Serious runners and casual walkers can get a "fit start" to the holiday season with the 28th Annual Turkey Trot on Saturday.

The USATF/RRTC-certified courses will begin at the FirstHealth Center for Health and Fitness-Pinehurst, located just off N.C. 211, and wind throughout the picturesque residential district of the village of Pinehurst before ending back at the center.

Events include a half-marathon, one-mile fun run/walk, and 5K and 10K races for all ages.

Registration opens at 7 a.m. on race day.

The one-mile fun run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m., the half-marathon starts at 9 a.m., and the 5K and 10K races start at 9:30 a.m.

An awards ceremony will immediately follow the conclusion of the races. Entries will be accepted up to 45 minutes prior to each event.

New age group divisions were added for awards this year, expanding to 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Awards in age group categories will be given for the 5K, 10K and half-marathon.

Overall male and female winners in all races will also receive a turkey, as will the oldest male and female participants in the event.

Registration for the Turkey Trot is $15 for the fun run/walk (no charge in this event for children 6 and under); $20 for the 5K and 10K races, and $25 for the half-marathon.

There will be an additional $3 charge for each registration submitted after Nov. 19.

Participants can register for the Turkey Trot at the FirstHealth Center for Health and Fitness-Pinehurst or online at www.active.com.

Anyone needing more information can call 715-1843 or e-mail race director Jodi Heimrich at jheimrich@first health.org.