TURKEY TROTS GET BLOOD PUMPING PRE-FEAST

Plenty of options for runners, walkers to strut their stuff around county

Turkey trots are set to take off throughout San Diego County on Thanksgiving Day. The idea is for runners and walkers of all ages to enjoy some community camaraderie and burn off calories before partaking in their Thanksgiving feasts. Most events are 5K and also offer shorter routes and costume contests.

CARMEL VALLEY

Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day 5K: Participants can run or walk starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 23 with check-in at 7:15 a.m. at the Fleet Feet San Diego store, 5980 Village Way, in The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, where the event also ends. There will be refreshments and early access to Black Friday shopping deals. The route will be on the sidewalk and there will be a marked turnaround for a 1-mile option. The event follows a “fun run” format, and the route will be marked, but roads will not be closed. Free; bring donations of canned food for the San Diego Food Bank. Visit runsignup.com/race/ca/ Sandiego/freethanksgivingday5k; email community@fleetfeetsandiego.com.

CORONADO

Coronado 5K Turkey Trot: Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary hosts its 10th annual 5K Turkey Trot at 8 a.m. Nov. 23 at Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Drive.

Thousands of people participate in the Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope at Balboa Park last year; the event will repeat this year.

Registration is $25-$55. Visit rchacoronadoturkeytrot.com.

ENCINITAS

Encinitas Turkey Trot: The 10K race and 5K Fun Run/walk/costume Contest start at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 23 under the Encinitas overhead welcome sign on

Coast Highway downtown. The event supports the Veterans Association of North County for Christmas meals for Camp Pendleton Marines with dinner for active-duty families and Christmas gifts for the kids, and Encinitas Boy Scout Troop 776. Registration costs $45-$72. The 10K starts at 7:30 a.m.; 5K at 8 a.m. Visit encinitasturkeytrot.org.

The Fallbrook Turkey Trot takes off at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. at La Paloma Elementary School, 300 Heald Lane. The event will be a 1-mile run, walk or stroll with games along the way, including at the Community Center, 341 Heald Lane. Wear your favorite Thanksgiving Day outfit. Prizes will be awarded for best-dressed participants or best-dressed turkeys. The trot is a fundraiser hosted by the Fallbrook Village Rotary Club to benefit the Fallbrook community. Registration is $45; $50 day of event. Visit fallbrookturkeytrot.com.

OCEANSIDE

The 18th annual O’side Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day offers a range of distances, including 5-mile/5k runs, 5K walk and 1-mile or quarter-mile runs for children. The first wave of runners takes off for the 5mile run at 6:45 a.m.; 5K runners start at 8:05 a.m.; the first wave of 5K walkers starts at 8:35 a.m. and the final wave of 5K walkers starts at 9 a.m. from the Oceanside Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Highway. Registration begins at 6 a.m. at the Civic Center parking structure. From Nov. 3-22, cost is $49 for the 5K and $59 for the 5 mile, with discounts for active-duty military, seniors

and youths. The run benefits Carlsbad-based Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation, which promotes well-being through regular exercise. Registration expos are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Junior Seau Beach Community Center and from 6 to 10 a.m. Nov. 23 at the Civic Center parking lot. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes. Visit osideturkeytrot.com.

SAN DIEGO

The Thanksgiving Day 5K takes off at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 23 at Balboa Park. The run raises money to provide meals for community members in need through the nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages food services programs. Dogs can run too. Registration fees are $30$50. Register at thanksgivingrun.org.

SAN MARCOS

Discovery Elementary School holds a communitywide Turkey 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving Day at 1750 San Pablo Drive. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. There will also be an easier route for walkers. Participants can use golf carts and bikes. Registration is $15 per adult attendee and $5 per child. Proceeds help the school’s families in need during the holidays. Visit eventbrite.com/e/thanksgiving-day-turkey-trot-tickets-723508963787.

U-T FILE