are a number of races, walks and physical activities for all ages in the Chicago Southland to keep you moving. Plan on getting the family or a group of friends together for a pre-meal workout or to work off that turkey.

NOVEMBER 5

Turkey Shoot Basketball Competition
Oak Forest Park District
15601 South Central Ave
Oak Forest
708-687-7270
Kids will be happy to participate in this free throw contest for ages 4 to 14 with an adult where they’ll have a chance to win a turkey for Thanksgiving.

NOVEMBER 6

30th Annual Turkey Trot
Vogt Woods
6527 171st Street
Tinley Park
708-342-4200
This chipped, timed course will award the top three winners in all age categories for male and female as well as best overall male and female runner. Post-race refreshments available.

NOVEMBER 12

29th Annual 1-Mile Jr. & 5K Open Turkey Trot Race
Kelly Park
16675 South Haven 
Orland Hills
708-349-7211
This annual event takes runners through the streets and pathways of Orland Hills with a 1-mile run for kids and 5K for all ages. Awards will be given for overall and first through third place in each running classification.

NOVEMBER 19

Gobble Wobble
Palos Heights Recreation Center
6601 West 127th Street
Palos Heights
708-361-1807
This is a kids race for ages 1-9 grouped by age with medals and a special gifts for participants.

Kids Turkey Trot
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street
Orland Park
708-403-5000
Friends and family can cheer on the kids as they participate in their very own Turkey Trot. Open to ages 3-9.

Diaper Dash
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street
Orland Park
708-403-5000
Even the youngest one can get in on the action. In conduction with the Kids Turkey Trot, there will be a Toddler Diaper Dash for ages 1 and 2.

Reindeer Run
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
8400 31st Street
Brookfield
708-688-8000
Head out for this evening run to kick off the holiday season. It’s a 2-mile course where you and your family can run under the lights and be the first to see the lights of Holiday Magic.

NOVEMBER 20

Butterball Burner 5K Fun Run
HF Racquet/Fitness Club
2930 West 183rd St.
Homewood
708-957-7275
The 18th Annual Butterball Burner 5K is an untimed event that gives you an opportunity to burn some extra calories before the big meal. Registration includes a long-sleeved t-shirt.

Turkey Shoot Free Throw Contest
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street
Orland Park
708-403-5000
Win a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner at the annual Turkey Shoot. Teams consist of one parent and one child and will be grouped according to age. Mini basketballs and mini hoops are used for younger age levels.

NOVEMBER 24

Orland Park 34th Annual Turkey Trot
14650 Ravinia Ave.
Orland Park
708-403-5000
This 2.5 mile cross-country course takes runners and walkers through paved roads, paths and picturesque wooded areas, including John Humphry Woods. Participants receive a long-sleeved dry-fit race shirt, refreshments and are entered into a post-race prize drawing.

NOVEMBER 25

Walk Off That Turkey
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Ave
South Holland
708-868-0606
Participate in this one-mile guided fitness walk after you’ve enjoyed your Thanksgiving feast.

NOVEMBER 27

Carraig Challenge
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street
Oak Forest
708-687-9323
Come run the 5k or join the 1.5 mile walk! We will award a winner from each age group. Proceeds to Gaelic Park Charities providing to those in need throughout the Chicagoland area.

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