More Than a Thanksgiving Tradition: The Story Behind the Grove Express 5K in Downers Grove

Every Thanksgiving morning, before the turkey goes in the oven and families gather around the table, something special happens in downtown Downers Grove.

Thousands of runners, walkers, families and friends come together for the annual Grove Express 5K. Some come to challenge themselves, others come to enjoy a morning outside, and many participate simply because it's become part of their family's Thanksgiving tradition.

But the Grove Express is about much more than running or walking 3.1 miles. Behind the event is a story of community, remembrance, generosity and a commitment to supporting the next generation.

It All Started With the Bonfield Express

The story of the Grove Express actually begins in 2004 with an event called the Bonfield Express 5K.

The race was created in memory of Jim Bonfield, a longtime educator, coach and dean at Downers Grove South High School who passed away in October 2003 after battling serious illnesses.

Jim was remembered for his positive attitude, encouragement and dedication to the students and community around him. He spent more than three decades working with young people, making a lasting impression on the students and families he encountered.

His wife, Annette Bonfield, helped establish the Bonfield Express Foundation and the Thanksgiving morning race as a way to honor his memory and continue his commitment to education and community involvement.

What began as a local fundraiser grew into a much-loved Thanksgiving tradition. Over the years, thousands of participants joined the race, and the Bonfield Express Foundation provided more than $966,000 in scholarships and funding to area schools.

The race became one of the community's signature Thanksgiving morning events.

A New Name, The Same Community Spirit

After 17 successful years, the Bonfield Express 5K held its final race in 2020. Fortunately, the Thanksgiving tradition wasn't going to end.

In 2021, three local organizations came together to continue the event: the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, the Rotary Club of Downers Grove and the Downers Grove Roadrunners Soccer Club.

Together, they established the Grove Express Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education, youth programs and scholarships.

The new Grove Express 5K carried on the tradition, giving the community another opportunity to come together on Thanksgiving morning while continuing the mission of investing in local students.

It's a wonderful example of what can happen when community organizations work together to keep something meaningful alive.

More Than Just a 5K

One of the things that makes the Grove Express special is where the money goes.

The foundation supports educational initiatives and youth programs benefiting Elementary School District 58 and Community High School District 99, which includes Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South.

Its support also extends to the participating community organizations and scholarship opportunities for local students.

The event gives residents a fun way to start Thanksgiving while helping provide opportunities for young people in their own community.

It's a reminder that sometimes the biggest impact comes from neighbors simply showing up and participating.

A Thanksgiving Morning Through Downtown Downers Grove

The Grove Express 5K takes place in the heart of downtown Downers Grove, beginning near Main and Grove Streets.

The 3.1-mile course follows a USA Track and Field-certified route through the Village, giving participants a chance to experience the community in a different way.

On race morning, downtown takes on a completely different atmosphere. Streets fill with runners and walkers, spectators line the route, and friends and families gather to cheer one another on.

You'll see serious runners hoping for a personal best, first-time participants, families with children and plenty of people who are simply there to enjoy the morning.

And that's part of the appeal. You don't have to be an experienced runner to participate. The event welcomes both runners and walkers, making it something the entire community can enjoy.

Mark Your Calendar for Thanksgiving 2026

The Grove Express 5K returns to downtown Downers Grove on Thursday, November 26, 2026.

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. near Main and Grove Streets.

Whether you're a longtime participant or thinking about joining for the first time, it's a fun way to get some fresh air, connect with neighbors and start Thanksgiving on a positive note.

Registration and additional event information are available at www.groveexpress.com.

A Tradition That Shows What Makes Downers Grove Special

Downers Grove has many things that make it a wonderful place to call home, from its established neighborhoods and downtown businesses to its parks, schools and community events.

But perhaps one of the most important things is the people who make these traditions possible.

The Grove Express 5K is a great example. It began as a way to honor one man's dedication to students and education. More than two decades later, that spirit continues through a new generation of volunteers, participants, sponsors and community organizations.

Whether you're running, walking, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, you're part of something bigger than a race.

And that's what makes the Grove Express such a special part of Thanksgiving in Downers Grove.

At Wenzel Select Properties, we love highlighting the people, traditions and organizations that make our local communities special. It's these connections that help make a neighborhood more than just a place to live. They make it feel like home.