Registration has started for the Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot.

The 10th annual Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot — a benefit for Bainbridge Island’s Helpline House — will return to Battle Point Park Thursday, Nov. 28. Organizers said it’s not only the perfect excuse for one more slice of pie on Thanksgiving Day, but it’s also a way to help others who can’t afford Thanksgiving meals.

The Turkey Trot has become one of Bainbridge Island’s most anticipated holiday traditions. Runners and walkers can participate in 5K and 1-mile events over courses that are mostly flat with gentle inclines and are family and stroller friendly. (Please note: Dogs and food are not allowed on the turf fields at Battle Point Park.)

Day of event on-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the mile-long event kicks off at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m.

Pre-registration (and online) for the trot ends at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25; register now at www.biturkeytrot.org.

Prizes will be awarded for best costumes. Volunteers for the event can sign up at the Island Fitness front desk.

Islanders who can’t make it to the trot are invited to be a virtual runner by donating to Helpline on the registration site.

The beloved community tradition benefits Helpline House and is organized by Island Fitness. Last year, Helpline received $32,000 thanks to local business sponsors, a small army of volunteers and the nearly 1,000 people who participated in the Turkey Trot.

Turkey Trot proceeds are used for Helpline’s social services programs to help island residents.

“The Turkey Trot is such a fun holiday tradition for Bainbridge Island,” said Maria Metzler, executive director of Helpline House.

“We think it’s wonderful that going out and having a good time on Thanksgiving morning results in Helpline House being able to assist more Island residents with essential needs. We are so appreciative of Island Fitness for organizing this great event,” she added.

Island Fitness Owners Michael and Alexa Rosenthal took over as organizing sponsors of the annual Thanksgiving event two years ago after the original Turkey Trot organizers, Jennifer Campbell and Ann Browning, passed the baton.

Helpline House is a nonprofit agency that provides a range of social services to Bainbridge Island residents. Founded in 1968 as Fishline, a volunteer emergency aid program, the organization reincorporated as Helpline House in 1973.

Initially, the emergency program addressed basic needs via operating a food bank and providing transportation assistance. Helpline House’s services have grown to include information and referral to local, regional and national resources, as well as case management, short term counseling, a food bank, medical equipment lending and limited financial assistance for essential needs.

For more information, visit www.helplinehouse.org.