Winter 5ks and Turkey Trots Happening Across Michigan in 2022
Jake Newby
| 7 min read
Chasing that runner’s high this winter? Here are 20 Michigan 5Ks coming up at the end of 2022. Bundle up in your warmest, most breathable gear and let’s get going!
The Jingle Bell Run Detroit
When and where: Saturday, Nov. 19, 8 a.m., at 1 Concourse Drive in Pontiac.
More information: Wear your favorite holiday costume and spread good cheer for a great cause. The Arthritis Foundation is raising awareness and funds to support arthritis research for better treatments and a cure.
40th Annual Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot
When and where: Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, Nov. 24). The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) Mashed Potato Mile starts at 7:30 a.m. on Atwater behind Huntington Place at 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit. The Turkey Trot events (7:30 and 8:30 a.m.) start on Griswold and Fort Street in Detroit.
More info: This is the big one! The S3 Turkey Trot has been a tradition in Detroit for the past 39 years. Much more than a variety of races (10k/5K/1-mile and combo events), thousands of participants dress in costumes for the event. Often declared “The Parade before The Parade,” participants frolic by the largest spectator crowd in Michigan. Jogging strollers are allowed, pets and bikes are not. For questions, email [email protected].
Grand Rapids Turkey Trot
When and where: Thanksgiving morning, 8 a.m., at 130 Fulton Street West in Grand Rapids.
More info: The 30th Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot – presented by BCBSM – includes a 5K run or walk, a 5K strictly for Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) students, a mini trot for kids aged 12 and under and a “My Team Triumph” 5K. Proceeds from the race help to offset the cost of GRPS athletics so that all students can participate.
The Mighty Gobbler 5K and 1 Mile Walk
When and where: Thanksgiving morning, 8:30 a.m., at 3333 Coolidge in Troy.
Register: register.chronotrack.com/r/66048
More info: The 8th annual race is a great way to start your Thanksgiving before the big feast. The race takes place on a USA Track & Field-certified 5K course. Registration Packet pickup for the race begins at 7:30 on Thanksgiving morning.
Ann Arbor Turkey Trot
When and where: Thanksgiving morning, 8:15 a.m., at E. Liberty and Fourth Ave., in Ann Arbor.
More info: Don’t miss the 16th running of the Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. This is sure to be a morning full of holiday fun, costumes, and running before the Thanksgiving Day feast! Festive awards, hot chocolate and cookies await runners at the finish line followed by a photo session with Turkey Tom and Santa Claus.
The Huffin for the Stuffin
When and where: Thanksgiving morning, 8 a.m., at 49601 Eight Mile Road in Northville.
More info: The sixth annual “Huffin for the Stuffin” run, walk, or gallop at Maybury State Park donates 100% of proceeds to its local Blessings in a Backpack chapters.
Grateful Gallop
When and where: Thanksgiving morning, 8:30 a.m., at 1 Maguire St. in Flat Rock.
More info: This Downriver 5K race is perfect for competitive runners, recreational runners, and walkers. Finisher medals will be awarded to all participants, as well as special age group awards. There’s also a 1-mile walk and fun run for kids so bring the whole family. Donations will be collected for Helping Hands food pantry and the Flat Rock Animal Shelter! Bring canned food items and/or pet food to be entered into a special raffle.
Turkey ‘TRAIL’ Trot
When and where: Races on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 25., 8 a.m. each day, at 4300 Main Park Drive in Shelby Township.
More info: Run a half marathon, 10k, 2 or 4-mile run. All distances are on wide and single track, 100% dirt trails, so the trails do include leaves, rocks, and roots. It’s important to pay attention to your footing. The course will also have many rolling to steep hills that will challenge you along the way. There is a 3.5-hour time limit for all distances and an 800-participant limit between both days. No dogs or strollers allowed on the course.
2021 Grand Rapids Turkey Trot.
2022 Guernseys Chocolate Run
When and where: Sunday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m., at 45700 Six Mile Road in Northville.
More info: Run for the fudge of it! An 800-meter fun run, 5K and 10k are all available.
Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon
When and where: Friday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m., at 2700 Glengary Road in Commerce Charter Township.
More info: Join Trivium Racing on Black Friday for a half marathon of 7.5 miler on the beautiful, well-groomed trails of Proud Lake State Recreation Area. The half marathon will be a two-loop course, while the 7.5 mile will just complete one of those laps. This event always sells out, so do not wait until the last minute to sign up.
Turkey Trot – Calvary 5k
When and where: Friday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m., at 43065 Joy Road in Canton.
Register: No registration.
More info: This race through the Canton is open to all ages and abilities are welcome. Walk, run, or stroll in this totally-free race. If you’d like to commemorate the event, Turkey Trot long-sleeved T-shirts are available for $15. If you’d like to reserve a shirt, email [email protected] with your name and desired size.
Taylor Winterfest Goodfellows 5K
When and where: Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m., at 12111 Pardee Road in Taylor.
More info: This Downriver event includes a 5k and 1-mile kids fun run. Participants receive a finisher medal, long-sleeve T-shirt, runner snacks and hot cocoa at the finish line.
Northville Whoville 5K
When and where: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m., at 45700 Six Mile Road in Northville.
Register: runsignup.com/whoville5k
More info: Ready for the silliest, zaniest, Grinchiest fun run in Michigan? The Whoville 5K is a place, not a race! You’ll meet all your favorite characters along the route; The Things and their Cat, Mr., and Mrs. Mayor, and the meanest greenest one of them all – the Grinch! Sign up for either the Whoville Kids Run or Whoville 5K above.
Grand Rapids Whoville 5K
When and where: Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m., at 731 Front Ave Northwest in Grand Rapids.
Register: runsignup.com/whoville5k
More info: Just like in Northville a week earlier, you’ll meet all your favorite characters along this route in Grand Rapids, including The Things and their Cat, Mr., and Mrs. Mayor, and the meanest greenest one of them all – the Grinch! Sign up for either the Whoville Kids Run or Whoville 5K above.
Shelby Township Jingle Bell Run
When and where: Sunday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m., at 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township.
More info: This 13th annual event at the River Bends Park Ryan Road entrance features signs that will direct you to parking and check in. Overall awards go to the top male and female runners of each category. Proceeds from the race will be donated to the following organizations: The Penrickton Center for Blind Children; Macomb County Special Olympics; Cat Tail Acres; Great Lakes Burn Center; Azteca Youth Program and K9 Rescue.
Playmakers Holiday Classic 5K
When and where: Christmas Eve (Saturday), 9 a.m., at 223 Kalamazoo St. in East Lansing.
More info: Kick off your holiday by staying active and healthy with your family, friends, and the Playmakers Fitness Foundation. The 9th annual Playmakers Holiday Classic Run and Walk features a start and finish at Jenison Field House. The 5K course will wind through the campus of Michigan State University. Participants in the 5K and virtual event will receive a custom Boco winter hat.
Belle Isle New Year’s Eve 5K
When and where: Saturday, Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m., 1 Casino Way in Detroit.
More info: Join 53 years of New Year’s Eve tradition. The 5K and 1-mile runs are bigger than ever this year, with bigger commemorative medals than ever before. The official charity of the event is the Leaders Dogs For the Blind.
More from AHM:
Photo Credit: Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation
