And we're off to the races...

A look at what's on tap over the next couple of weeks (scroll to the bottom for the latest updates):

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25

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Uwharrie Running Club's FREE Turkey Trot

What: 4.2-mile run.
When: 7 a.m.
Where: Start and finish at the YMCA Park, 427 N. First St., in Albemarle.
Cost: FREE.
Of note: The casual event started 7 years ago with about 10 runners. Last year, 168 participated. ... The first 100 runners who bring canned goods for Stanly County Christian Ministries get a free "Turkey Trot" T-shirt.

Lake Norman Turkey Trot

What: Three races -- a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K.
When: Half starts at 7:30 a.m., 10K at 8, 5K at 8:05.
Where: Gold's Gym, 20420 W. Catawba Ave., in Cornelius.
Cost: $40 for the half, $25 for the 10K and $20 for the 5K through Nov. 21.
Of note: This is a new location and course for the event, now in its fifth year. In the past, the races were held in the Huntersville Business Park. The new site puts home base for the race at Gold's Gym, which is sponsoring the event. One thing will stay the same, though: It's a loop course, with 5Kers doing it once, 10Kers going around twice, and half marathoners circling the course four times.
Race website: Click here.

Charlotte Southpark Turkey Trot

What: The main event is an 8K race, but there's also a 5K "walk," a 1-mile "fun run," and 26.2-yard "tot trot."
When: The 8K race starts at 9 a.m.
Where: The course starts and finishes next to SouthPark Mall.
Why: A portion of race proceeds goes to Partners for Parks and the Sharon United Methodist Church Youth Ministry.
Cost: $25 for the 8K if you register online before Nov. 18; $27 thereafter (or $28 if you mail in your entry).
Of note: This is the 22nd year for the holiday tradition. ... In 2009, there were a total of 6,215 participants -- 4,215 in the 8K, 1,657 in the 5K walk, 343 in the 1-mile run and 233 in the kids' tot trot. In the 8K, the top male was Christopher Estwani in 24:48, while then-12-year-old Alana Hadley was the first female with a time of 29:37. ... Although race-day registration for 2010 is listed on the website as being $40, organizers say they will probably not be able to take late or race-day registration due to popular demand.
Race website: Click here.

Saturday, Dec. 4

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Santa's Run for Hunger 5K

When: 9 a.m.
Where: The Millbridge Ruritan Building, 490 Sloan Road, in Mt. Ulla (midway between Salisbury and Mooresville).
Why: Proceeds will benefit Rowan Helping Ministries West.
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 on race day.
Of note: The course winds through rural countryside -- runners will only pass four houses and a dairy farm. ... All 5Kers will receive long-sleeve dri-fit race shirts. ... If you bring five canned goods, you will pay only $20 to register on race day. ... A half-mile fun run ($10) will be held at 9:45 a.m. ... Santa will be on hand for the event.
To register: Click here.

Saturday, Dec. 11

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Thunder Road Marathon

What: Full marathon, half marathon, and 5K races.
When: The half and full begin at 7:45 a.m.; the 5K starts at 8:15.
Where: Corner of North Tryon Street and East Fifth Street, in uptown Charlotte.
Why: The races benefit several local charities.
Cost: Entry fee structure is here.
Of note: In 2009, 1,411 runners completed the full, 3,002 finished the half, and 1,468 did the 5K.
Race website: Click here.

Saturday, Jan. 22

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Charlotte Running Company Trail Races

What: 4-, 9- and 13-mile trail races.
When: 9 a.m.
Where: The U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, in Charlotte.
Why: Proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Cost: $25 for the 4-mile, $35 for the 9-mile and $45 for the 13-mile (goes up after Jan. 19 by $5). There's also a $5 on-site parking fee.
Of note: This is the second year for this event, which is now part of the Carolina Trail Run Series. ... According to the race website, "the majority of the course is a single track trail system in covered woods adjacent to the Whitewater Center." ... All pre-registered participants are guaranteed a long-sleeved race T-shirt. ... Hot chocolate and coffee will be served before the race; bagels, fruit and drinks will be served afterward.
Race website: Click here.