Does your traditional Thanksgiving Day include eating lots of food, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and cheering for your favorite football team? How about starting a new tradition, by participating in a local Thanksgiving Day race? In addition to getting a head start on shedding those extra holiday pounds, participating in a Thanksgiving race is the perfect way to create new memories with your family.

From Cobb to Gwinnett County and Turner Field, there are plenty of races to enjoy just minutes from your metro Atlanta home. Here are a few favorites happening this Turkey Day:

•  Marietta Gobble Jog: Come be a part of a world record on Thanksgiving Day when you participate in the Marietta Gobble Jog. This year, the 11^th Annual Gobble Jog is one of a series of races across the U.S. being monitored by the Guiness Book of World Records that will determine the largest number of participants/runners in a multi-venue event. The current world record is held by Malaysia. In addition to the world record, proceeds from the Gobble Jog benefit MUST Ministries. This race will start on East Park Square in Historic Marietta Square. Runners can participate in a 10K, 5K, 1K Walk or Tot Trot and are encouraged to wear themed costumes for the race. Register online today at www.gobblejog.org.
• Five Star Turkey Trot: Residents of new homes in Johns Creek are encouraged to start their Thanksgiving Day off at the Five Star Turkey Trot. Featuring a 5K, 10K, 15K and 20K, this annual race features something for every runner. To support local food banks in nearby Forsyth County, Five Star asks that every participant brings a few non-perishable items to donate. Five Star’s goal is to collect over 4,000 pounds in donations. The race will begin at 3950 Johns Creek Ct. For more information, visit the Five Star website.
• Sugarloaf Country Club 4^th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot: The Women’s Club of Sugarloaf Country Club invites you to join them in Duluth for the 4^th Annual Turkey Trot. Proceeds from this 5K will support Rainbow Village, The Partnership Against Domestic Violence, The American Heart Association – Go Red for Women and Wellspring Living. The race will begin at 9 a.m. with online registration available until midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 26 and late registration beginning at 8 a.m. on the day of the race. For more information on the Turkey Trot, click here.
• Atlanta Turkey Day 5K: Located at The Forum Shops in Norcross, the Atlanta Turkey Day 5K offers something for the entire family with not only a 5K, but also a one-mile run and Tot Trot. Proceeds from this race will benefit local military charities. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 7 a.m. with the first race (5K) beginning at 8 a.m. For more information on the Atlanta Turkey Day 5K or to register online, visit www.turkeyday5k-atlanta.com.
• Atlanta Half Marathon and Thanksgiving Day 5K: The Atlanta Track Club invites you to kick-off your Thanksgiving Day festivities with a run at Turner Field. In addition to the half marathon and 5K, there will be a Mashed Potato Mile and Gravy Gallop (50-meter dash) for younger participants. This race attracts thousands of runners, so interested participants must register by 8:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24. For more information, click here.

All of these races are located just a short drive from Traton Homes’ metro Atlanta new home communities, so before you sit down to enjoy a meal with your family, burn some calories with a Thanksgiving Day race. We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Day!