On the morning of Nov. 28, 2024, the streets of Downtown Downers Grove will be bustling with families and people eager to cross the finish line of the Grove Express 5k.
The traditional Thanksgiving morning run is back for another year sponsored by the Grove Express Foundation. This year, additional advancements have been made to further the race’s impact on the community.
President of the Grove Express Foundation Jonathan Twitty commented on the goals and values of the event.
“The Grove Express is really the continuation of what the Bonfield Express had built over the years… getting individuals and families together to run the race, and to raise funds to support youth education and programs here in the community,” Twitty said.
The Grove Express Foundation is a 501(c)(3), meaning it is known as a charitable organization. Last year, they gave out 10, $5,000 scholarships directly and donated money to other organizations as well.
“In past years [and now], we give some of the funds that are raised to [the] Rotary [Club of Downers Grove], and they in turn take those and give it back in the form of scholarships to high school seniors,” Twitty said.
As well as going directly to students, money is also donated to District 58 and 99 to support some of their programs.
“Everything is going back into the school districts. Their emphasis has been really going to Transitions 99 for high school students who have a physical or mental [disability] and getting them help for transition into the workforce,” Twitty said.
This year, the foundation is experimenting with ways they can raise more money.
One way the foundation plans on doing this is implementing a fundraising component for registered racers. All of the fundraised money goes towards the Grove Express Foundation and then is donated further to the school districts.
“When someone goes in and registers for the race this year, there’s an option where you can become an individual fundraiser, or you can become a team. If you raise $200, you will get your race registration refunded back to you,” Twitty said.
One can register for the race by going onto the Grove Express website and clicking the link. After Oct. 31, it will cost $45 to register for the race. Registration ends at around 7:45 a.m. the morning of the run, which begins at 8:30 a.m.
There will also be a link to register for volunteering. The foundation is grateful for their volunteers and is unable to function without them.
“We get a lot of high school students [who volunteer], and we have a great junior board split between North and South,” Twitty said.
The junior board is a group of eight high school students from both DGN and DGS who collaborate to help make the race run smoothly. Junior Jaina Kolavennu has volunteered for the race twice and is now on the junior board.
“I like the Grove Express because it brings people together on one of the most important days of the year and everyone has such a positive attitude. I love being able to help plan and organize this race. It makes the turnout even better,” Kolavennu said.
The Grove Express race averages over 6,000 participants and a large number of sponsors. Some of the big sponsors this year include Romexterra Restoration Construction, which is the starting line sponsor this year, and the local Rybell’s Blowdry Bar, which is the finish line sponsor this year.
“The race is about three miles long, and you have the option to either run or walk. If you have younger kids, strollers and scooters are allowed. Along the race, there are different water stations and mile markers,” Kolavennu said.
Twitty and Kolavennu are hopeful for a big turnout this year and are excited for families to join the tradition.
“I remember the first time I went [to the race]; all of Main Street was jam packed. The fact that so many people come out Thanksgiving morning for this race and for a great cause just makes you feel absolutely wonderful,” Twitty said.
