Turkey Trots Happening Across Michigan in 2024
Shandra Martinez
| 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. 2
St. Peter Turkey Trot 5K/10K in Hemlock
Start time: 9 a.m.
Place: St. Peter Lutheran School, 2440 North Raucholz Road, Hemlock
Saturday, Nov. 23
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. 28
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
The Sunrise Side Pantry’s Turkey Trot in Rogers City
Start time: 10 a.m.
Place: UpNorth 23 Restaurant & Lounge, 503 N. Third St., Rogers City
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: 760 Newman St., East Tawas
South Central Michigan
Saturday, Nov. 9
Start time: 9 a.m.
Place: Coldwater High School, 275 N. Fremont St., Coldwater
Thursday, Nov. 28
Annual Turkey Trot 5K / Fun Run in Battle Creek
Start time: 8 a.m.
Place: 182 Capital Ave. NE., Battle Creek
Start time: 9 a.m.
Place: 500 N. Grand Ave., Lansing
Mighty Gobbler 5K / 1M in Troy
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. 10
The Original Kroger A2 Turkey Trot in Dexter
Start time: 9 a.m.
Place: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
Thursday, Nov. 28
Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot in Detroit
Start time: 7:30 a.m.
Place: Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit
Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov 29
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. 9
Hoffmaster Turkey Trail 5K Run in Muskegon
Start time: 10 a.m.
Place: 6585 Lake Harbor Rd., Muskegon
Litehouse Family YMCA Turkey Trot in Lowell
Start time: 9 a.m.
Place: Wittenbach Wege Center, 11715 Vergennes St. SE, Lowell
Saturday, Nov. 23
Trails to Hope Turkey Trot in Belmont
Start time: 7 a.m.
Place: Main Lodge at Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd. NE, Belmont
WMU Turkey Trot in Kalamazoo
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Student Recreation Center, 2000 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
Thursday, Nov. 28
Start time: 8 a.m.
Place: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids
Start time: 8:45 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, 895 4th St., Muskegon
Start time: 8 a.m.
Place: 943 S. Lincoln, Lakeview
Start time: 8 a.m.
Place: TBD
Start time: 8 a.m.
Place: Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 N. Front St., Niles
Start time: 9 a.m.
Place: 7361 Moorsbridge Rd., Portage
YMCA of Barry County Turkey Trot in Hastings
Start time: 8:45 a.m.
Place: 2055 Iroquois Trail, Hastings
Saturday, Nov. 30
Start time: 9 a.m.
Place: 198 East St., Coopersville
Upper Peninsula
Thursday, Nov. 28
Start time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: 800 Crystal Lake Blvd. #110, Iron Mountain
