What better way to prepare for Thanksgiving’s bout of overeating than by participating in the annual Zack's Place Turkey Trot 5K Run and Walk?

On Thanksgiving Day morning, runners and walkers gather at Woodstock Elementary School. A band keeps everyone entertained while they wait for the race to begin at 10am. (Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available to fight the morning chill.) Once the race starts, participants wind their way through the village, out toward Billings Farm, around Mountain Avenue, then circle the Town Green and finish where they started. Medals will be presented at the awards ceremony, along with more refreshments and music.

Last year, more than 1,500 people participated and raised $78,000 to help with the operational costs at Zack's Place. Founded in 2006 as an after-school program, Zack’s Place has become a full-day enrichment center that is free to people of all ages with special needs. The mission is to help people feel empowered, make friends, and participate in activities such as art, music, dance, literacy, athletics, and fitness. Funding for Zack’s Place comes solely from donations, grants, and fundraisers like the Turkey Trot.

This race has become a holiday tradition for many families, with multiple generations participating by either running or walking. What if you’re not in Woodstock for Thanksgiving? You can still take part as a “satellite participant” and run or walk wherever you celebrate Turkey Day.

You can sign up online at zacksplacevt.org or by mail with a printed application form. The runner entry fee is $30 if paid by check or $32.50 when paid online. People who preregister get a commemorative T-shirt. Preregistration ends November 22, after which people can register at the Woodstock Elementary School from 4 to 6pm or on the morning of the Turkey Trot at the school from 8 to 9:30am. (Those who preregister can pick up their race packet at the school at those times as well.)