Start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot. The Trout Valley Turkey Trot is a healthy fun tradition. Located in historic Trout Valley, Illinois (near Cary), the scenic route will surely wake you up and get you ready for your busy day. Bring the whole family for a pre-feast tradition!
Race Information
The Hertz Trout Valley Turkey Trot is going virtual! Due to social distancing requirements associated with COVID-19, we have modified our event to a virtual one, and have added a fun Turkey Trot Bingo Challenge in addition to the virtual races. We have lowered the price for this year's event which will include a T-shirt and face mask. Plus, the first 150 registrants of the 5K + Turkey Trot Bingo will receive a hat compliments of Hertz.
An email will be sent to all participants with instructions regarding race packet pickup.
An email will be sent to all participants with instructions regarding race packet pickup.
Awards Cancelled for 2020 - Join us in 2021 for the awards below
Honors will be awarded to:
After you’ve run the race, plan to stay and enjoy snacks and drinks with your fellow competitors!
- Top Finisher M&F, including a $50 gift certificate to The Running Depot
- Top Youth finisher M&F
- Top Finisher kids race M&F
- Top Finisher over 40 M&F
- Oldest Finisher M&F
- Best Costume - Dress in Thanksgiving, gangster, or Disney theme to honor the history of Trout Valley.
- Top Trout Valley Finisher.
After you’ve run the race, plan to stay and enjoy snacks and drinks with your fellow competitors!
The Course
This is a scenic 3.1 mi run through Trout Valley, IL. The run has a total ascent of 135.83 ft. and has a maximum elevation of 907.64 ft.
Need Directions to the start line? https://goo.gl/maps/ZAohC9WGU1YvC7nZA
About Trout Valley
Trout Valley, IL, near Cary, was the original estate of John D. Hertz, founder of Hertz Rental Car Corporation.
The River (Behind Lodge)
The river is famous for many reasons. This entire area used to be vacation homes along the river. Many of these people used to enjoy their summers on the fox, and their winters at Harry Hopes ski lodge. Before these homes, the river served as John D. Hertz’s runway. Every morning he would fly from the Fox River to Lake Michigan before taking a cab downtown.
Polo Grounds (Start and Finish)
Hertz was an avid horse breeder. While he is famous for his racing horses, his polo grounds are famous in their own right. Large polo tournaments were held here during the summers that attracted the most famous people of the day, including Mirna Loy and Walt Disney.
Trout Valley Pool (One mile mark)
The original pool of the Hertz Estate, it is now over 90 years old and has been a staple of the community for decades. It continues to be a favorite hangout by many Trout Valley residents.
Hertz Estate
Behind the pool lies the renovated Hertz estate. This was home to John D. Hertz, known for creating the first taxi company, and being the richest man in the world. It was also home to Otto Schnering, who created the Baby Ruth candy bar. At one point it was a restaurant, and eventually (and mysteriously) burnt down. It has since been rebuilt and is now a home.
The Other Runway
As you go over the third hill, you are on river road. This road was once a runway. During prohibition, it is believed that alcohol would be flown into this runway from Canada and hidden in a secret root cellar down the hill. This root cellar has since been converted to a wine cellar.
Reigh Count’s House
Trout Valley was home to 1928 Kentucky Derby winner Reigh Count. After the win, Hertz erected a special stable in his honor. The house later became a bull stable, hence the iron fence around it. Today it is a residential house.
Gardeners House
This was formerly the home to Hertz’s personal gardener. He was charged with bringing rare and unique plants to the estate. One of the most famous plants was the lady slipper. At the time, it was one of two lady slippers in the world. It was later stolen from the property. As you run by the barn near mile two you can see the remnants of the greenhouse.
The Barn
This barn housed some of the greatest racing horses in the country. It was built in the 1920s and is of English tudor design. This is where Hertz kept many of his famous horses. Today it is still houses many horses, and serves as a community center.
Man Made Ponds
John D. Hertz had famed landscape architect Jens Jensen design an intricate series of ponds and streams to provide fishing and drainage. They are still stocked with fish every year. All connected, they add a beautiful touch to the community. Recently the ponds and fen area were restored by the efforts of John Liautaod, a local resident passionate about the community.
The River (Behind Lodge)
The river is famous for many reasons. This entire area used to be vacation homes along the river. Many of these people used to enjoy their summers on the fox, and their winters at Harry Hopes ski lodge. Before these homes, the river served as John D. Hertz’s runway. Every morning he would fly from the Fox River to Lake Michigan before taking a cab downtown.
Polo Grounds (Start and Finish)
Hertz was an avid horse breeder. While he is famous for his racing horses, his polo grounds are famous in their own right. Large polo tournaments were held here during the summers that attracted the most famous people of the day, including Mirna Loy and Walt Disney.
Trout Valley Pool (One mile mark)
The original pool of the Hertz Estate, it is now over 90 years old and has been a staple of the community for decades. It continues to be a favorite hangout by many Trout Valley residents.
Hertz Estate
Behind the pool lies the renovated Hertz estate. This was home to John D. Hertz, known for creating the first taxi company, and being the richest man in the world. It was also home to Otto Schnering, who created the Baby Ruth candy bar. At one point it was a restaurant, and eventually (and mysteriously) burnt down. It has since been rebuilt and is now a home.
The Other Runway
As you go over the third hill, you are on river road. This road was once a runway. During prohibition, it is believed that alcohol would be flown into this runway from Canada and hidden in a secret root cellar down the hill. This root cellar has since been converted to a wine cellar.
Reigh Count’s House
Trout Valley was home to 1928 Kentucky Derby winner Reigh Count. After the win, Hertz erected a special stable in his honor. The house later became a bull stable, hence the iron fence around it. Today it is a residential house.
Gardeners House
This was formerly the home to Hertz’s personal gardener. He was charged with bringing rare and unique plants to the estate. One of the most famous plants was the lady slipper. At the time, it was one of two lady slippers in the world. It was later stolen from the property. As you run by the barn near mile two you can see the remnants of the greenhouse.
The Barn
This barn housed some of the greatest racing horses in the country. It was built in the 1920s and is of English tudor design. This is where Hertz kept many of his famous horses. Today it is still houses many horses, and serves as a community center.
Man Made Ponds
John D. Hertz had famed landscape architect Jens Jensen design an intricate series of ponds and streams to provide fishing and drainage. They are still stocked with fish every year. All connected, they add a beautiful touch to the community. Recently the ponds and fen area were restored by the efforts of John Liautaod, a local resident passionate about the community.
Volunteers not needed for our virtual race in 2020
Race Results
Race Photos |
Shout-out to David Mata Photography for the great photos this year!
www.davidmataphotograp.wix.com/davidmata |