By Taylor Weeks

Just because the leaves have fallen doesn’t mean that running season is over; we’re in Minnesota after all! Coming up in November are family oriented Thanksgiving races, fun races and some that even count toward your Minnesota Running Series points. To add the cherry on top—or rather, the gravy on top—you can grab a bite to eat at one of these satisfying brunch places afterward.

The Races

Jingle Bell Run (Nov. 18)
Run Distance: 5K, 1 mile, Kids Fun Run
Start Time: 9 a.m.
Join the Arthritis Foundation at the State Fairgrounds for their annual Jingle Bell Run. You can run or walk with the spirit of the holiday season. Better yet, what better gift to give than 100 percent of your registration fee and personal fundraising straight to charity? For added festivity, there is also a holiday-themed costume contest along with awards.

Turkey Trot St. Paul (Nov. 23)
Run Distance: 10K, 6K
Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
Whether you want to walk or run, the Turkey Trot welcomes everyone. You will be racing in downtown St. Paul along the Mississippi River. All participants receive a long-sleeved T-shirt and a special finisher’s medallion. If you are a member of the Minnesota Running Series, you can also gain points through the Turkey Trot 10K.

Turkey Day Trail Trot (Nov. 23)
Run Distance: 10K, 5K, 1K Kids Fun Run
Start Time: 8 a.m.
While also in St. Paul, the Turkey Day Trail Trot is a little different. The course, instead of being primarily roads, is on the Battle Creek East trails, which are made up of a mix of grassy dirt and pavement. This is the last Urban Trail Series Event of the year, so be careful not to miss it. Even better, parents are welcomed to run alongside their kiddos in the 1K Fun Run. What better way to bond on this national holiday than running together?

Moustache Run (Nov. 25)
Run Distance: Half marathon, 10K, 5K, Lil’ Mo Mile
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Do you need some motivation to break out of your post-turkey food coma? The Moustache Run, timed to fall perfectly during Thanksgiving weekend, is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate and support a great cause. This Minneapolis run is in support of prostate cancer awareness and is designed to give you the perfect chance to show off your dedication to No-Shave November. All race participants receive a finisher’s medal and knit stocking cap. Those over 21 also receive a complimentary beer.

After You Run…

After your run, you want to make sure to eat some recovery foods with a mixture of protein, carbs and fat. Recovery foods might include chicken, potatoes, avocado, fruits, eggs, veggies, sardines or salmon, salad, fried rice, and even pizza. There are several places that serve these types of food conveniently located near the race sites that can help tide you over until your big Thanksgiving dinner. Here are just four:

The Zumbro Café
The Zumbro Café is a cozy, family-style café in Minneapolis with delectable breakfast and lunch options. You can order up some nutrient-replenishing Star Prairie Trout salad, steak and eggs or the Veggie Benny, which comes with tomatoes, spinach and asparagus.

The Harriet Brasserie
If you were “on fire” during your run, head to The Harriet Brasserie, which is located in an old Minneapolis fire station, for a sustainably minded meal. You can order many recovery-style foods, like the Wild Acres Turkey Sandwich or Crawfish & Grits, which both feature avocado, or fruit and cheese.

Hen House Eatery
The Hen House Eatery is perfect for post-run protein: They serve breakfast all day long. This sprawling café in downtown Minneapolis uses only the freshest ingredients to create dishes that are both healthy and filling. Try their avocado toast, smoked salmon benedict or spinach salad to kick-start your recovery.

Colossal Café
Satisfy your rumbling tummy with the energizing breakfast dishes at the Colossal Café in St. Paul. This cozy brunch spot is known for its excellent American staples—eggs, pancakes and more—in large portions. Sample their frittata, made with artichokes, spinach, green onion and feta, or a hearty “Colossal Breakfast” of eggs, hashbrowns, toast and your choice of meat. You can even order avocado, fresh fruit or smoked trout on the side.