Who says summer is the best time to visit the beach? The North Shore 2nd Annual Turkey Trot 5K annually makes its case for planning more beach days in the middle of November. Held at North Shore Beach and Pavilion on Thanksgiving morning, the race invites runners to bundle up and enjoy the brisk autumn breezes off the bay.

You can participate in two ways. If you sign up for the 5K ($15), you’ll enjoy running or strolling an easy 3.2-mile course around the park that starts and ends by the sea. If you opt for the one-mile fun run, you’ll still get a chance to soak up Mother Nature! The exercise will just be a bit shorter-lived. Either way, you’re welcome to take the course at whatever pace you like. Participants can even bring along little ones in strollers or well-behaved furry friends (as long as they clean up after dogs diligently). The race begins at 9 a.m. for 5Kers and at 9:05 a.m. for fun run participants. Hang out with some hot apple cider and doughnuts at the finish line before heading off to your Thanksgiving gatherings.