Thousands race in the Drumstick Dash in North Hollywood to help those in need

Before the turkey and pie, thousands of people laced up their running shoes Thursday morning to race in the Drumstick Dash in North Hollywood.

The race was one of several distance runs on Thanksgiving morning. The Drumstick Dash is in its ninth year and is billed by organizers as the largest Thanksgiving Day run in Los Angeles County, with approximately 7,500 people running.

Some participated in the 5k, while others ran the 10k near Lankershim and Chandler boulevards. There was also a "Little Gobblers" race for young runners.

While some runners say they participate to get some exercise before a big Thanksgiving meal, others say they are here because they want their kids to understand what the holiday is all about.

The event benefits Hope the Mission, a nonprofit organization that seeks to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness.

The theme of the Drumstick Dash is 'move your feet, so others can eat.'

"I grew up low income and so for me it's just a really nice thing to help people that were in the same situation that I was in and now I'm in a better place and I can help," said runner Alehandra Monerrosa.

Other races benefiting those in need this holiday include Turkey Trot Los Angeles in downtown LA, which raises money for The Midnight Mission.

There was also the 44th annual Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot in Torrance. The 3-mile run began in the Sam's Club parking lot at the Torrance Crossroads Center. Along with running, participants were encouraged to bring a can of food for a Thanksgiving food drive.