For many, "turkey trots" are as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Most take place the morning of Thursday, November 22, and cover a distance of 5 kilometers, (about 3 miles) at a non-competitive pace suitable for almost everyone. A little turkey trot in the morning really helps you work up a healthy appetite for the rest of the day!

Thanksgiving fun runs are a great way to spend time with family and friends outdoors, and many are in support of noteworthy charities and trail organizations.

Below is a sampling of Thanksgiving-week events taking place on rail-trails across the country. To find out if there is a turkey trot on a rail-trail near you, check your local newspaper or with your community trail group. Better yet, start one!

Burke-Gilman Trail

6th Annual Seattle Turkey Trot (right)

Seattle, Wash.

Cardinal Greenway

Turkey Trot 2012

Muncie, Ind.

Methuen Rail Trail

Methuen Rail Trail Autumn Walk

Methuen, Mass.

(This event takes place on Sunday, Nov. 25, rather than on Thursday).

Pennyrile Rail Trail

2012 Turkey Trot

Hopkinsville, Ky.

(The Pennyrile Rail Trail is still under development and the event is in support of the Pennyrile Rail Trail Foundation, which is supporting the effort).

Wallkill Valley Rail-Trail

9th Annual Family of New Paltz Turkey Trot

New Paltz, N.Y.

West Fork River Trail (also locally referred to as the Shinnston Rail Trail).

Shinnston's 4th Annual Turkey Trot

Shinnston, W.Va.

Photo of the 2011 Seattle Turkey Trot courtesy Seattle Times