The Chevy Trax is the perfect partner for finding balance and exploring wherever your day leads.
It’s that time of year, again, folks. ‘Tis the season! Deck the halls! Fa la la la la, la la la la! With the impending holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.), what do most of us do? We eat. And we eat a lot.
If you plan on stuffing your face with turkey and festive cookies from now until January (it’s okay, I’m with you), a great way to combat holiday bloat is by participating in a local 5K or fun run. Take part in a turkey trot and you’ll no longer feel quite as guilty putting that second piece of pie on your plate. Funny how that works, huh?
Whether you’re an experienced runner or a beginner, now is a great time to register for one (or more!) of Metro Detroit’s upcoming holiday 5Ks:
Saturday, November 16
Blitzen the Dotte is a 10K run and 5K-run/walk event being held in Wyandotte. Sponsored by the Wyandotte Boat Club, Blitzen the Dotte will also feature a ¼ Mile Little Reindeer Run for children. Pre-registration is required and costs $25 to $30, and the first race starts at 8:45 a.m.
Saturday, November 23
Ferndale’s Holiday Hoof is a race to support local arts. The event features three separate races, a four-mile run, a two-mile walk, and a fun walk for children. Holiday Hoof is part of One Eyed Betty’s daylong FestivALE spectacular, and participants will receive two free passes to the festival.
Both races start at 5:30 p.m. Participation costs $10 to $11 for children, and $50 to $60 for adults.
Thursday, November 28
Ann Arbor’s 8th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot kicks off at 8:30 a.m. between E. Liberty St. and S. Fifth Ave. Participants are encouraged to wear ugly sweaters, turkey costumes, and any other form of holiday spirit!
In addition to the races, there will be an ugly sweater contest, and appearances by Tom Turkey and Santa himself. Registration costs $10 to $35, depending on the race and when you register.
The 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk in Canton will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. On race day, the 5K begins at 9:30 a.m., and a children’s one-mile run/walk begins at 9 a.m.
Registration costs $5 to $10 for children and $20 to $25 for adults.
The 31st Fifth-Third Turkey Trot of Detroit will include a 10K, 5K and one-mile race. As most of you likely know, they are better known as the Turkey Trot, Stuffing Strut and Mashed Potato Mile, respectively.
Registration costs $21 to $66 depending on the race, and the fee includes an official long-sleeve race shirt. The Turkey Trot precedes Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which, in case you’re new around these parts, is a pretty big thing.
Saturday, December 7
The YMCA Santa Run will be held in Downtown Flint and all proceeds will benefit the YMCA of Greater Flint Partner with Youth Campaign. What’s better than exercising to raise money for a great cause? Exercising to raise money for a great cause while clad in a Santa suit.
The $10 to $32 registration fee includes a five-piece Santa suit of your size that must be worn during the race (either the 5K fun run/walk or one-mile walk). This is one race that I might actually be enticed to participate in!
Northville’s 2013 Jingle Bell Run/Walk will take place at Northville Downs and will raise money for the fight against arthritis.
Participants of the 5K race are encouraged to wear cheerful holiday gear and raise as much money as possible for the Arthritis Foundation. The doors open at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race, and registration costs $12 to $30.
Even if you can’t make it to the race, donations are being accepted online, so be sure to take a look at the link listed above.
Saturday, December 14
Run Like the Dickens, an appropriately titled holiday race, will be held in Holly and includes a 10K, 5K and Tiny Tim Trot.
The first event starts at 9 a.m. and registration costs $28 with a race t-shirt or $18 without. Either way, you’ll want to register early, since fees go up as race day approaches!
Tuesday, December 31
The New Year’s Resolution 8K Run and 5K Walk is presented by the Flint YMCA and will take place throughout the paved downtown area.
Registration costs $10 to $15 (without an official sweatshirt) or $20 to $25 (with a sweatshirt). This race is a great opportunity to squeeze in just one more race before the New Year starts.
The Belle Isle New Year’s Eve Family Fun Run/Walk is the longest standing running event in Michigan. If that’s not reason enough to participate, the 5K course is certified by USA Track & Field, too.
Registration costs $15 to $35 depending on when you register, and the price includes a long-sleeve shirt.
Running is a great way to stay fit and burn off those calories from all of the holiday dinners you’ve surely got coming up. Enjoy this holiday season with your friends and family, and keep yourself moving along the way!
