Turkey Trots Happening Across Michigan in 2025
A Healthier Michigan
| 4 min read
It’s time to sign up for Turkey Trots. These holiday races offer runners and walkers of any level a chance to go outside and get moving with family and friends. The races are a fun way for everyone to have fun before gearing up to celebrate the rest of the day.
If running in a Turkey Trot is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition, you aren’t alone. The country’s love affair with the Turkey Trot took decades to blossom. The original trot was in 1896 in Buffalo, New York, when the local YMCA hosted an 8K cross-country race on the November holiday. Just six participants joined in the race — and only four of them made it to the finish line.
This year, thousands of Michiganders of all ages will cross the finish line. Wherever you are in Michigan, there’s a Turkey Trot race near you. While most happen the week of Thanksgiving, a few arrive as early as the first week of November.
Check out this list of Turkey Trots planned throughout Michigan. The list is broken down by region. Click the city of the race you are interested in for details, registration and general information.
Mid- and Northern Michigan
Saturday, Nov. 22
ICCS Turkey Trot 5K in Imlay City
- Start time: 9:15 a.m.
- Place: Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, 395 N. Cedar St., Imlay City
Thursday, Nov. 27
Dork Brothers Turkey Trot in Alpena
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: APlex,701 Woodward Ave, Alpena
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: 1520 Gornick Ave, Gaylord
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: 3495 Midland Rd, Saginaw
New Beginnings Turkey Trot 5K in Sheridan
- Start time: 8:30 a.m.
- Place: Sheridan Community Center, 205 Saint Clair St., Sheridan
- Start time: 8:45 a.m.
- Place: 123 E. Eleventh St., Traverse City
TWW Turkey Trot in East Tawas
- Start time: 10 a.m.
- Place: 821 Newman St., East Tawas
South Central Michigan
Thursday, Nov. 27
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: 500 N. Grand Ave., Lansing
- Start time: 8:30 a.m.
- Place: 3290 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy
- Start time: 8:15 a.m.
- Place: E. Liberty and Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor
Southeast Michigan
Sunday, Nov. 9
The Original Kroger A2 Turkey Trot in Dexter
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
Saturday, Nov. 15
Gobbler 5K, 10K, 13.1 & 26.2 at McCurdy Park in Corunna
- Start time: 8:30 a.m.
- Place: McCurdy Park: Corner of W. Mack St. and N. North St. in Corunna
Thursday, Nov. 27
Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot in Detroit
- Start time: 7:30 a.m.
- Place: 9500 Mt Elliott Studio A., Detroit
Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov 28
Turkey Trail Trot & The Leftovers Race in Shelby Township
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Place: Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park, Shelby Township
West Michigan
Saturday, Nov. 22
Trails to Hope Turkey Trot in Belmont
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Place: 6800 Cannonsburg Road, Belmont
WMU Turkey Trot in Kalamazoo
- Start time: 8:30 a.m.
- Place: Student Recreation Center, 2000 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
Thursday, Nov. 27
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Place: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: Ella Sharp Park, 2800 4th St., Jackson
Kids’ Food Basket 19th Annual Gobble Wobble 5K Run and Walk in Grand Rapids
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Place: East Grand Rapids Middle School, 2425 Lake Dr. SE., Grand Rapids
Tamarac Turkey Trot in Fremont
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Place: 1401 W. Main St., Fremont
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K in Muskegon
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: Pigeon Hill Brewers Lounge, 895 4th St., Muskegon
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Place: 943 S. Lincoln, Lakeview
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Place: 139 E. Main St., downtown Zeeland
- Start time: 8 a.m.
- Place: Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 N. Front St., Niles
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: 7361 Moorsbridge Rd., Portage
Sherman Lake YMCA Turkey Trot in Augusta
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Place: 6225 North 39th St. in August
YMCA of Barry County Turkey Trot in Hastings
- Start time: 8:30 a.m.
- Place: 2055 Iroquois Trail, Hastings
Upper Peninsula
Thursday, Nov. 27
- Start time: 9:30 a.m.
- Place: 800 Crystal Lake Blvd. #110, Iron Mountain
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