Before Thanksgiving dinner this year, Ballardites are invited to build up an appetite and do some good by participating in the fourth annual Seattle Turkey Trot, a 5K walk, jog or run to benefit the Ballard Food Bank.

Signups are now open for the 9 a.m. Nov. 25 event, which culminates at Golden Gardens. Last year, 1,100 participants raised more than $19,000 for the Ballard Food Bank.

The 2009 Turkey Trot, which featured participants in running attire or elaborate costumes and was won by New Yorker Nick Roosa in town visiting his sister, saw a huge leap in popularity in the event, with five times as many participants than in 2008.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.seattleturkeytrot.org.