Before the turkey, get out and trot

The oldest continually run footrace in America just happens to be a Thanksgiving Day turkey trot. The YMCA in Buffalo, N.Y., plays host to a race that began in 1896 with six runners on a cross-country route. Today there are more than 1,000 turkey trots on Thanksgiving from coast to coast. Here are five great Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23) races to sign up for.

Turkey Trail Trot, San Francisco

The race inside Golden Gate Park is rated “PG-99, material suitable for children under 99 only,” according to its website. The off-road races — 5K and 3K — start at the Polo Field and wind along trails, some with hills. Turkeys, pilgrims and others in costume are welcome. Cost, info: $40, www.sanfranciscoturkeytrot.com/2017

O’side Turkey Trot, Oceanside

Runner’s World magazine last year put the Oceanside 5K and 10K races on its top picks list for “spectacular California course” — you run along the Pacific coast and on the pier — and its competitiveness. Register as late as Thanksgiving Day. Proceeds go to local charities. Cost, info: $38 for 10K, $36 for 5K and $50 to run both; osideturkeytrot.com

YMCA Turkey Trot, Buffalo N.Y.

If you want to run or walk this 121-year-old race this year, register now. The 8K race sells out as soon as 14,000 people sign up. Funds raised go to Y programs. Cost, info: $50, lat.ms/buffaloturkeytrot

Manchester Road Race, Manchester, Conn.

Here’s another oldie but goodie. The 4.748-mile race started in 1927 with 12 runners. Today, 15,000 runners and walkers sign up, many in costumes. You must register by Nov. 21. Cost, info: $32, www.man chesterroadrace.com

Thanksgiving Day 10K, Cincinnati

Travelers will like the 10K Run & Walk course that takes them over three bridges in three cities and two states (Cincinnati as well as Newport and Covington, Ky.). This is the 108th race. Cost, info: $37, thanksgiving dayrace.com