The Grove Express 5K: Downers Grove’s Thanksgiving Morning Tradition
Every Thanksgiving morning, thousands of runners, walkers, strollers, and cheering neighbors fill downtown Downers Grove for the Grove Express 5K. It is a a community celebration that blends fitness, gratitude, and local giving.
If you grew up knowing it as the Bonfield Express, you’re not wrong, the Grove Express proudly carries that torch forward, keeping the beloved holiday ritual alive and thriving.
A Quick History
The race began in 2004 as the Bonfield Express, created to honor Downers Grove South’s coach and dean Jim Bonfield and to fund scholarships that recognized character and community commitment.
Over 17 years, it became a centerpiece of local Thanksgiving traditions, drawing thousands and inspiring generous scholarship support, before organizers retired the Bonfield race in 2021.
To continue the legacy, three local organizations including the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, and the Roadrunners Soccer Club, came together to launch the Grove Express.
Today, the Grove Express Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) hosts the event and invests proceeds back into youth, education, and scholarships right here in Downers Grove.
When & Where
Date & Time: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start Time: Opening program at 8:00 a.m., race begins at 8:30 a.m.
Start/Finish Line: Main St. & Grove St., Downtown Downers Grove - this is right outside our Platinum Partners Office.
The 5K course is USATF-certified and winds through the heart of Downers Grove neighborhoods before finishing back downtown, right in time to head home for turkey.
What to Know Before You Go
Crowds & Vibe:
Expect a festive scene with 5,000–10,000 participants, families, friends, and runners of all levels. Costumes are welcome, and the atmosphere is pure Thanksgiving joy.
Parking:
Designated parking includes commuter lots north and south of the BNSF tracks, the library lot, and the parking deck. Streets on the course close as early as 6:15 a.m., with Main Street crossings shutting down by 7:00 a.m. Walk, bike, or rideshare if you can.
Strollers & Pets:
Strollers are welcome (line up toward the back), but for safety reasons, no pets are allowed on the course.
Registration Deadline:
You can register up until 7:45 a.m. on race morning, but earlier registration is encouraged for a smoother experience.
Event Duration:
The entire event wraps up by around 9:45 a.m., with roads reopening shortly after.
Who It Benefits
Proceeds from the Grove Express go directly toward local education and youth programs in District 58 and District 99 (Downers Grove North & South High Schools). The Grove Express Foundation continues the Bonfield Express’ legacy of giving, funding scholarships and youth initiatives that make a real impact right here in the community.
The Glover Team & Platinum Partners Realtors: Proud Supporters
At The Glover Team, Thanksgiving morning at the Grove Express has become one of our favorite local traditions. Each year, Sabrina Glover and the team laces up and joins the crowd running, walking, and cheering alongside so many friends, clients, and neighbors. We’re proud to be part of an event that reflects everything we love about Downers Grove: community spirit, generosity, and connection. As part of Platinum Partners Realtors, we’re equally proud that Platinum Partners Realtors is an official sponsor of the Grove Express, helping to support the Foundation’s mission of giving back to local students and programs. Pictured below is Danny and Sabrina Glover with the legendary Will Kupisch, AKA KUP, celebrating the end of the race.
How to Sign Up
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Register online through the Grove Express RunSignUp page at https://www.groveexpress.com/
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Visit the official Grove Express website for course maps, parking information, and updates.
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If you’re a last-minute runner, registration stays open until 7:45 a.m. on race day, but it’s best to sign up in advance.
Local Tips for Race Day
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Arrive early to find parking and enjoy the pre-race energy.
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Meet friends near landmarks like the library or parking deck for easy post-race meetups.
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Dress festive! Costumes, turkey hats, and themed shirts make the day even more fun.
The Grove Express is more than just a 5K, it’s a Downers Grove tradition and a reminder of why we’re so grateful to live, work, and serve in such an incredible community.
Whether you’re running for a personal best, pushing a stroller, or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll be part of something special that starts Thanksgiving off on the right foot.
See you at Main & Grove on Thursday, November 27, 2025, and from all of us at The Glover Team, happy Thanksgiving and happy running!
