Want to burn off calories for that Thanksgiving Day dinner ahead of time? Then join Freedom Ride Rescue (FRR) for its 6th Annual Turkey Run 5K at Lake Benson and White Deer parks in Garner and still get home in time for the holiday meal.

Participants can register for the races – 5K, 1-mile and virtual – that begin at 8:30 a.m. Last year, 746 people ran or walked – with or without dogs – and FRR anticipates 1,000 participants this year, said Mollie Doll, founder of Freedom Ride. Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Garner/FreedomRideRescueTurkeyDay5k.

The goal of the race is twofold: raise money, especially since Freedom Ride accepts dogs with severe medical issues, and have fun. “Everyone enjoys this event. The runners and walkers like getting some exercise before they sit down to dinner. And we get to see so many of our adopted dogs that are happy and healthy because of the work of our fosters and volunteers,” said Doll.

Freedom Ride has brought in 1,725 dogs (and eight lucky cats) since August 2019 – mostly from county shelters with some strays and dogs from the general public. They are placed with foster homes until someone adopts them. The TeddyRox Foundation turned over the race to Freedom Ride last year.

The 5K participants run through both White Deer and Lake Benson parks, while the 1-mile runners take their trek through White Deer only. White Deer is the start/finish for both races. There is also a “virtual” option to participate in the race from other locations (or without leaving home).

Sponsorships are also still available for businesses, and individuals can donate $100 for directional signs on the course featuring their pet’s face. The largest sponsors this year are Dobby’s Medical Fund who donated $5,000, and Butch and Sundance K9 Training, Comfort Hounds Heating and Air, Rachel Lowe Real Estate, and Ruff and Roll Training, each donating $2,000.

Zin Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge’s owner Kara O’Briant will lead a yoga warmup at White Deer Park before the race starts. Check-in will start at 7 a.m. and there are three pre-packet pick up spots available for shirts and runners’ bibs.

After parking at Lake Benson at 921 Buffaloe Road in Garner, everyone will walk to White Deer, where participants can check in. White Deer also will be the home for vendors, coffee/hot cocoa and Freedom Ride adoption information along with raffle purchases and swag. The post-race awards for 5K runners also will be handed out at White Deer.