Top turkey trots this Thanksgiving

Before you dive head first into a pool of mashed potatoes, gravy and turkey, take the fam out to one of these local trots going down on Thursday, Nov. 24.

San Diego South Bay Turkey Trot

Burn calories (before gaining them back at dinner) along this Thanksgiving Day 5K, 10K or 15K course through South Bay. With three options to choose from, everyone in the family can take on this run while the turkey sits in the oven. The 15K options climbs up Otay Lakes Road for an added calorie-burn.

8 a.m. Thursday. Rohr Park, 4250 Sweetwater Road, Bonita. sdthanksgivingrun.com

Father Joe’s Villages Annual Thanksgiving 5K

Before the Thanksgiving feast, get moving with more than 10,000 participants running this 5K race to help Father Joe’s Villages provide meals for homeless San Diegans. This course stretches through the scenic and historic Balboa Park. Once across the finish line, the family can enjoy a post-race festival with music, games and a beer garden.

7 a.m. Thursday. Balboa Park. my.neighbor.org

San Diego Run for the Hungry

Run for the Hungry offers up a 10K and a 5K option in downtown San Diego with profits donated to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and hunger-relief programs. All levels and abilities are welcome, even your furry four-legged canines. For every participant, at least 185 meals will be raised through each runner’s race fee to help individuals and families in need.

7 a.m. Thursday. Westfield Horton Plaza, downtown. sdrunforthehungry.org

O’side Turkey Trot

This longstanding Oceanside tradition is loved for its costume contest, recognizing some wacky and weird turkey-dressed runners as they cross the finish line. Live entertainment lines the course, and every participant receives a finisher medal. The event has raised more than $240,000 for non-profits that serve the Oceanside area.

6:45 a.m. Thursday. Oceanside Civic Center, Oceanside. osideturkeytrot.com

Encinitas 101 Turkey Trot

Start your Thanksgiving with a brisk run by the beach. The Encinitas Turkey Trot features a 5K and 10K option for all levels and supports the North County chapter of the San Diego Food Bank. The course starts under the “Encinitas” sign on Highway 101 and loops past the Cardiff Kook statue, and down to Cardiff State Beach.

6 a.m. check-in. 7a.m. start. Thursday. 505 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. encinitasturkeytrot.org