A community favorite will be returning to the Riverfront community this weekend.

The Riverfront Swim Club, located at 5301 Sports Club Run, will host its 13th annual Turkey Trot 5K Run and Walk on Nov. 19. The event will begin at 9 a.m., rain or shine.

“It started out as a small neighborhood thing, and it has grown,” said Susan Turner, office administrator at the Suffolk Humane Society.

Unlike most races, the event welcomes furry friends to join in on the fun.

“People love bringing their pets out,��� Turner said.

Turner expects between 200 and 250 runners to participate.

“Every year they want to come back and do it again,” she said.

The course will wind through the Riverfront community, and the race will have seven age divisions, including a 1K Gobbler Run for children eight and under. The Chic-fil-A cow from the Harbour View location is expected to set the runners off.

However, Riverfront Swim Club manager Pam Sweet said the 5K run is non-sanctioned.

In its first years, the race benefited organizations such as the American Cancer Society and local food banks. For the last several years, the event has raised funds for the Suffolk Humane Society.

Riverfront Swim Club manager Pam Sweet said last year’s race raised more than $4,500, and she hopes to reach $6,000 this year.

“It gets our name out for those who don’t know what our goals are,” Turner said.

Turner added the event has attracted new volunteers to the society.

The cost for adults prior to race day is $18 and $20 on race day. There are discounts for children 8 and under. Dogs are allowed to accompany participants, but they must remain leashed. There is no additional fee for pets.

At the conclusion of the race, there will be food, awards and prizes given out by event sponsors.

Sponsors include Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Fireflies on Bennett’s Creek and TowneBank, among others.

For those unable to participate, the Suffolk Humane Society encourages monetary donations to SuffolkHumaneSociety.com.