Long Grove Turkey Trot 5K and 8K

Lace up your running shoes and kick off your Thanksgiving celebrations at the Long Grove Turkey Trot 5K and 8K on Thursday, November 26, 2026, in charming Long Grove, IL. This beloved annual tradition, hosted by All Community Events, offers a festive atmosphere for runners, walkers, and families alike. Participants can choose between a 5K or an 8K distance, with typical race day conditions seeing crisp highs around 44°F and lows near 30°F, with only a 9% chance of precipitation, providing ideal running weather.

The USATF-certified course winds through the historic downtown streets and scenic neighborhoods of Long Grove, passing beautiful houses and offering a primarily flat route that's enjoyed by many. While largely flat, the course does feature a few slight hills and some narrower paths, particularly on the 8K route which extends into the residential Country Club Estates area. Both races culminate in a memorable finish under Long Grove's famous covered bridge, where cheering crowds add to the excitement. The start and finish line is conveniently located at 308 Old McHenry Rd, with ample parking available in historic downtown lots and off-site shuttle service provided.

What truly sets the Long Grove Turkey Trot apart is its vibrant post-race celebration. All finishers are rewarded with a delicious apple cider donut, hot apple cider, and for those 21 and over, a refreshing beer. The festivities continue with a lively post-race party featuring a live band, making it a perfect way to celebrate your achievement and build an appetite for your Thanksgiving feast. This event is also part of the Run Chicagoland Race Series and contributes to the nationwide Thankful Turkey Run/Walk, allowing you to see how you stack up against runners across the country. Aid stations with water are available on the course to support runners.