By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
Last week, the Independent was able to grab a few moments with a very busy Dan Gibbons, who is gearing up to present the 38th annual Thanksgiving Morning Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 25, hosted by the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation.
“Our mission is to be a major contributor in the eradication of hunger and to promote long-term sustainability in DuPage County,” Gibbons told the Independent in an exclusive interview. “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Dick Weber as our honorary starter.”
Weber is a third generation, lifelong Elmhurst resident who served with the United States Marine Corps. He is a Vietnam veteran and a Purple Heart recipient.
Gibbons said Jim Cornelison will be back to perform the National Anthem and the Men of Spirito singers will perform, along with the Bravura Ensemble. The Lima Lima Flight Team is expected to fly overhead, weather permitting.
Beneficiaries of the race include Loaves and Fishes Community Services, United Community Concerns (UCCA), Catholic Charities-DuPage County, West Suburban Community Pantry, People’s Resource Center, DuPage PADS, the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network and the Elmhurst/Yorkfield Food Pantry.
Two options: in-person or virtual
There are two options for the race this year. Option #1 is the in-person race that will step off in downtown Elmhurst at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 25. Option #2 is a virtual option, offered for those who may be immunocompromised, high-risk, cautious around crowds, or unable to travel to Elmhurst on Thanksgiving Day. Runners/walkers are welcome to choose the event that is right for you. (Note: Registration deadline for the virtual event is Sunday, Oct. 31.
Registration
Early registration will take place on the Saturday and Sunday prior from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus at 537 S. York. Those who do not register early can still register from 6 to 9 a.m. on race day at the Elmhurst University gym as in years past, but masks must be worn at all registration sites.
“We were lucky to have 6,500 masks donated to us and we will be handing them out to anyone who shows up without one,” Gibbons said. “I want to assure all participants that safety protocols will be in place.”
Transportation to and from the course
According to Gibbons, there will be four charter vehicles at York High School to transport racers to the course that begins in downtown Elmhurst. There will also be three charter buses at York and Vallette for participants as well. He reminds racers they must wear masks on the vehicles as well.
Residents of Addison Street
Gibbons expressed concern for the residents who live along the racecourse that goes through the downtown area on Thanksgiving morning. He fears newcomers to the community may not be familiar with the annual race.
“There are so many new residential buildings in downtown, especially along Addison Street,” he said. “I’m a little worried that new residents in those buildings may not be aware of the race and may wonder why they feel virtually trapped in their residences from early morning until about 12 noon on that day.
“We’re hoping that if people know about it in advance, they will share in the spirit of the occasion and either register to join in the race or to take steps to be comfortably homebound on Thanksgiving morning. If someone knows they will need to use their vehicle on that morning, we’d like to request that they move their car to the Jewel grocery store parking lot just for that morning.”
Volunteers needed
It takes about 400 volunteers to make the race a success, Gibbons said, and there is always a need for more. If you are able to volunteer on that morning, please send an email to [email protected].
Sponsorships still available
At press time, sponsors included Platinum sponsor Jel-Sert; Premier sponsors Edward-Elmhurst Health and Kelly Stetler—Compass; Gold sponsors Guaranteed Rate, the Schiller Team, Johnson Wilbur Adams, Inc.; Silver sponsor International Contractors, Inc.; Bronze sponsors Duly Health and Care, formerly DuPage Medical Group, Love Tito’s, L. W. Reedy Real Estate, Gately Greene, and several other Patriot sponsors.
Opportunities are still available and more sponsors are being added every day. To become a sponsor, visit the web site at dangibbonsturkeytrot.org.
Thanks are due to other behind-the-scenes supporters including the City of Elmhurst, the Elmhurst Public Library, Athletico Physical Therapy, Olympia Chiropractic Physical Therapy, York High School and Hervas, Condon & Bersani, P.C.
