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Run now, gobble later at these local turkey trots

Get ready to dash for drumsticks — there are seven turkey trots to get you up and moving on Thanksgiving Day around the City of Oaks.

Freedom Ride dog Alumni Milton in a turkey hat an PJs.

Freedom Ride alumni Milton, who was adopted by the rescue’s board member Julie, says “Who’s ready to trot?”

You know what they say, “A family that trots together, stays together.” If this phrase rings true for you on Thanksgiving Day, we have seven turkey trots around the City of Oaks to give this holiday bird a run for its money.

Note: If you’re not looking to get physical, most of these races need volunteers.

Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K | $38 through Nov. 21 | Help raise funds for this foster-based nonprofit while getting active at White Deer + Lake Benson Parks in Garner — costumes, strollers, and well-behaved pups are encouraged.

Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot 8K | $35 through Nov. 22 | Along with the 8K, there will also be a 1 mile fun run and a kid’s dash.

Two runners/walkers dressed as turkeys crossing a turkey trot finish line.

This could be you crossing the finish line at the Raleigh Turkey Trot.

Photo provided by Precision Race

Leesville Community Turkey Trot 5K | $15 | Meet at the Harrington Grove Swim and Racquet Clubhouse to enjoy this run with “Roost Stops” along the way, benefiting The Murphy Scholarship Fund at Leesville Road High School.

Raleigh Turkey Trot 8K | $35 through Nov. 17 | Trot along Ridgewood Shopping Center + Meredith College to raise money for the National MS Society.

Folks waiting to run a turkey trot.

The Leesville Community Turkey Trot raises funds for scholarships at Leesville Road High School.

Photo provided by The Murphy Scholarship Fund

Skinny Turkey Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K | Pricing varies | Offering a distance for everyone, there will also be a one mile walk and a kid’s drumstick dash — all races finish at Wakefield High School.

Trophy Trot 5K | $40 through Nov. 22 | Enjoy a brisk morning run or walk through Dix Park — reward yourself with a brew during the after party at Trophy Brewing on Maywood Avenue. Plus, you can make a donation to Healing Transitions.

Turkey Chase 5K, 10K, and 13.1 | Pricing varies | Appreciate the leaf changes at William B. Umstead State Park while traversing through the forest on a multi-use trail.

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