Whether you typically stay home or conquer sales on Black Friday, this weekend offers other activities that can keep you moving and energized before or after the coveted holiday dinner. Across the state, organizations and cities are hosting turkey-themed races as a way to raise money for charities and bring communities together. Like the parades that air on TV, these events are long-standing traditions (except parades don’t also provide a way to burn off the bird before it’s eaten).
Walks, runs tradition at Thanksgiving
When 7:30 a.m. Mashed Potato Mile, 8 a.m. 10K Turkey Trot, 8 a.m. 5K Stuffing Strut on Thursday
Where Starts and finishes at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit
Cost $10 Mashed Potato Mile, $30 Turkey Trot or Stuffing Strut
Beneficiary The Parade Company, to host America’s Thanksgiving Parade
Contact (313) 247-4149 or www.theparade.org/turkeytrot
2. Lansing Turkeyman Trot
When 9 a.m. 5K run/walk on Thursday
Where Lansing Community College on Grand Avenue between Shiawassee Street and Saginaw Street
Cost $20 at Playmakers, 2299 W. Grand River Ave., in Okemos, $25 on race day
Beneficiary Youth track clubs in Michigan
Contact Chuck Block (517) 702-0226 or www.runningfoundation.com
3. Fantasy 5K Run in Howell
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Time 6 p.m. 5K on Friday
Where First Presbyterian Church, 323 W. Grand River Ave., in Howell
Cost $20
Beneficiary Local charities
Contact (517) 546-3920 or www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1487197
4. Grand Rapids Turkey Trot 10K
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When 8 a.m. 10K on Thursday
Where East Grand Rapids Library, 746 Lakeside Drive SE in East Grand Rapids
Cost Free
Contact grturkeytrot@gmail.com or grturkeytrot.googlepages.com/home
5. Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K Time Prediction Run
When 9 a.m. 5K on Thursday
Where Kalamazoo Valley Community College Texas Township Campus in Kalamazoo
Cost Free
Contact (269) 679-2351 or www.kalamazooarearunners.com
6. Ann Arbor Turkey Trot
When 8 a.m. 5K on Thursday
Where University of Michigan Sports Complex at Hill and Fifth streets
Cost $25
Contact (248)921-2720 or www.active.com
7. Thanks for Giving 5K Run
When 9 a.m. 5K on Saturday
Where Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road, in Holland
Cost $25
Beneficiary Habitat for Humanity
Contact (616) 396-1211 or www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1486989
8. Tawas Turkey Trot
When 9 a.m. 5K Run/Walk on Saturday
Where East Tawas Community Center, 760 Newman Street in East Tawas
Cost $20
Beneficiary Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Contact Christine Owens (989)362-1094 or www.RunMichigan.com
Source: RunMichigan.com and www.active.com
