Run a Lakefront 5K Thanksgiving Morning, Then Visit a Free Zoo
Run or walk a Thanksgiving morning 5K along Lake Michigan to benefit a local food bank, then warm up at Lincoln Park Zoo, open free from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
🦃 Thanksgiving Day Start
🏃 Corrals, Course, and Clock
The 5K and 8K leave together at 9:00 AM on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, starting from Cannon Drive just south of Diversey. Start corrals open at 8:00 AM, with same-day packet pickup from 6:00 AM to 8:45 AM. For every runner, the course follows the lakefront path inside Lincoln Park, with Lake Michigan on one side and winter trees on the other.
🎽 Entry, Tailgate, Kids Race
Entry is $60 for the 5K and $65 for the 8K, covering a long-sleeve shirt, finisher medal, and hot post-race food at the tailgate. Across all distances, the event is held as a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, though no exact donation share is published. Family additions include a 10:30 AM costume contest and an 11:00 AM kids run ($25).
🧣 Cold Air and the Free Zoo
Lakefront air in late November is brisk. Layer a thermal top under your participant shirt and pack a dry top for gear check on Cannon Drive. Once past the finish line, Lincoln Park Zoo is a short walk south with free entry, welcoming visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day with warm indoor exhibits.
