Stay fit through the holidays at these walks, runs

Don’t let the tryptophan get you down this November. To get active before chowing down on Thanksgiving Day, or just to give back to show your thanks, here are a few ways to get outside and help out a good cause this month:

Out of the Darkness Alabama Walk

► When: Nov. 5, 2:30 p.m.

► Where: Heardmont Park

► What: The Alabama Chapter for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will once again gather at Heardmont Park for the annual Out of Darkness Walk.

The walk takes place on Nov. 5, starting at 2:30 p.m., and will benefit AFSP, an organization that aims to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Community walks are one of AFSP’s largest annual fundraisers, taking place across the country and producing millions for suicide prevention programs, according to the AFSP website.

The route at Heardmont Park is about 3 miles, but participants are welcome to walk as much or as little as they would like. 

In addition to the walk, there will be a resource fair, live music, complimentary snacks and water, a kids area and other activities.

Participants can register until the Friday before the event as an individual walker, part of a team, virtual walker or volunteer.

For more information, go to afsp.donordrive.com and click “Find an Event.”

Paws for the CaUse

► When: Nov. 4, 8:30-11 a.m.

► Where: Veterans Park

► What: For individuals with four legs or two legs, or somewhere in between, the Shelby Humane Society is hosting an event for everyone this month. The annual Paws for the Cause 5K at Veterans Park will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 4, followed by a 1-mile fun run/ dog walk. 

Anyone hoping to sleep in but still support the Shelby Humane Society also has an option to give back, where they do not have to participate in the race but can still get a T-shirt.

Registration for the 5K is $35, the fun run is $25, and a bundle package is $40. The Sleep in but Still Support option costs $25.

For more information, go to shelbyhumane.org and click “events.”

Alabama NF Walk

► When: Nov. 5, Noon

► Where: Veterans Park

► What: The Alabama NF Walk is returning to Veterans Park this November. The walk, which benefits the Children’s Tumor Foundation, will take place Nov. 5 with activities, including an NF heroes and champions ceremony, starting at noon. The walk will begin at 3 p.m., an the day will conclude around 4 p.m.

The NF walk is a community celebration including food, entertainment and crafts while raising money for neurofibromatosis research. This year’s walk has a goal of $47,600.

It is free to register for the event, and all participants are encouraged to raise as much as they can.

For more information, or to register, go to ctf.org/events/alabama-nf-walk.

St. Catherine’s TurkeyTrot for Hunger 5K

► When: Dec. 2, 8:30 a.m.

► Where: Chelsea Recreational Park

► What: On Saturday, Dec. 2, St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church will host its first ever “Turkey Trot for Hunger” 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run to help raise funds for the church’s food pantry. 

“This is a great, family-friendly way to spend a Saturday morning, and all monetary donations received through registration will go to support the Beans and Rice Pantry at St. Catherine’s,” said Rev. Eric Mancil.

The Beans and Rice Pantry is an outreach ministry that is offered to the community on the third Saturday of each month and helps around 30 families each month, Mancil said. In addition to taking monetary donations, St. Catherine’s will also collect non-perishable food the morning of the race.

The race will start at 8:30 a.m., and all racers will get a swag bag, race t-shirt and racing bib. The race is a chip-timed race with a certified 5K course. The cost of the 5K is $25, and the 1-mile fun run is $10.

For more information, go to stcatherinesal.com/turkey-trot-for-hunger.

Hope Run

► When: Nov. 18, 8 a.m.

► Where: King’s Home 

► What: This November, individuals looking to be active will have a chance to run for hope. The eighth annual Hope Run 5K, formerly known as the Run Away from Domestic Violence, benefits King’s Home Shelby, a non-profit in Chelsea that works to raise awareness of domestic violence while providing Christ-centered home sand services for women, children and families. Walkers are welcome in the 5K, which will take place Nov. 18 starting at 8 a.m.

Registration is $30 until Nov. 17 and $35 on race day, and the first 150 registered participants will get a swag bag and race T-shirt. Following the race, awards will be presented to the best overall male and female runners as well as first and second place male and female runners in multiple age groups.

Immediately following the race, there will be the Kampfire for the King, a free event that includes a fishing rodeo, hayrides, pony rides, fishing, inflatables and more. Food is available for an extra cost.

For more information, go to championship-racing.com/hope-run/.

Mt Laurel Elementary Turkey Trot

► When: Nov. 18, 9 a.m.

► Where: Mt Laurel Elementary

► What: This year, Mt Laurel Elementary is changing things up with its annual Turkey Trot. It is the 11th year for the event, and the day will now only include a 1-mile fun run option, as opposed to also including a 5K option. 

Everyone ages 5 and older will need to register for the event, and only 5-12 year old participants will be chip timed. The fun run will start at the elementary school and continue through the Town of Mt Laurel, returning to the school for the finish line. 

Prizes will be awarded to the top three boy and girl finishers in their age division, and the top overall girl and boy will receive a Thanksgiving turkey. There will be no adult prizes. 

Registration ends Nov. 18 and costs $15, but shirts are only guaranteed to those who register by Nov. 1.

For more information, go to runsignup.com and search Mt Laurel Elementary Turkey Trot.