The annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, organized by community activist Justin Rudd, is continuing the cardio tradition this year with a 5K and 10K run along the Long Beach pedestrian bike trail. More than 3,000 people, dressed in festive attire, are expected to participate in the morning run (or walk, whatever works for you).

To accommodate that number of runners, there will be three start times, each spaced within an hour and a half of each other. The first wave begins at 7 a.m., followed by one at 8:30 a.m. and at 10 a.m. The children’s half-mile Wingding, for ages 8 to 12 years old, starts at 9:40 a.m. And for kiddos 7 years or younger, their run kicks off at 9:45 a.m. Please note, all parents running with their children are required to sign a liability wavier.

Entrants will be given a runner’s packet and T-shirt, which must be picked up at least 30 minutes before each run at the Granada Boat Launch Ramp (1 Granada Ave.). If you’d like to grab it the day before, you may do so from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. also at the launch ramp.

Pumpkin and pecan pies will be handed out to some 600 runners, so if you’re lucky enough to nab one at the finish line, feast later on that second (or third) slice guilt-free.

Dressing up in costume is encouraged, because why not sweat it out dressed as some of the goodies you’ll later be devouring, but CAT requests that people do not come wearing Native American costumes. Turkey Trot will also be collecting canned food to donate to the AIDS Food Store, so bring a non-perishable or two.

Turkey Trot runs on Thursday, Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day. The event will start handing out runner’s packets at 6:15 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the event entrance at 1 Granada Ave (The Granada Boat Launch Ramp). To register and purchase tickets, click here. Online registration ends Nov. 26, but you can still register day the day (cash payment only) of so long as you show up 30 minutes before the race. For more information including FAQ check out Justin Rudd’s website, here.