(Nov. 23, 2006) -- An estimated 3,200+ runners and walkers from at least 26 states and DC turned out on Thanksgiving morning for the 4th annual "Long Beach Turkey Trot" -- multiple events including 10k, 5k, kids half-miler, rubber chicken toss, "drumstick contest" (best looking male & female legs).

The event is a fundraiser ($60,000+ expected from entries and merchandise) to support Justin Rudd's non-profit [501(c)(3)] Community Action Team which in turn presents multiple programs benefiting youth, environmental and animal welfare programs in the LB area.

LB Assistant City Auditor Alex Cherin was among those taking part.

We were so impressed that we decided on the spot to enter too...and then realized we had only about $15 in our wallet with no backup checks. Rather than panhandle for the dough, we made a mental note to enter the 10k next year.

[No wisecracks, please. On a dare from Mrs. LBReport.com, we walked a half-marathon about ten years ago, cold turkey no training.]

They're off!

The 10k leaders looked serious...

...while others just joined in the fun run/walk.

L.A. TV channel KRCA (channel 62, Spanish language) sent a news crew.

Other events included a kids' rubber chicken toss.

[Comment: No live turkeys tossed from a helicopter like the old WKRP in Cincinnati episode.]

The longest chicken-toss determines the amount of a check that will be written to a local food bank by the event's organizers.

On the sunny but not too warm Thanksgiving morning, the course took runners to Shoreline Village and back.