It was off to the races this morning at Naperville Central High School, where thousands of people gathered to take part in the 28th annual Turkey Trot.

Nearly 8,000 runners braved the cold weather to participate in the Thanksgiving tradition organized by the Naperville Noon Lions Club.

“We’ve got 7,800 runners signed up. That’s 400 more than last year, which is just terrific,” said Glenn Behnke, director of the Turkey Trot race.

Besides encouraging people to be active before their Thanksgiving feasts, the 5K race also helps support different local organizations through its proceeds.

“We’re getting people to exercise, which is just terrific…But the other thing is, the funds we raise, we give away, so to Loaves and Fishes, to the YMCA after-school [program]. And it’s a local race,

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