One of the many benefits of Florida retirement is the temperate winter weather that lets you stay active outdoors. Regular exercise is important at every age, and walking is a great ways for seniors to stay active. With beautiful green grass and great water views, walking in Florida is a real pleasure. This Thanksgiving, get out and walk the annual Turkey Trot in Lake Wales to keep you healthy and to have a great excuse to have seconds of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

The third-annual Lake Wales Turkey Trot 5k starts and finishes in beautiful downtown Lake Wales. This is a competitive chip-timed race, but walkers are also welcome. The race begins at 8 a.m., so there’s plenty of time to get home and get that turkey cooking. There are awards given in various age groups, including best overall male and female, top male and female over 40, and the top three in age groups starting 9 and under and up to 75+. All participants receive a finishers medal.

There is a non-refundable entrance fee that is $30 November 9-23, and $35 after that through race day. You can register online or through the mail. Race packet pick ups are Tuesday and Wednesday, November 24-25 at Lake Wales YMCA, as well as race day at 7 a.m.

The race helps provide needed funding for the Lake Wales YMCA and the great work it does. So not only are you doing something good for your health, you’re helping out others. If you’ve got family visiting, this is a great event for everyone to take part in and there’s even a free kid’s run at 9 a.m. Alternatively, you can get your fellow Lake Ashton neighbors together to form a walking group to encourage each other and provide great support.

Walking should be a part of any person’s healthy lifestyle and Florida retirement gives you the perfect place to walk. So whether you take part in the Turkey Trot or just go out for a long walk on Thanksgiving Day, make sure you get those feet moving.