HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – It is as traditional as pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes for many in Lake County. The free Annual Turkey Trot, started by the Lake County Milers in 2003 and now presented by Adventist Health Clear Lake, will begin at Hardester’s Plaza in Hidden Valley Lake on the morning of Nov. 23.

The free fun run invites families to get some exercise and enjoy time outdoors before sitting down to their Thanksgiving feast.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Hardester’s Plaza, 19849 Hartman Road, before taking off at 9 a.m. through the quiet streets of Hidden Valley Lake.

Participants can choose a three-mile run or two-mile walk. Strollers and polite dogs on leashes are welcome.

The famous holiday raffle will complete the morning’s festivities. Families can enter the raffle by bringing nonperishable food items to be donated to Restoration House, a five-bedroom home in Lower Lake that provides transitional housing to vulnerable members of the community.

“Thanksgiving Day is all about gratitude, so it’s wonderful that a fun event like the Turkey Trot includes a way to share our blessings with others,” said Shelly Mascari, Adventist Health Clear Lake’s director of community wellness.

Adventist Health Clear Lake began presenting the annual Turkey Trot at the invitation of the Lake County Milers last year.

The health care organization offers primary care and specialty care services in the Coyote Valley Plaza behind Hardester’s Plaza.

Medical center and clinic staff will be volunteering at the starting line and out on the course to ensure a fun event for all.

“The Turkey Trot is a great way to start the day off right with family and friends,” said Kevin Cole, Adventist Health Clear Lake’s cardiopulmonary director, who is leading the organizing team. “We look forward to seeing our neighbors being active and celebrating together on Thanksgiving morning!”

To learn more about the free Turkey Trot, visit www.facebook.com/adventisthealthclearlake or call 707-995-5884.