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Register now for Dave's Turkey Chase: How you can give back and get running on Thanksgiving

Not able to make it to the family-friendly run in person on Thanksgiving Day? There's a virtual option to take part at your own pace, and it's all for a good cause.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Editor's note: The above interview first aired Nov. 12, 2024, during Good Day on WTOL 11.

It's almost time for a Thanksgiving Day tradition in downtown Toledo and it's not too late to join the fun.

Now in its 10th year, the annual Dave's Turkey Chase 5K run/walk isn't just family-friendly fun. It also benefits the Cherry Street Mission Ministries. It's a simple way to give back and get moving before gobbling up other Thanksgiving traditions.

The race saw its biggest attendance last year, according to Clint McCormick with Dave's Running, it's expected to continue to grow.

There's something for everyone at the race, including a photo wall and hot chocolate, a shirt, a commemorative mug and more. Santa Claus will be on-site for family photos, McCormick said, for anyone who kicks off Christmas on Thanksgiving.

Awards will be given to the overall male and female, masters male and female, and the top three male and female in five-year age groups will be get pies from Schmucker's.

The timing of the Turkey Chase is important, with the race coming as people are preparing for winter.

"People when they register, have the ability to make a financial contribution, which goes straight to Charity Street Mission Ministries," McCormick said. "But also the tangible things that are in need."

Participants are encouraged to bring things like canned goods, shoes, travel-sized personal hygiene items and new undergarments to donate to help get people through unpredictable Ohio weather.

McCormick said the goal is to reach a monetary contribution of $25,000.

"Right now, we are almost at capacity in all of our houses," Shannon Nowak, with the Cherry Street Mission, said. "So with these events, with the Turkey Chase, those donations and those gifts are going to be able to help provide more resources for the individuals that are coming to Cherry Street."

Dave's Turkey Chase 5K is presented by First Solar with WTOL 11 as media sponsor.

The 5K race starts at 9 a.m. right outside WTOL 11's studio, located at 730 N. Summit St. in downtown Toledo. The course is open for an hour and a half and participants can run or walk.

5K participants must be 6 years old on race day and registration space is limited. The cost to register for the in-person 5K is $40. If you're unable to participate in person, you can register for the virtual race for $22 through Nov. 25. Registration for the 1-mile walk is $30.

For kids, there are free 1/4-mile and 1/2-mile runs starting at 8:30 a.m. Participants must be registered to run in the kids' Turkey Chase.

 A discounted rate is available for anyone registering as a group of four or more participants.

To register and for more information including parking and race details, visit the Dave's Turkey Chase 5K website at this link.

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