Between serious runners, many others in costume — and some just as serious chili cooks — the City of Hinesville’s first day before Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.

More than 200 people hit downtown Hinesville’s streets, walking and running, for the city’s inaugural Turkey Trot. There were 182 people who signed up before the event, and Mayor Karl Riles said another 40 or 50 also came out for the event.

The mayor said the city was looking to add to its list events during the holidays, and wanted to do something around Thanksgiving.

“We’ve had 5Ks before. We’ve had park parties before. So why don’t we combine everything?” he said.

Riles noted that other communities have similar events on or the day after Thanksgiving. Hinesville opted to go the day before the holiday.

“And let’s do a big party,” he said. “We want to make sure people can do their shopping (on Black Friday) if they want to.”

Along with a DJ from 1-5 p.m., live music took the Bradwell Park stage the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, while a heated competition for best chili also raged in the park, with judging done by city council members Jason Floyd, Dexter Newby and Jose Ortiz.