TORONTO — Area residents are invited to get some exercise and fresh air, while supporting a local cause, before they begin their Thanksgiving dinner preparations or consumption.

The T-Town Turkey Trot, a 5K run-walk, will return at 8 a.m. Thursday, raising money once again for the Helping Hands Food Pantry.

Registration will begin at 7 a.m. for the run, which will start at 408 North River Ave. and make its way through largely residential areas of the Gem City.

Amanda Yazbek, its volunteer coordinator, said the registration fee is a donation of the participant’s choice, but anyone who donates $25 or more will be entered into five drawings for gift baskets and gift cards to be awarded that day.

She said spectators also may donate $25 or more to be entered into the drawings.

Yazbek said J.E. Foster Funeral Homes has once again pledged to match up to $1,000 of the funds raised by the event.

Yazbek said she launched the race nine years ago because she wanted to do something for the community. Since then, she has joined the board of directors of the food pantry, which distributes food to local residents in need on a monthly basis.

Produce is distributed during the warmer months.

Those seeking help or wishing to donate can call (740) 632-6595.

In its first year, the race was publicized only through word of mouth and drew eight people but raised $200.

It’s grown steadily since, with last year’s event drawing 82 participants of various ages and raising $3,000.

Yazbek said it’s held rain or shine and normally runs about an hour so participants have plenty of time to get back to their holiday preparations and festivities.

Some participants have an extra incentive to participate. After Thursday’s race, a commemorative coin will be presented to those who participated in Toronto’s three other fundraising runs.

Dubbed the Gem City Quadfecta Challenge, they are: The Pat Campbell Fighting Cancer 5K held in March, the Biasi-Shuma Memorial 5K Run-Walk in July, the Burchfield-Hale Colors of Cancer 5K Run in August, and the T-Town Turkey Trot.

The coins bear the logos for each of them on one side and on the other, the logos for the Toronto police and fire departments and TEMS Joint Ambulance District and the words “Hometown Heroes.”

Updates about the race can be found at its Facebook page at “9th Annual T-Town Turkey Trot.”