Where to Run a Turkey Trot

Race photo via Vsevolod33/Shutterstock.com

Thanksgiving Day is the perfect holiday to spend with family and friends, but let’s face it, you know you are going to indulge just a little too much. Luckily, road races on Thanksgiving have become a popular way to feel less guilty about that pumpkin pie, and raise money for a great cause.

Here is a guide to Boston-area turkey trots on Thanksgiving Day:

Boston Volvo Village 5K Road Race: November 22nd

Run for a great cause on Thanksgiving morning, with all proceeds supporting the Greater New England chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which helps more than 18,000 people and their families in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. 75 North Beacon St., Brighton; $20 for early registration through Monday Nov. 19, $25 for race day registration at 7:30 a.m.; 9 a.m. start time; nmss.org

Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race: November 22nd

Participants have the option to run or walk the family-friendly race, and there is also a kids’ dash. All finishers are rewarded with an apple pie, of course, to get an early start on your Thanksgiving feast. Brickstone Square, Andover; $30 for early adult registration, $35 after Nov. 17, $20 for early under 12 registration, $25 after Nov. 17, $5 for the kids fun run; Nov. 22nd; 7:45 a.m. start time; feasterfive.com

Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-miler: November 22nd

Proceeds from this race benefit Project Soup, a free dinner program with the hopes to end hunger. Additionally proceeds will benefit the Somerville Track PAC, a college scholarship fund for Somerville High School students. 40 Holland Street, Davis Square, Somerville;?$28 online only registration; Nov. 22nd; 9 a.m. start time; srr.org

Wild Turkey 5 mile Run: November 22nd

Now in its ninth year on the North Shore, this race benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Salem. 13 Hawthorne Blvd., Salem; $22 for early registration, $25 for race day registration; 8 a.m. start time; salemroadraces.com

Dedham Turkey Trot: November 22nd

This family-friendly race has something for everyone, including a 5K run and a half mile run for kids. All proceeds benefit the Dedham Food Pantry, and runners are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be sorted at the finish line. 656 East Street, Dedham; $20 for adults, $15 for students 18 and under, free kids run; 8:30 a.m. start time; ripplesofhope.org