Next week, a Riverfront event will go to the dogs … and cats, for that matter.

The Riverfront Swim Club will host its Eighth Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run and Walk on Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. to benefit the Suffolk Humane Society.

“It’s a great way to give to your community and get outside and enjoy the weather,” said Pam Sweet, the swim club manager and race coordinator. “It’s a great way to get everyone involved.”

Registration for the Turkey Trot is $15 prior to race day and $18 on race day. Children 12 and under can enter the 1-mile Gobbler Run for $15 before race day and $18 on race day.

Participants can run or walk the 3.1-mile distance in the non-sanctioned race. It is timed, but there isn’t a pace requirement.

Sweet said the club started sponsoring the race to cater to The Riverfront’s active residents.

“It’s an activity-oriented community,” she said. “A lot of people like to participate in a lot of activities, especially outside.”

The race has benefited various local charities since its inception, Sweet said, but for the past five of years, proceeds have gone to Suffolk Humane.

“It’s been a really good mix, so we have continued it,” she said. “We raised over $2,100 last year, and we’re trying to top that this year.”

The race starts at The Riverfront Swim Club, located off of River Club Drive, winds through The Riverfront community and ends back at the club.

After the race, there will be a celebration at the swim club featuring breakfast, awards and more for racers.

Participants are allowed to race with strollers. Also, dogs are welcome to run or walk with their owners, but they must remain on leashes.

Sweet said tired dogs are allowed to take a dip in The Riverfront Swim Club’s pool after the race, because it is closed for the season.

“We hope lots of people in the surrounding areas will decide to support our race/walk, have fun and help Suffolk Humane,” Sweet said.

Suffolk Humane representatives will be at the race, and the group is accepting donations of dog and cat toys, Tidy Cat clumping litter, unwanted towels, collapsible wire crates, and pet food, especially Purina Pro Plan chicken and rice kitten food and paté style canned cat food.

Race packets and registration fees can be sent to or dropped off at the Riverfront Swim Club, 5301 Sports Club Run, Suffolk, 23435.

For more information or to download a race packet, visit www.riverfrontswimclub.com or call 483-3906.