8:00 AM: Start Line Program with Coach Kup & WGN/Blackhawks Host Jon Hansen (Main/Grove Streets)

• Welcome, announcements and mini-program with District 58 Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Russell, District 99 Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele, Downers Grove South Principal, Mrs. Arwen Lyp and Downers Grove North Principal, Dr. Courtney DeMent.

8:20 AM: National Anthem featuring Downers Grove South Senior, Ava Dickenscheidt & Honorary Race Starter, Dave Humphreys

8:30 AM SHARP: Start of the Grove Express 5K

8:45 AM: Après Run Party at the Parking Garage

9:30 AM: Streets start to reopen

GETTING THERE
We encourage participants to walk, bike, or rideshare to the event as parking will be in high demand.

PARKING LOCATIONS
Designated parking areas include the Commuter Lots North and South of the BNSF tracks, the Library Parking Lot, Village Hall, and the Parking Deck. On-street parking is also available outside the race course.

RACE DAY CLOSURES
Streets around the racecourse will begin closing around 6:15 am, so plan ahead!

Main Street will close between the tracks and 55th Street by 7:00 am.

BNSF Railroad crossings at Washington, Main, and Forest will also close to vehicles by 7:00 am.

The Maple Avenue crossing will remain open throughout the race.

Access to the Parking Deck is available until 8:00 am, with entry via Washington Street only.

From 7:00 am to 8:00 am, you can reach the Washington Street Parking Deck via westbound Maple Avenue and northbound Washington Street.

Plan your arrival and parking in advance!

We’re excited about this year’s sponsor activations on race day!

Orange & Brew is OPEN FROM 9-1. Stop in during and after the race for a tasty beverage and to pick up some things for Thanksgiving!

Pierce Tavern is OPEN from 8am-3pm.  Make sure you fuel up for the race with a breakfast burrito, veggie burrito, breakfast sandwich, their Famous Bloody Mary Bar, beers, mimosas, and wine!

Goldfinger Brewing is OPEN the morning of Thanksgiving from 9:30-12. Stop by for a post-run beer, a pre-Thanksgiving meal drink or to stock up on beer for hosting guests. Enjoy $1 off all draft beers!

Bubbly Side of Life will be open from 8am-12pm and serving up Thanksgiving Day Mimosas

Rybell’s Blow Dry Bar Free Braids from 7:45-9:30am!  Stop by Rybell's Blow Dry Bar before or after the Grove Express 5K!. Get there early as lines are expected!

Road Runner Sports has a special offer for Grove Express participants! Join their VIP program and receive $20 off any $50 purchase. Existing VIP members will receive DOUBLE Rewards Cash.

YogaSix is offering free pre and post race stretch at their studio.  

Don't miss the coffee and bagels from Jeff's Bagel Run, warm apple cider from The Outpost and the delicious breakfast bars from Trader Joe's in Downers Grove, all available at the Apres Run Party!

Make sure to snap some fun pics at this year's photo booth, brought to you by local businesses, Kindly Social and Bubbly Side Of Life.

Grab a photo opp or just a High Five to our DGN/DGS mascots along Main Street.  

Grab a donut and some bacon along the race route on Carpenter. There’s always so much more fun along the way with surprise costumes, music, and excitement, so you don’t want to miss it!