This is our eighth annual Turkey Chase event, and every year it gets bigger and better," said Grace Wells, race director for the 5K run/walk. The race will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church (EBIC), 996 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Day-of registration will be held from 6:45 to 8 a.m., and the race will start at 8:15 a.m.

"During the run/walk, the participants have the chance to find stuffed turkeys on the course that they can trade in at the end of the race for a Thanksgiving Day treat," Wells said. "There is a kids' run that starts at 9:15. We have a variety of distances from less than a quarter mile for the younger participants to 1 mile for those that want to go longer."

The event will also feature two contests. The Family Gathering Contest will recognize the largest number of family members registered for the race, and a costume contest will award people dressed with the most Thanksgiving Day spirit.

"Every 5K race participant will receive a finisher's medal. There will be first-place overall finishers and first-place age group awards," Wells shared, noting that age groups will be in increments of 10 years. "Kids' run participants receive their own special treat at the end of the kids' event."

Prizes have not been finalized yet, she added, but the awards are always something fun.

"We always do something Thanksgiving feast-related," she commented. "In the past we have given out wooden kitchen spoons, cutting boards, plates and forks."

Proceeds from the race will benefit Elizabethtown Community Housing and Outreach Services (ECHOS).

"The race benefits a wonderful local organization. It's a great way to start or continue a family tradition of getting up and out before celebrating Thanksgiving Day while supporting an organization whose focus is to empower families and individuals experiencing housing instability and insufficient income," Wells remarked. "What better way to start a day of thanks? You will also be burning the calories you will be eating later that day, which means an extra serving of your favorite part of your meal."

She emphasized that the event would not be possible without the support of many people.

"I'd like to thank all our sponsors, volunteers and participants," she said, noting that a list of all sponsors can be found on the race registration page. "Without them, the event wouldn't be successful. ... We are looking forward to a great family fun event. Last year was a little rainy, but that didn't stop the fun. We are hoping for a little drier weather this year, though."

To register for the Great Turkey Chase, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Elizabethtown/GreatTurkeyChase now through 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Registration will also be accepted on-site on the day of the race.

Race bib pickup for people who have registered online will be held at EBIC on Nov. 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.