Bonfield Express 5K Set to Return Next Week

For the eighth straight year, Thanksgiving in Downers Grove will get started at 8:30 a.m. with the annual Bonfield Express 5K Run/Walk on Thanskgiving Day.

The race—which takes place on an USA Track and Field certified course—is an annual fundraiser dedicated to the memory of teacher and coach Jim Bonfield. Funds raised from the thousands of participants each year are funneled into scholarships for area high school seniors. To date, the Thanksgiving tradition has helped raise $150,000 in scholarships given to 76 high school seniors from both Downers high schools. For the first time last year, seniors at Hinsdale Central, South, Lisle and Westmont high schools also received scholarships.

“We're not forgetting our roots,” said Debbie Hare, marketing and communications manager. “We still give scholarships to North and South but we also wanted to attract a larger audience.”

New to the race this year are technical t-shirts given to the first 5,000 participants. Technical shirts help wick moisture away from the skin, keeping athletes dry. Other minor new wrinkles are new signs at the starting gate to better help tier runners and walkers based on pace and a new banner that stretches across the street. Chipped timing also returns for the second straight year after being scrapped a few years back. The chips will be embedded into the bibs the runners wear.

Last year, nearly 4,200 people participated in the race, and as of the middle of this week, 3,000 runners were already registered, more than at this point last year.

“It's part of the community,” Hare said. “We think of it as part of the Downers Grove Thanksgiving tradition and there are many people who can't separate the two thoughts. It's Thanksgiving and Bonfield Express. That's what Jim Bonfield would've wanted. Come down, have fun, and then enjoy your family."

On-line pre-registration, available through November 17, is $25 per person or $85 for a family of four. On-site registration, which starts on November 19, goes up $5 for individuals and $15 for a family of four. Race day registration is $35 per person.

Registered runners and walkers can pick up their tech shirts and pre-race registration materials this Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20 at the Health and Wellness Center at from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. You can also register then as well.

Day of race registration will take place at the Tivoli Theater from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m..

A post-race party will take place in the downtown parking garage, according to Hare, with refreshments provided by Whole Foods, one of the race's sponsors. Additionally, the popular “massage in garage” will return, Hare said, offering massages to the runners and walkers.

“There's so many people in that garage and a lot going on,” Hare said. “This is a social time during the wonderful holiday.”