Laurel Hosting Thanksgiving Day 5K to Benefit the Homeless

While most Laurel residents are basting a turkey, preparing a pie, or watching the parade, others will be running more than three miles to benefit Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services.

The eighth annual 5K Turkey Trot supports the nonprofit organization that supplies emergency and long-term assistance to Laurel’s homeless.

Beginning at the First United Methodist Church of Laurel at 434 Main St., the Thanksgiving Day run and one-mile walk will each begin at 8 a.m. Awards will be given to the top male and female runners in each group.

Participants are also urged to bring nonperishable food items on the morning of the race for the LARS food pantry.

T-shirts will be given to the first 500 people who register, which costs $30. The route will travel along the riverfront and through Laurel.

Organizers hope to sign up some 800 people for the race, according to the group's Facebook page. More than 540 runners and almost 100 walkers participated in last year’s event.

Those looking to participate can visit the Laurel Advocacy website or email lwellford@laureladvocacy.org.