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From his days as a state-title winning high school runner, to his current post as executive race director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Elmhurst resident Carey Pinkowski has seen the sport’s huge boom in popularity from the front. And, along with it, the growth of charity runs like the 29th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot in Elmhurst.
Pinkowski is the honorary race starter this year for the Thanksgiving morning tradition in Elmhurst that had more than 7,500 participants in 2011, and hopes to top that number this year.
“It’s just a great Elmhurst tradition, a great community tradition,” Pinkowski said. “The proceeds, and what’s happened with the event, it’s amazing.”
After firing the starter pistol Thursday, Pinkowski will have to move his feet to keep up with his 11-year-old daughter, Sarah, and 9-year-old son Matthew, both of whom will run in the trot. This is his fourth time running the 5k Turkey Trot, in the past running with his wife, Sue, and also with Matthew last year.
“To be honest, I’m going to be a little behind on training,” he said. “Hopefully (my daughter and son) will take it easy on me.”
A star high school runner in northwest Indiana in the ‘70s, Pinkowski went to Villanova University on a track and cross country scholarship, graduating in 1980. Following college, he trained in Oregon for a time as a Nike athlete, before consulting work brought him to the Chicago Marathon, of which he became director in 1990, he said. He and his family moved to Elmhurst about eight years ago, he said.
Though more of a medium-distance runner himself, his interest with marathons initially grew from watching friends run the New York, Boston and Philadelphia Marathons. And, he has run himself, competing in the Chicago Marathon in 1983.
“One of the unique things about the Chicago Marathon, is that the start and finish are in the same location,” he said. “The way that the course is designed, it’s a great tour of the City of Chicago. You get to see some great neighborhoods, some great landmarks. But it’s also very accessible for our spectators.”
Likewise, the fun-run distance of the Turkey Trot course takes runners and visitors through some of Elmhurst’s more picturesque streets, beginning near York and Vallette streets, and heading north to loop around the college and then back again.
“Thanksgiving in Elmhurst you’re going to se a lot of people running, but you’re also going to see a lot of family members out there watching,” he said. “It will be a great day.”
About the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
Participants who pre-register by Saturday pay $30, a $5 savings compared to the cost on the day of the event.
Pre-register online at www.dangibbonsturkeytrot.com, or in person from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Koenig & Strey Real Estate, 540 S. York St.
Race-day registration is $35 and is available from 6:30 to 8:55 a.m Thursday at the registration tent in the US Bank parking lot, 540 S. York St.
The Turkey Trot begins at 9 a.m. Thursday at the corner of York and South Streets.
Proceeds from the race go to West Suburban Community Pantry, DuPage Senior Citizens Council, People’s Resource Center, Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry, United Community Concerns Association, DuPage PADS, Elmhurst Walk-in Ministry, and the Elmhurst/Yorkfield Food Pantry.