Runners participate in ‘Turkey Trot’ before turkey dinner

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Runners, walkers and strollers hit the pavement for the Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot Thursday morning.

Some showed up in costume, all in the spirit of Thanksgiving and all things turkey, for the 5K race benefiting Habitat For Humanity.

Participants say the annual event is a fun-filled family tradition they look forward to before digging in at the table.

“We had really good weather for it, so that was nice… And then we just go home and we’ve done our work for the day… and so then we just fill our bellies with tons and tons of good, homemade food. So, it’s a lot of fun,” said Tara McNerney.

Several awards were given at the event, but some say the main goal was to burn off some calories before the big Thanksgiving meal.