PORTSMOUTH — Thanksgiving is one of the most charitable times of the year. if you’re in the giving mood, why not get a little exercise, too?

The Seacoast Rotary Club’s inaugural Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 26.

GO & DO

When and where: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, beginning at Peirce Island, ending at Strawbery Banke Museum

Registration: $20, $15 for ages 12 and under in advance, prices rise $5 on race day. Pre-registration 1-3 p.m. today at Seacoast Family YMCA and 1-3 p.m. Tuesday at new Heights or at portsmouthsunriserotary.org. Race-day registration at 6:30 a.m.

Contact: Midge Nelson at 498-6909 or mnelson300@comcast.net.

The 5K race begins at Peirce Island and finishes at Strawbery Banke Museum, with all proceeds benefiting local nonprofit organizations. the main beneficiary is new Heights, an out-of-school program for youth ages 11 to 18 that works to educate youth and build character as they make the transition to adulthood.

“The focus isn’t the running,” said Midge Nelson, event organizer and president-elect of the Rotary Club. “It’s bringing the community together for good causes.”

There will be 12 race divisions with the top three finishers in each division winning a prize.

Prizes include jewelry, restaurant certificates, two spa treatments and a dinner for two at Wentworth by the Sea hotel.

The top three finishers in each division will be entered into a drawing to win Red Sox 2010 season Green Monster seats and a VIP tour of Fenway Park.

Overall male and female race winners will receive $100 gift certificates to L.L. Bean. Divisions include age groups ranging from youth ages 12 and younger to grand masters ages 70 and older.

The rotary also invites team walkers and wheelchair racers to participate.

There will also be a prize for the best costume. Nelson hinted Thanksgiving theme costumes may earn more points from judges.

Nelson said families of up to six can register together for $45, $55 on race day.

There is space for 1,000 runners and 370 had signed up as of late this week.

“I was told in a first year race you only get 200 people,” Nelson said. “We’re way ahead of the target.”