Combat this holiday season’s inherent indulgences and stress on body and psyche while supporting some worthwhile local causes. Whether you run, walk or stumble across the finish lines, these races offer a variety of scenery and circumstances to "just do it!" 

Saturday, Nov. 17

Elks Aidmore’s 14th Annual 5K Turkey Trot Cross Country Run/Walk & 1-mile Fun Run

Benefiting Elk Aidmore’s Children’s Center, a facility in Rockdale County dedicated to helping children and families in crisis.

When/Where: Cross-country 5K begins 9 a.m. and 1-mile fun run at 9:20 a.m. Race day registration begins 8 a.m. 2394 Morrison Road. 

Registration: Preregistration $20, children 8 & under $10. Race day registration $25 adults, $15 for 8 & under. Register at elksaidmore.com, active.com or call (770) 483-3535.

Special Awards: In addition to standard age-group awards, special prizes will be given to youngest and oldest runners, families with the most members and families with the most generations present.

Saturday, Nov. 24

Aubrae Gunderson  Memorial Scholarship 5K Walk/Run, 1-mile Fun Run & High Heel Hustle

Benefiting a scholarship in the memory of Aubrae Gunderson, a Heritage sophomore killed by an automobile during a cross-country training run in 2005. Through the years, 19 student athletes have been awarded scholarships — 2012 recipients include: Heritage’s Fred Umland now at University of Virginia, Rockdale High School’s Libby Bradford at Reinhardt University and Heritage’s Lauren Golden at Notre Dame University.

When/Where: Fun run begins at 8 a.m., 5K at 9 a.m. and the High Heel Hustle at 10:30 a.m. at Heritage High School, 2400 Granade Road. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.

Registration: Preregistration rate $15 by Nov. 19. Race day registration $20. Family rate deals on active.com or go to aubraegunderson.com to download form and mail to 10204 N. Links Drive, Covington, GA 30014 or call (770) 853-7533.

Special Awards: In addition to standard age division awards, $100 given to the elementary P.E. department with most number of participants and all 1-mile finishers receive a medal. Also, many door prizes awarded to those sticking around for awards ceremony. A one-week stay at an oceanfront condo in St. Augustine, Fla. will be raffled off as well — tickets $5 each or 3 tickets for $10.

SATURDAY, Dec. 8

Be the Change 5K Walk/Run and 1-mile Fun Run

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pregnancy Refuge Center. The event is hosted by Be The Change Fitness Center.

When/Where: 5K begins at 8 a.m. and 1-mile Fun Run begins at 9 a.m. at The Conyers Welcome Center at 901 Railroad Street. 

Registration: $25 through Dec. 4, and $30 race day. Register at active.com or for more information, call (678) 374-9510.