SOUTH FORSYTH -- While moving from the table to the couch may seem like a necessity after the Thanksgiving meal on Thursday to let the tryptophan soak in, a Forsyth County and north Georgia tradition invites runners and walkers to do the opposite.

The fifth annual Tryptophan Thanksgiving Half Marathon and Virtual Race will kick off holiday festivities on Thursday, Nov. 24 with a half marathon, 10K or 5K at Fowler Park, located at 4110 Carolene Way.

All proceeds from the race will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, said Kim Hall, race organizer.

Runners — Hall said she expects about 1,300 — can work up their appetite beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the half marathon, 7:45 a.m. for the 10K and 8 a.m. for the 5K.

The race keeps gaining popularity, Hall said, because it is a closer option to north metro-Atlanta and north Georgia runners who may not want to drive all the way to Turner Field for a big race.

The route will take runners on the Big Creek Greenway before coming back to the park to cross the finish line on the track.

“The Big Creek Greenway is a 12-foot-wide concrete and boardwalk path that winds through woods along Big Creek and is a favorite route among north Georgia runners and walkers alike,” Hall said.

All registrations include a chip-timed bib, long sleeve race shirt, free race photography and a finisher medal.

Packet pickup will be on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Totally Running at 405 Peachtree Parkway in south Forsyth.

Awards will be presented to the overall top three male and female runners and the top three male and female runners in each age group, which include 10 and under through 65 and older in five-year increments.

There will also be spirit awards for the families and friends who show up with the “most Thanksgiving cheer.”

The event also features a virtual race that runners and walkers can complete at their leisure if they are out of town for Thanksgiving or cannot make it to the race.

Virtual runners and walkers will be shipped their medal and race shirt.

“If you are joining us on race day, carpooling is suggested as the parking lot at Fowler Park could fill up quickly,” Hall said.

Due to the high volume of runners and walkers and the limited space on the Greenway, no dogs, baby strollers, bikes or skates will be allowed.

Registration can be completed online at RunSignUp.com/Race/GA/Cumming/TryptophanHalfMarathon10k5k or in person at Totally Running.