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The Turkey Trot returns to downtown Washington Thanksgiving morning. It’s a chance for everyone from couch potatoes to hard core runners to post some miles before the real potatoes and the rest of Thanksgiving dinner is served.

An annual tradition, the Turkey Trot unofficial 5K walk/run through downtown Washington, across the bridge through Washington Park and back lets the community celebrate the holiday in a healthy way, while helping those in need.

Bright Futures Beaufort County has teamed up with Fitness Unlimited to collect items for the food pantries in the local schools. They need applesauce cups, fruit cups, pop top soups and ravioli, nabs, oodles of noodles, peanut butter, saltines, individual cereals, small juice bottles and mac & cheese microwavable cups.

The free event starts at 8:30 in the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce parking lot.