On Thursday Nov. 28, Fox River Trail Runners hosted their annual Fox & Turkey races in the city of Batavia. 

The event took place on a clear, cold Thanksgiving morning garnering spirited runners from all over northern Illinois. Many participants celebrated the holiday by attending the event with their family and friends. Runner Maureen Cardinale came dressed as a turkey to run the four-mile race with her brother. 

“It’s nice to get dressed up and spend time with my family,” Cardinale said. “It’s also really good to get outside to exercise.” 

The Fox & Turkey also created many new traditions for families. Former Race Director Karen Willuweit ran the race for her 12th year, this time with her daughter. 

“My daughter and I had a great time, and the race gave us time to bond,” Willuweit said. “We had so much fun, and she got to brag to family later that day that she ran four miles.”

Although the weather was cold, many people came out to spend time with their families and start their Thanksgiving out with exercise. When runners completed the race, they were given free treats and hot chocolate in the race village. 

When the event was over, Fox River Trail Runners donated five dollars for every four-mile registration to the nonprofit organization Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. With over 2500 people running the four-mile race, the event raised a great amount of money. 

“I really enjoyed handing the food pantry a check for $14,000 to help feed those Batavia residents in need,” Race Director Jock Cameron said. 

The money raised at the Fox & Turkey will go towards helping the unemployed, homeless and disabled people of Batavia. The profit is thanks to participants, coordinators and volunteers who bring their own holiday spirit and traditions to the Fox & Turkey every year.