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, Sebastian Blanco & Honorary Race Starter, Downers Grove North Cross Country Alum, Lane Blondell

8:30 AM SHARP: Start of the 2024 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 and the Parking Deck. On-street parking is also available outside the racecourse.

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!

West Suburban Community Pantry is accepting canned food on race day. Bring a canned item and support our neighbors in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Find them on Thanksgiving morning at the corner of Main and Grove next to Spenga.

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

Pierce Tavern is OPEN from 8-12 serving breakfast burritos, beers, mimosas, wine, and a special Bloody Mary Bar! First Come, First Serve!

Goldfinger Brewing will be OPENING up its doors for the first time 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!

Get your braids on at Rybell’s Blow Dry Bar is OPEN from 7:30-10am for race participants. Get there early as lines are expected!

Dirty Dough is bringing the cookie goodness to the race from 6am-11. Pick up your pre-order at the Apres after party or purchase cookies at the event! Cash, Credit Card & Apple Pay are accepted.

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.

Check out the stylish entrance to the Après Run Party, beautifully put together by Rainbow Tree Events.

Spenga is opening up as a warming center again before the race kicks off! Swing by their Main Street location.

Fuel up for the Grove Express 5K with coffee donated by the Dunkin' Donuts located at 1931 Ogden Avenue and Thrivent Financial! Their generous contributions will fuel our community spirit one cup at a time!. Find them at the Apres' Run Party in the garage.

Don't miss the 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, Signs & Love 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!