MEERKATS LOVE WATURKEYMELONS: Turkey Trot, Thursday. IMAGE: Michael Durham

Thursday Nov. 22

Turkey Trot

The race that put the two T's in tubal ligation and the "o" in vasectomy is back and running for what seems like its umpteenth year. Yes, you too can forgo sleeping in this holiday and join in the noncompetitive 4-mile run (or walk), or, if you've got a little tyke at home (age 11 or younger), cheer 'em on as they pitter-patter through the half-mile Tot Trot. If you're lucky you'll be able witness a gang of meerkats rip apart "papier-mâché turkeys filled with crickets" inside the Oregon Zoo—the main benefactor of this unwitting promoter of safe sex. World Forestry Center's Cheatham Hall, 4001 SW Canyon Road, orrc.net. 8 am. $12-$65. Easy.

Fri.-Sun., Nov. 23-25

Full Moon Back Country Ski Trips

If one didn't know better, it'd be easy to mistake David Burdick for a werewolf hunter given his predilection for moonlight. Each month from now until May 2008, the Sierra Club trip leader hosts some tough ski trips to the following destinations: Yosemite (Dec. 29-Jan. 6), Goat Rocks Wilderness (Jan. 18-21), Mount Jefferson (Feb. 22-25), Mount Adams (March 20-25), Wallowa Lake (April 17-21) and Mount Shasta (May 15-19). But first-time moonshiners are in luck, as this weekend's trip to Bull of the Woods is just for beginners. For complete trip details and to RSVP, call 654-2070. $15. Difficult.

Sunday, Nov. 25

Kruger's Crossing

Kris Schamp's second installment of cyclocross in the corn is a nice precursor to next weekend's U.S. Grand Prix races at Portland International Raceway. Returning veterans can expect the same unusual course through "berry fields," "a barn" and Sauvie Island's maze of maize. Plus, following this epic mud bath, you can still get your crunk on by the warmth of a huge bonfire with beer, wine, cider provided by Salvador Molly's and host Kruger's Farm. Even the next generation of crossers can again get in on the action during the free kiddie race. But most exciting are this year's two new additions: Belgian waffles and "free karaoke along the course." "Kumbaya"! Kruger's Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, portlandracing.com. 9 am. $15-$20. Easy-Difficult.

Monday, Nov. 26

Walk of Lights

Though the "largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi" officially powered up on Thanksgiving Day (and will continue guzzling energy through Jan. 1), tonight is the only night that the Portland International Raceway track is closed to all vehicles, thanks in part to Vancouver's All Weather Walkers, who are hosting their eighth annual walk through the 2-mile paved "Winter Wonderland." Get ready to witness the grandeur of 250 lit displays "fueled by Chevron, powered by Comcast." Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd., allweatherwalkers.org. 5-10 pm. $4. Easy.