Make some extra room for Thanksgiving dinner at the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot hosted by Realty Executives of Wilmington. All proceeds from the run/walk around the Wrightsville Beach loop go to the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity.

“We thought it was a good way to start Thanksgiving and everyone [who hosts a Turkey Trot] picks their own charity, but since we’re in realty, we thought Habitat would be appropriate,” said Sandra Beals, owner of Realty Executives of Wilmington.

Designed to accommodate people of all physical abilities, participants can choose between the Turkey Trot and the Gobbler Family Fun Run/Walk. The Turkey Trot race starts at 8:30 a.m. and circles the 2.4-mile loop. For parents with strollers and small children or groups that enjoy brisk walking, the Gobbler is a one-mile stroll that begins at 8:45 a.m.

The registration fee is $15 before Monday (http://www.WilmingtonTurkeyTrot.com) and $20 the day of the race, with children 12 years and under admitted for free. The top 10 finishers will receive prizes donated by local sponsors, and T-shirts will be given to the first 500 that register. Coffee and light snacks will be provided before the race for all participants.

“It’s a fun time for people to get out and feel good about themselves,” said Beals.

The Turkey Trot is one of the largest Thanksgiving Day events in the country. Last year, Realty Executives had more than 300 runners and walkers come out for their charitable event.

The Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity will celebrate its 20th anniversary this February with 80 completed homes. The donations from the Turkey Trot will go towards the completion of Cornerstone Commons, a 32-house development off of Princess Place Drive.

“It’s done at 10 a.m. so people will be back at home in front of their stoves with plenty of time to prepare [Thanksgiving dinner],” said Beals.

On the day of the event, registration for the Turkey Trot starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Town Park and Gazebo on Thursday, November 23.