During the holidays, a lot of Americans do things they ordinarily do not do… Americans will eat pounds of turkey, have just as many sugar cookies and chocolate-y treats as they like (whether that’s two, 12, or 20), and a few U.S. men and women will get a little overzealous with the cocktails at company holiday parties. And doing these things may mean not being entirely faithful to exercise and healthy eating plans. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun, festive ways people can stay on track, even during the holidays. One of the best ways to keep up your enthusiasm for running, for example, is to enter into one of several holiday-themed 5K or 10K races. Here are a few ideas.

Gear Up For A Turkey Trot

Just because it is the holiday season does not necessarily mean that it is time to retire running gear and leave sport hooks for medals empty until 2015. In fact, festive turkey trots are becoming more popular with each passing year. What is a turkey trot? “A turkey trot race is (usually) a fun run, or a footrace, held each year for participants looking to burn calories before Thanksgiving meals,” Active.com explains. “Active.com lists an estimated 318 turkey trot events occurring all over the country this year, and the majority of turkey trot races are put on by local or national charities.” Some actually take place on Thanksgiving Day, while others take place the day before.

Bust Out Mittens, Scarves, and Santa Hats

Two years ago, there were more than 15,000 5K races in the U.S. — and that number is easily growing. (Not to mention, the U.S. is averaging 2,000 annual half-marathons.) And right around Christmas-time is the perfect time to dig out running shirts for men, running shirts for women, and safety lights for runners. Although there isn’t necessarily a turkey trot equivalent for Christmas, nearly all local communities will have a Christmas-themed 5K or 10K. Participants may dress up like Santa, participants may wear Santa hats and elves costumes, or — in some areas — participants may actually run alongside someone dressed up as Santa.

Regular exercise, like running, helps Americans maintain a healthy weight, reduce serious health risks, and live longer lives. And that’s why it’s important to do whatever you can to fill sport hooks for medals year-round, not just during the temperate spring and summer seasons. Research more here.