COMING UP

SENATE RUNOFF

Big G’s of politics come to Georgia

In the runoff race for Georgia’s Senate seat, the parade of political heavy hitters rolls on. Former Vice President Al Gore will appear at a fund-raiser tonight for Democratic candidate Jim Martin. The event is being held at Mason Murer Fine Art on Armour Drive at 7 p.m. Admission is $125. Those donating $1,000 can get into the private reception. On Tuesday, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani drops in for a fund-raiser to benefit Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss. Admission to the evening affair at Linstrum + Matre Artworks is $500 per couple.

THANKSGIVING

Before the turkey, take a little trot

Looking for a way to assuage gluttony guilt on Thursday? You can work off some calories in advance and contribute to a good cause by participating in the annual Gobble Jog in Marietta. Starting at 8 a.m. at the Square, there are races for every level of endurance —- 1K, 5K, 10K and tot trot. Organizers expect more than 5,000 runners will help raise over $150,000 for MUST Ministries, a nonprofit serving the poor, hungry and homeless in Cobb and Cherokee counties. Register online at www.gobblejog.org.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Some malls plan midnight special

They call it Black Friday because retailers look to post-Thanksgiving Day sales to get their businesses on the plus side of the ledger. With consumers in a more cautious mood, however, shopkeepers will be holding their breath when the doors open. And those doors will open as early as midnight on Thanksgiving. North Point Mall in Alpharetta and Discover Mills in Lawrenceville are among the retail meccas that will greet shoppers at 12:01 a.m. The size of the crowds on Friday will be the first indication of whether the Christmas shopping season will be merry or gloomy for store owners.