The first Ames Turkey Trot 5k will take runners through some of the best parts of town on Thanksgiving, including downtown and Brookside Park. The inaugural event will start at 9 a.m. on Thursday, giving families plenty of time to rest up for their hearty holiday meals.

Rain, snow or shine, runners across the nation will run before their Thanksgiving feasts. Here is where they should prepare to run in the elements.

Here's what you need to know if you are running or cheering on an athlete during Chicago's Turkey Trot races on November 28.