November fun runs and races to do some good or earn your turkey

The fall is made for running. Cool weather, low humidity and beautiful foliage make for perfect race conditions. If you're looking for a fun run, a Peachtree Road Race qualifier or simply want to earn your turkey on Thanksgiving morning, check out these six races around Atlanta that are sure to get your blood pumping.

November racing fun

Five Star Early Bird Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, 15K, & Half Marathon | 8 a.m. Nov. 19
$17 OR Free for anyone who ran in a Five Star Strider race between Dec. 1, 2015 through Nov. 20, 2016
Tile Shop, 162 Ernest Barrett Pkwy NW, Marietta, Ga. 30066

This is a good race for dressing in your best turkey outfit, especially if you're just doing the 5K. It's a flat course, but remember that means "a flat course in north Georgia, AKA, not totally flat." The race route is a 5K loop, so for those of you running more than 5K the scenery may look a little familiar after a while. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a food bank if you're feeling generous. Pre- and race day packet pickup available. For more information, visit www.fivestarntp.com/five-star-turkey-trot-.html.

Turkey trots

Southside Turkey Trek 5K | 8:30am Nov. 24

$30 through Nov. 22, $35 race day.

Heritage Christian Church, 2130 Redwine Road, Fayetteville, Ga. 30215

Another pretty flat run, and one that is easy on your feet. You'll be running on grass, dirt or gravel. Check out the website for views of the course. It's a real beauty with a lake thrown in for extra scenic value. There's a half mile kids fun run around 9:15 a.m. They'll be raffling off some gifts as well including Medieval Times tickets and Red Hare Brewing Company tours. Pre- and race day packet pickup available. For more information visit www.greateratlantaathletes.com/southside-turkey-trek-5k.html.

Turkey Chase 5K fun run and 2K walk | 9 a.m. Nov. 19
$10 untimed, $20 timed
Main Street in historic downtown Acworth.

Celebrate Thanksgiving's approach with a 5K and help tackle hunger by donating non-perishable food to those in need this holiday season. Now in its eighth year, Acworth Parks and Recreation has set a course for you to follow through historic downtown and around beautiful Lake Acworth. Walkers, runners and racers of all abilities are welcome to participate. In the spirit of giving, and in order to receive your race number, you must bring a nonperishable food item with you on race day. Pre- and race day packet pickup available. For more information, visit www.acworthturkeychase.com.

14th Annual Marietta Gobble Jog | 7:30 a.m. Nov. 24
$30 5K untimed, $35 10K/5K timed
Marietta Square in Marietta, Ga., 678-218-4521

Help stamp out poverty while running to earn your turkey dinner. With just 1,400 runners 12 years ago, this race for a cause has grown to more than 8,000 participants, in large part because of its sponsorship by MUST Ministries whose mission is to feed, clothe and provide housing and job services for Cobb and Cherokee County families in need. This year's proceeds are expected to top $500,000, so keep those registrations coming, and help your neighbor. Pre- and race day packet pickup available. For more information, visit www.gobblejog.org

Tryptophan Half Marathon/10K/5K | 7:30 a.m. Nov. 24
$75 Half Marathon, $50 10K, $35 5K
Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, Ga. 30040

Don't feel left out of the running fun on Thanksgiving morning. This road race has a distance for everyone. Whether you're trained up for a half marathon or simply want to get your heart rate up with a quick 5K, work up an appetite before the big turkey dinner as you run along the beautiful Big Creek Greenway in Cumming's Fowler Park. Due to limited running space, all distances are expected to sell out before race day. Pre- and race day packet pick up available. Proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/tryptophanhalfmarathon

Atlanta Track Club Thanksgiving Half Marathon and 5K | 7:30 a.m. Nov. 24
$85-$90 Half Marathon, $35-$45 5K
Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30315

Now a Thanksgiving morning tradition in Atlanta, join a few thousand running friends for 13.1 miles through the beautiful historic neighborhoods of Inman Park, the Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park and Little Five Points before heading off to stuff your face full of turkey, sweet potatoes and apple pie. Show your pilgrim's pride and earn that coveted medal as well as your supper at one of the biggest races of the year. See you at the starting line, Atlanta. Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Registration deadline Nov. 16. Check race site for packet pickup times and locations. Race day packet pickup not available. MARTA is highly encouraged on race day. For more information, visit www.atlantatrackclub.org/thanksgiving-day.