Turkey trotting races in Michigan scheduled for Thanksgiving Day

On By Pranco

If you want to get some exercise before stuffing yourself with turkey and all the trimmings this Thanksgiving, there are several running events around the state that you can participate in.

“Turkey Trots,” annual races that take place across the country during Thanksgiving, provide an outlet for the athletically inclined during the holiday, but also raise money for charity, offer cash prizes and encourage crazy costumes.

Here you can see where you can participate.

Where did they run the first turkey trot?

Widely considered the first race of its kind, the Buffalo Turkey Trot is still held at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving, as it was first held in 1896. That’s the year Henry A. Allison defeated five other male runners in a 5-mile race in Buffalo, New York, according to the YMCA Buffalo Niagara.

Where can I run a Michigan Turkey Trot?

The Ann Arbor Turkey Trot raises money for ChadToughan organization that helps children who have been diagnosed with childhood brain cancer.

  • Start time: 8:15 am on November 28
  • Location: 337 E. Liberty St.
  • Cost: $45
  • Costumes: Yes
  • Distance: 1K and 5K

The race will include hot chocolate for runners at the finish line, age group awards and more.

Canton’s 22nd Annual Turkey Trot will raise funds to support educational, research and family resources for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

  • Start time: 9am on November 28
  • Location: 46000 Summit Pkwy.
  • Cost: $30
  • Distance: 1K and 1 mile

This race includes race shirts, custom bibs, raffle prizes and ceremonies.

Muskegon Turkey Trot raises money for Children’s food basket in Muskegon.

  • Start time: 9am on November 28
  • Location: 895 4th St.
  • Cost: $10
  • Distance: 5K

Race organizers are also asking racers to donate to the Kid’s Food Basket wish list.

Grand Rapids Public Schools host their annual turkey trot and raise money for the school’s athletics program.

  • Start time: 8:30 am on November 28
  • Location: 130 Fulton St. W
  • Cost: $35
  • Distance: 5K

The Marquette Turkey Trot is a fundraising event for the Marquette Symphony Orchestra.

  • Start time: 9am on November 28
  • Location: 1203 W. Fair Ave.
  • Cost: $10
  • Distance: 5K and 10K

The Western Michigan University Turkey Trot is November 23; it is considered the oldest breed in Kalamazoo.

Start time: The race starts at 8:30 am on November 23.

Location: Next to Student Event Center

Cost: $25 to race or $40 with swag

Distance: 5K

The Detroit Turkey Trotwhich takes place before the Detroit Thanksgiving Parade is known as the “The Parade before The Parade”.

Start time: The race starts on November 28 at 7:30 am.

Location: Huntington Place Expo

Cost: Starts at $30

Distance: 10 km and 5 km and 1 mile

USA Today reporter Lindsay Deutsch contributed reporting.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected].