About
Kick off Thanksgiving with the 2026 LIFE TIME Turkey Trot Chicago 5K/8K and Plymouth Rock Ramble Kids Race! Gather your flock and join us for this Thanksgiving Day tradition by volunteering at the race! Supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository, you'll join fellow volunteers, runners, joggers and walkers in some lighthearted fun while ensuring no Chicagoan will go hungry this holiday season.
Perks
We can't thank you enough for your help but we want to try to show you how much we appreciate you! All volunteers will receive an event specific volunteer beanie and/or shirt, water, snacks, a light meal, service hours, and more.
Volunteer Groups
Learn more about group opportunities and how you could earn a donation for your group or non-profit of 10+ by contacting us at volunteer.lifetime@gmail.com.
A few people you will meet... View All
Shifts (19)
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unwrapping Medals - Wednesday | 1:00pm (CT) | 5:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Dr Chicago, IL | Assisting our team with unwrapping medals. Great for a group! | 3/25 | Register |
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back of Pack Crew (8K) | 7:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Check in at the Volunteer Tent | This position is a fun and cheerful volunteer opportunity that offers direct interaction with the athletes. The Back of the Pack's first role is to assist the Life Time Staff with organizing the athletes at the start and managing the Pre-Race Water Station. Your focus should be on helping athletes... | 1/7 | Register |
| Bike Leads | 7:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Check in at the Volunteer Tent | Experienced Bikers required to lead large groups of runners. *Personal bike and helmet are required | 1/8 | Register |
| Course Marshals | 7:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Check in at the Volunteer Tent | Point athletes in the right direction on course and help direct spectators at cross zones. | 0/5 | Register |
| Finish Volunteers | 7:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Check in at the Volunteer Tent | Be the first to congratulate athletes once they finish their race! Prepare and distribute finisher medals, water, post-race food, and more. | 7/40 | Register |
| Gear Check Volunteers | 7:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Check in at the Volunteer Tent | Athletes will drop off their gear and you'll help label and organize the bags for easy pick-up after their race. | 1/35 | Register |
| General / Turkey Tailgate Volunteers | 7:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Check in at the Volunteer Tent | If you're flexible and adaptable to any task, this role is for you! General volunteers will be assigned different tasks throughout the event. | 3/35 | Register |
| Medical Volunteer | 7:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 | Assist with medical needs in the Main Medical Tent or on course. Exact placement will be determined race morning. Medical knowledge is required; medical professional licensing is preferred (EMT, Paramedic, RN, PT, MD). Medical Team Check-In There will be a medical team... | 8/35 | Register |
| Start Volunteers & Kids Race | 7:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Check in at the Volunteer Tent | Guide athletes to their assigned corral and assist with releasing them onto the course for both the 5K/8K and the Kids Race. | 1/55 | Register |
| T2 Beer Garden & Start Line | 7:30am (CT) | 12:30pm (CT) | 2601 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Check in at the Volunteer Tent | 5/20 | Register |