Where to Turkey Trot and Run a 5K on Thanksgiving Day

Before sitting down with the family for that carb-loaded meal complete with sweet potatoes, stuffing, and pies galore, get everyone together and hit the pavement at one of the local races slated for Thanksgiving Day. Here are four family-friendly runs/walks worth lacing-up for (including a couple with courses just for kids). Whether you want to dress up like a turkey for one of the 5Ks downtown, or you'd rather catch some sun running alongside the beach, these races make for a healthy start to the holiday — and they help raise money for some very worthy causes, too.

Father Joe’s 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving Day 5K

• When: Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 8 a.m.
• Where: San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park 
• Registration Info: Thanksgivingrun.org, registration closes Nov. 23
• Benefits: Father Joe’s Villages, which helps the homeless.
• Cost: $15.00 - $38.00 depending on age, event, and deadline. Free parking.
• Perks: Free continental breakfast is served after the race, plus a free beer garden, and dogs are allowed to run the course (but no retractable dog leashes allowed)

6th Annual Oceanside Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk

• When: Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 7 a.m. 5 Mile Run, 8:30 a.m. open 5K Run/Walk
• Where: Oceanside Civic Center, 330 N Coast Highway, Oceanside
• Registration Info: Osideturkeytrot.com
• Benefits: $5 from the entry fee will go to the Oceanside School of choice. The race also benefits the Virginia Ann Schueneman Fund and the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation.
• Cost: $20 to $40 depending on age and deadline
• Perks: Race organizers offer a 'combo' registration, so you can run the 5-mile route and the 5K route — plus there are a couple of runs just for kids (including a quarter-mile race for children ages 4 and younger)

PureFitness United Run for the Hungry 5K Run/Walk 10K Run

• When: Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 7:10 a.m. 10K Run, 8:15 a.m. 5K Run/Walk
• Where: Downtown San Diego, 13th & Imperial
• Registration Info: Sandiegofoodbank.org, registration closes Nov. 22
• Benefits: Proceeds benefit the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, and Foodmobile, a program of Jewish Family Service. Annually, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank distributes food for more than 10 million meals. Foodmobile delivers more than 28,000 hot meals to the elderly and homebound.
• Cost: $17 to $38 depending on course and whether you run alone or as part of a team
• Perks: The course is almost entirely flat, and takes runners on a scenic route through downtown

2nd Annual USATF Sanctioned 5K/10K Trail "Thank You" Run/Walk in 4S Ranch

• When: Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 8:00 a.m.
• Where: 4S Ranch Community Park, 16118D 4S Ranch Parkway San Diego, CA
• Registration Info: Thankyourun.org
• Benefits: Proceeds of this event will be shared between two non-profits: the 4S Ranch-Del Sur Community Foundation and Helen’s Closet, which is affiliated with the ALS Association of Greater San Diego Chapter.
• Cost: $25 to - $35 depending on age
• Perks: The majority of this course is on a dirt trail, which some runners prefer over pavement — and the surrounding nature provides a beautiful backdrop. This race also features a course for kids ages 8 and younger.