Events
5k Run/Walk
Kids Fun Run
5K Wheelchair Devision
Description
Race Bib Pickup will take place on Wednesday, November 26th, from 3:00-7:00 pm at South Middle School, located at 400 S Highland Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, AND on race day morning starting at 7:30. If you can't pick up your bib on Wednesday, you can pick it up on the morning of the race near the front entrance of South Middle School. If you register on Wednesday (26th), your race bib will be available on race morning.
This year’s race will be held on Thursday, November 27th, at South Middle School.
- Race Day Registration & Race Bib Pickup – 7:30 am
- Kids Fun Run – 8:30 am
- 5K Race – 9:00 am
- Awards – 10:00 am
Entry Fee: $10 Donation (Proceeds benefit the Wheeling Township Food Pantry)
Start your Thanksgiving Day by making a difference in your community! The Arlington Heights Turkey Trot is more than just a run—it’s an opportunity to give back while celebrating health, gratitude, and togetherness.
Your $10 entry fee directly supports the Wheeling Township Food Pantry, helping local families in need during the holiday season. We also welcome and encourage food donations on race day—bring canned goods or non-perishable items (see our list below for what's needed most) to help stock the shelves and spread holiday cheer.
Whether you run, walk, or trot, every participant contributes to a meaningful cause. Gather your friends, family, and neighbors, and join us for a fun-filled morning of fitness, community spirit, and generosity.
Move with purpose. Give with heart.
Let’s make this Thanksgiving about more than just the feast—let’s make it about feeding hope.
The food pantry is in the most need of the following items:
- Baking products
- Beans
- Instant Potatoes
- Canned fish
- Cereal
- Condiments
- Canned fruit & Meat
- Applesauce
- Pancake Mix & Syrup
- Snacks such as granola bars or fruit snacks.
- Jewel or Aldi gift cards for $25 or less.
Race Bib Pickup will take place on Wednesday, November 26th, from 3:00-7:00 pm at South Middle School, located at 400 S Highland Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, AND on race day morning starting at 7:00 am. If you can't pick up your bib on Wednesday, you can pick it up on the morning of the race near the front entrance of South Middle School. If you register on Wednesday (26th), your race bib will be available on race morning.
Awards & Age Divisions
Medals will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall male and female finishers, along with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd finishers in each age division. Ribbons will be given to the Kids' Fun Run Participants.
Divisions: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65 and older
Medals & Ribbons will be handed out on the infield of the Matt Ives Memorial Track.
Awards will only be awarded to those participating in the in-person events. Virtual race results will not be considered when determining awards, and as such, Virtual race times will be excluded from award eligibility.
Next Year
Mark your calendars, and join us for next year's Arlington Heights Turkey Trot!!! We are hoping for this race to grow and become a new Arlington Heights Thanksgiving Tradition, so spread the word and be sure to sign up when registration opens next year!!!
Looking forward, we will be looking into utilizing a timing company for results (this year will be hand-timed to offset cost), and looking for business sponsors to help the race grow. We also plan on having an official event T-shirt next year, along with an updated and more comprehensive awards system based on age groups.
Race Results
For this first year, we will be hand-timing the race, with results being posted on the website once they are finalized. This is due to the high cost of utilizing a timing company, and we want as much of the money raised in entry fees to go towards helping the food pantries.
Next year, and as the race grows in the future, we will look into working with a timing company to time our race.
Virtual Race
Submitting Your Result
An important part of the Virtual Race is submitting your time so that you can see how you rank, much like a traditional run. Beginning November 27th, you will be able to submit your time. To submit your virtual time, sign in to your runsignup account or go in through your event registration confirmation. (Note: uploading will not work, and you cannot submit a result prior to November 27th)
Once in your account, click on UPCOMING EVENTS. Under/next to the event name, click on SUBMIT VIRTUAL RESULTS.
You can submit results from November 27th through November 30th. Final results will be available at the same link on December 1st.
Place
Arlington Heights, IL US 60005-1868
Parking
Parking will be available in the Main Parking Lot at South Middle School.
Parking Option 2: Overflow parking will be directed to Our Lady of the Wayside Church, the Parking Lot on Ridge Street, north of their middle school building.
Parking Option 3: Additional public parking can be found in Downtown Arlington Heights in their Public Parking Garages, a few blocks north of South Middle School. Please note, one of the garages is currently not operating at full capacity due to ongoing construction on the structure for general maintenance.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
