Before you sit down to eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day, hit the streets of Elizabethtown and chase some instead. The Great Turkey Chase will be held on Thursday, Nov. 28, at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church (EBIC), 996 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Day-of registration will start at 6:45 a.m. The 5K race will begin at 8:15 a.m., and kids' runs will start at 9:15 a.m. Bib number pickup will be available for preregistered participants on Wednesday, Nov. 27, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church.

"This is a 5K run/walk event," said race director Grace Wells. "Our racecourse is a 5K course, starting at EBIC, circling around the town, returning back to EBIC for the finish. We have stuffed turkeys on the course and a frozen turkey at the finish line for those who find one on the route."

The event will also feature two free fun runs. "(We'll have) one for the youngest participants who can't run too far and then another for those who can run about a quarter mile loop. They can run up to four times for their mile," Wells shared. "Our kids' run is sponsored by The Tatted Toy Guys from Elizabethtown."

Prizes will be awarded for various age groups among 5K participants, including age 14 and under and ages 15 to 19, and then in 10-year groups up to age 80-plus. "I'm always inspired by our 80-plus participants," Wells said.

Proceeds from the Great Turkey Chase will benefit Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services (ECHOS). The event is made possible through the support of a variety of sponsors, Wells said, including Brightspeed Internet, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dustin Nagy Excavating and R&T Mechanical.

This is the seventh year for the event, and Wells has added some fun twists. "We have two new contests this year: The Great Turkey Chase Family Gathering Contest - the family with the largest number of registrants wins - and Great Turkey Chase Costume Contest for 5K participants (with) group and individual prizes to be awarded," she shared. "Details of contests are located on the registration website."

Wells invites people to come out for the fun and enjoy the outdoor event before celebrating the holiday.

"People can expect a fun and energetic atmosphere supporting a great local organization," she stated. "We have participants of all ages and encourage both walkers and runners to join us. It is a fun way to start your Thanksgiving Day, burn off some calories and support a great cause."

Strollers are allowed on the route, but participants with strollers should start toward the back of the race pack. For safety reasons, no dogs are allowed on the racecourse. Parking guidelines are available on the registration website. For more information and to register for the 5K for a fee, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Elizabethtown/GreatTurkeyChase. There is no charge to enter the kids' run, but registration is requested at the same website.