Run the good race with holiday cheer
People can get in the holiday spirit and get fit while doing so through area running events. Here’s a list of upcoming races with Thanksgiving and Christmas themes.
TURKEY TROT IN DREXEL HILL
a.m. Saturday at 8:30
St. Bernadette Church & School, 1015 Turner Ave.
The annual St. Bernadette Turkey Trot will include a 5K run and 1-mile fun walk. There will also be a 100-yard Dumpling Dash for runners under 10 years old. The cost is $30 for the 5K, $60for a family of up to six walkers, and $10 for the dash run. Race day registration begins 7:30a.m. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/ DrexelHill/StBernadetteTurkeyTrot.
BURN OFF THE BIRD IN PHOENIXVILLE
Saturday at 9a.m. Franklin Commons, 400Franklin Ave.
The Phoenixville Jaycees are organizing the 5K race and 1-mile fun walk. Registrations opens at 7:30a.m. and the cost is $30. For more information, visit phoenixvillejaycees. org/burn-off-the-bird-5k.
VIKING 5K IN WEST CHESTER
Saturday at 9a.m. West Chester East High School, 450Ellis Lane
The cost to register for this postThanksgiving recovery race is $30. For more information and to register online, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/ WestChester/Viking5kWCE.
TOUGH TURKEY IN SINKING SPRING
Sunday at 9:30a.m. Wilson Southern Middle School, 3100Iroquois Ave.
The Wilson Wrestling Booster Club is organizing the event which includes a 5K race and 1-mile fun run. The cost to register is $30and sameday registration begins at 8:30a.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/2fYOdzb or call 484-256-1881.
JINGLE ELF FUN IN WEST CHESTER
Dec. 2at 6:30p.m. Chester County Running Store, 24S. High St.
People are invited to run or walk before the Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade in West Chester. There will prizes for those dressed in the best outfits. The event will include a 2-mile run, fun runs for kids and a 1-mile walk. The cost to register is $22 and same –day registration begins at 5:30p.m. For more information, visit bit. ly/2fZ3mAL or call 610696-0115.
ELVES FOR THE SHELVES IN WAYNE
Dec. 3at 8a.m. 150Louella Ave.
The annual run supports the Randor Memorial Library. The cost is $30for the 5K and $15 for the 1-mile fun run. For more information, visit bit. ly/1JyMK8p.
FUNKY SANTA 5K IN POTTSTOWN
Dec. 4at 9:15a.m. Montgomery County Community College, 101College Drive
The event will include a 5K, 5K relay and fun run. Awards will be given to best holiday costumes. The cost is $20 per individual and $50per team. Same day registration is from 7:30a.m. to 9a.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/2fnojHg or call 610413-8772.
CHRISTMAS IN BIRDSBORO
Dec. 7at 6p.m. Birdsboro Community Memorial Center, 201E. Main St.
The evening 5K will have participants running through the town with Holiday lights and decorations as scenery. Registration begins at 5p.m. and the cost is $30. For more information, visit bit. ly/2fO1Jbn or call 610-8581569. Going for a bike ride is a nice fitness activity and can be a lot of fun with a group. The day after Thanksgiving is a good time for families to organize a group ride at a local park or trail. The colorful falling leaves at this time of year will also make for good scenery. The bike ride can be as challenging as the group desires depending on speed, mileage and the terrain. Regular cycling can improve joint mobility, decrease stress and strengthen bones. Whether it’s on blades or wheels, skating is a great fitness opportunity this time of year. Families can make an outing of roller-skating or ice skating. The activity is a low-impact exercise on the joints but at the same time can be a total body workout. It involves muscles in the legs, arms and core. Over the holiday weekend, families can find a local rink or just lace up for some fun outside. Thanksgiving weekend doesn’t just have to be a time spent watching sports on TV but is an opportunity to play them with friends and family. Basketball, baseball and football are some great options. Some friendly competition is a great way to keep from spending Thanksgiving weekend sitting inside the whole time. In addition to the physical benefits, sports can help people develop teamwork and leadership skills as well as learn how to overcome obstacles.