Get ready to trot with the turkeys!

Runners stream across the finish line at the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot in Austin in 2017. Photo courtesy Thundercloud Subs

I love a turkey feast as much as the next person, but I like it even better when I’ve put a few miles on my legs before I sit down to eat.

Look for me at the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot in Austin this Thanksgiving Day, along with roughly 20,000 other people – many wearing turkey or pilgrim costumes – who want to work off a few calories before they pack more on. 

TCloud’s race might be the biggest in the area (it’s second only to the Dallas trot in the great state of Texas) but it isn’t the only game in town. 

Check out these all options:

A crowd gathers at the Long Center after the 2017 Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot. Photo courtesy Thundercloud Subs

1. The Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot starts and finishes near the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, in Austin. Proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, which works to ensure that people have a safe home, food, jobs that provide a reliable living wage, and educational opportunities. Registration is $32 for an untimed 5-miler, $37 for a timed 5-miler, $27 for a 1-mile walk and $12 for the Kids K (prices increase on Thanksgiving Day.) The kids’ race starts at 8:45 a.m., followed by the timed run at 9:35 a.m. and the 1-mile walk/run at 9:50 a.m.

To register go to https://thundercloud.com/register/.

2. The Round Rock Turkey Trot 5-mile race and 2-mile walk/run follows paved roads and trails through Old Settlers Park, 3400 East Palm Valley Road. Enjoy a post-race party with sponsor booths, refreshments and prizes and giveaways. The 5-miler starts at 8 a.m.; the 2-miler begins at 8:15 a.m. Registration is $15 at https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/RoundRock/RoundRockTurkeyTrot. Proceeds benefit the Round Rock Serving Center, Operation Blue Santa and Backpack Coalition. 

3. The Georgetown Running Club and Sertoma host the 5-mile Georgetown Turkey Trot and 1-mile walk. Race starts at 8 a.m. on Main Street. Proceeds benefit Williamson County Meals on Wheels and Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department. Bring a nonperishable food item for The Caring Place. Entry is $35 online at http://www.georgetownrunningclub.org.