Record Attendance at CCN 5K Run/Walk Turkey Trot in Northbrook
Nearly 300 people participated in this year’s Catholic Community of Northbrook (CCN) 5K Run/Walk Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at St. Norbert Church in Northbrook. Organizers said the third year of the annual event had its largest attendance, with Thursday’s weather offering a 36-degree overcast morning on the holiday.
Volunteer Bill Davis of Northbrook acknowledged the higher registration number this year, thanks in part to participation by neighboring houses of worship. “We have nearly 300 people, and one of the reasons why is it’s an interfaith event and it’s a community event,” Davis said. “It’s not just the St. Norbert community, but it’s the whole Northbrook community.”
The event was promoted as sponsored by Janzen, Janzen & Chwa, the parish’s block party committee, and the Men’s Club. The event supported the church’s food pantry and holiday turkey drive efforts, with event registration fees assisting anti-hunger initiatives.
“The needs have grown so much over the past year,” noted the event registration form. Michael T. Daly of Northbrook, in charge of the Turkey Trot for CCN, emphasized the impact of economics on affordability at the grocery store and beyond.
“A little bit of help goes a long way, and that’s just it,” Daly said. “Something like this is a little bit of help, but if everybody does a little bit, it turns into a lot.” A portion of the entry fee went to the parish’s turkeys for the holidays program, with the Men’s Club matching that amount.
Participants could bring food pantry items to donate, with more than 1,600 turkeys slated to be given to recipient agencies this holiday season. The event also featured warm-up exercises, a holiday backdrop display for family photos, and hot chocolate or Bloody Mary sips for adults.
Overall, the event was a festive and community-building experience for all involved, with participants like Melissa Sen expressing the importance of exercise and community involvement. Patti Lechner also highlighted the significance of giving back to the food pantry and helping others while enjoying the holiday spirit.
For more information on the Catholic Community of Northbrook and their events, visit https://www.northbrookcatholic.church.