Thanksgiving is a day when people give thanks, spend time with friends and family and, traditionally, eat a delicious meal with their loved ones. For those who may feel guilty about stuffing (pun intended) their faces in the evening, Thanksgiving morning featured several 5K runs for community members. These fun-filled, family events drew crowds- the Turkey Trot in Naperville saw over a thousand runners, and the LaGrange Pie run was also bustling with activity. In LaGrange, the first 2,000 people to register get to walk away with a free pie following their run.

The spirit of Thanksgiving is not lost in all the festivities- the Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot raises money for homeless youth, and has partnered with 360 Youth Services, Bridge Communities and Charlie’s Compassion Challenge, according to their website. Participants are encouraged to donate to these charities and have the option of raising money instead of paying the standard registration fee.

The Pie Run, sponsored by the Rotary Club of LaGrange, also offered opportunities to donate on their website.

Both events were filled with fast times, Thanksgiving-themed costumes and lots of laughter.