Registration is now open for the ninth annual Turkey Trot 5K.

The race, which benefits Clark County Community Services, is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at The Path, located at 1171 Boonesboro Road.

Advance registration is open at racesonline.com. Participants pre-registered by Oct. 31 are guaranteed a Turkey Trot T-shirt.

Cost is $25 per person in advance. Registration begins on-site at 8 a.m. and costs $30 per person. Kids are $20. Preschoolers can run free, but will not receive a T-shirt.

The top three male and female runners will each receive an organically-raised turkey from Full Circle Market. The top three in each age division will receive a ribbon.

Prizes will be given to the Wild Turkey (most spirited), Big Turkey (most runners/walkers the day of the race) and Money Turkey (most paid runners/walkers) teams.

More than 300 runners are expected to participate, and so far, 120 numerous teams are registered, CCCS Executive Director Debbie Fatkin said. Teams can be as small as two people, she said.

The race is open to runners or walkers of all experience levels, and there will be drawings for first-time 5K participants to earn prizes.

Chloe Ertel will set up her Sweet Spot booth again this year, selling both nutritious and sweet snacks for runners to enjoy around the bonfire after the race, Fatkin said.

“Bring some cash so you can enjoy some of her treats,” Fatkin said.

There will also be a “selfie spot” to take a picture with Mr. Gobble, a large turkey made for the event, Fatkin said.  Mr. Gobble will be auctioned off after the race.

“He would make great yard art,” Fatkin said.

The race is the organization’s largest fundraiser each year. Funds raised at Turkey Trot help CCCS accomplish its mission of feeding, housing and clothing local families.

“The money we raise will help feed 1,200 families that seek assistance for food each month,” Fatkin said. “That includes about 600 children, and many of our families are seniors on a limited income.”

This year’s sponsors are Clark Regional Medical Center, Ertel Medicine and Pediatrics and Palmer Engineering.

Contact Whitney Leggett at wleggett@winchestersun.com.