For Cayce Marks, participating in the Windham Turkey Trot is more than a fun way to burn off calories before enjoying her Thanksgiving meal. It’s a special opportunity to reunite with friends from Salem High School, which she left more than three years ago.

“It’s really cool because I see a lot of the people I graduated with,” said Marks, a 2005 graduate. “It’s nice to reconnect, even if it’s for a couple of hours.”

And she plans to attend this year’s trot, too, which will be held Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27. The event, which takes place at the 70 Blossom Road home of Louise and Claude Peltz, kicks off at 9 a.m.

The annual event draws participants of all ages and types – runners, roller bladers, walkers, stroller pushers and others – for its 3- and 5-mile courses. Donations benefit the Shepherd’s Pantry, which provides food to needy families.

Marks, 22, a senior at Springfield College in western Massachusetts, has participated for several years and hasn’t missed a trot since her high school graduation. She hasn’t been home much since her sophomore year so getting the chance to see friends from high school has been special.

“It’s nice to catch up on people’s lives, to see familiar faces I haven’t seen in a while,” said Marks.

The Turkey Trot was launched in 1995 as a fun way families could burn off a few calories before beginning their Thanksgiving feasting.

The first trot drew about 50 people, and attendance has grown over the years. Last year, 606 people turned out.

The Turkey Trot, which has collected more than $30,000 since its inception, is an unofficial race, but there are mile markers along the course. A kitchen clock on a step leader serves as the timer.

The first 400 participants to arrive this year will each receive a free T-shirt, thanks to the generosity of Rockingham Orthopaedic Associates.

Although the event typically draws a few competitive runners, only about a third of the participants choose to run. The event is held regardless of the weather conditions.

For Sarah Scire, a 2006 Salem High graduate, attending the Turkey Trot gives her the chance to see people she knew in school, including those she played soccer and tennis with and rode on the school bus with. And she likes seeing the parents of her high school friends.

Scire, a close friend of the Peltz’s daughter, Danielle, has been a faithful participant at the trots over the years. She used to help the Peltz family plan the event by putting promotional fliers on mailboxes and placing markers along the course.

No preregistration is required. E-mail WindhamTurkeyTrot@ gmail.com or call Louise Peltz at 437-4422 for details.