I have family in Elmhurst, so checking out the local Turkey Trot seemed like a good idea. Kind of pricey for a 5K with minimal swag (we did get a nice long sleeved tee, which we promptly put on as it was freezing and there was no gear check), but the money goes to fight local food insecurity.
We got there early, since we'd heard it was one of the largest Thanksgiving races in Chicagoland. We opted to be dropped off and walked to the packet pick up area on race day. Free street parking could be found a handful of blocks away from the start and finish lines.
We'd signed up online, and when we arrived we were issued bibs and handed our shirts. No chip timing....which was a bummer.
We walked over to a warming tent to hang out, and a bar was being set up. Merch was available to purchase. Slowly, it became clear that this was more of a day-drinking event than a race for many of the participants. (No judgement....it was just a new thing for me to see participants move to their corrals with a fresh drink in hand.) When it was time to line up for the start, there was a long series of fly-overs, which was cool and unexpected.
Finally, the starting pistol went off and we went...nowhere. We'd lined up behind the 10 min group (My 5K pace just under 11), at the front of the "walking" corral. There were definitely folks with dogs lined up in front of us, and people finishing their drinks, and no one was going anywhere fast. A few minutes later, once we'd crossed the start line, we found ourselves weaving all over the place to get through the crowds. Eventually, runners seeped out onto the yards and sidewalks along the course just to get by the strollers.
It felt like all of Elmhurst was on the course at some points. There were groups of participants cutting the course, or ducking into bars as we went through downtown.
Mile markers were in the form of small signs indicating kilometers left (brought to you by Tito's Vodka). The water stop was well staffed and stocked with water, but set up along one of the hairpins of the course, so kind of a mess with the two-way traffic and discarded cups underfoot. There was a hill to contend with--coming and going under the bridge--but everything else was flat.
There were a handful of Portalets at the finish, along with some vendors (Athletico!). I don't recall any post race refreshments. We stayed for a stretch at the Athletico tent and then got out of there.
My two cents: offer timed and un-timed options for the event, and start the timed race 15 minutes before the un-timed race. I think it would make it significantly better for everyone.
I was glad we gave this race a shot because of its history, but I'd check out one of the other dozen options in Chicago for a Thanksgiving race in the future. I think I'd only come back if we were going to do it as a super chill family activity...which is how I think most participants approach it.