There's the easy way to prepare for eating turkey on Thanksgiving and then there's how Brett Withers chose to work up his appetite: run faster than any of the hundred entrants in his 5K race. Withers, a student from Spokane, Wash., finished first overall in the main Turkey Trot race that kicked off a holiday weekend visit with his grandparents.

"I run regularly and brought some friends down with me," he said. "We celebrate Thanksgiving (in Corvallis) every year, and it's just something fun to do."

The annual race drew a total of more than 200 participants on a rainy Thursday morning. Some came for the competition, but many more ran just for fun.

Patrick Guerrero, with his wife, Marie, and three daughters Hana, Katja and Adali, have made the yearly fundraiser for Osborne Aquatic Center a part of their holiday plans.

"We do it every year," Patrick said. "We just wanted to have some kind of family tradition and before we start the feast, we like to start with a calorie deficit."

The event, which is in its fifth year, features a five -kilometer race for adults and a one-kilometer dash for kids.

Spencer Davis, of Bend, grew up in Corvallis and competed on the swim team at Corvallis High School. This year, he ran with his extended family in the race.

"I just had to jump in and join, too," he said. "And it's for a good cause."

Long-time friends Rhonda Williams and Betsy Rogers also were participating for the first time this year. They walked the race route with Rogers' son, Justin.

"We're committed to doing exercise on the biggest eating day of the year," Betsy Rogers said. "It's easier.