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Thu November 28, 2024 Directions

Events

5k Run Walk

$30 8:30AM EST Price increases after August 5, 2024 at 11:59pm EDT
GRPS students only!

5k GRPS Students

$30 8:30AM EST Price increases after August 5, 2024 at 11:59pm EDT
Open to ages 2 - 19.
Open to ages 12 and under

Mini Trot

$0 8:10AM EST Registration ends November 28, 2024 at 11:00am EST
Open to ages 1 - 12.

My Team Triumph 5k

$30 8:27AM EST Price increases after August 5, 2024 at 11:59pm EDT

Virtual 5k Run Walk

$30 Price increases after August 5, 2024 at 11:59pm EDT

Description

Join us on November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day) for the 32nd Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot! Proceeds from the race help to offset the cost of Grand Rapids Public Schools athletics so that all students have the opportunity to participate.

Place

Van Andel Arena
130 Fulton Street W
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Endorsement

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What are event the start times?  A: LMCU Mini Trot start 8:10a. My Team Triumph start 8:27a. Community 5k Run/Walk start 8:30a.

 

Q: Where is the start and finish line?  A: Start line is located in front of the Van Andel arena on Fulton St.  Finish line is located on Ottawa at Weston. 

Q: Where do I park on race morning?  A :City street parking and Ellis lots will be available at the regular rates. Meters will not be enforced for street parking. Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to park and walk to starting line. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Residents/Parking-and-Mobility/Downtown-Visitor-Mobility-and-Parking-Guide

 

Q: Are there course time limits?  A: The streets will be closed to traffic for one hour at which point participants still on course will need to move to the sidewalks for their own safety. 

 

Q: Will there be aid stations on the course?  A: Yes, there will be one water stop near the half way point.

 

Q: Can I bring my dog?  A: No, Four legged friends will need to sit this one out for the safety and comfort of all participants.

 

Q: What do I get with my 5k registration?  A: A shirt, and a timing bib. Shirt sizing not guaranteed after Oct. 31, 2024. If you have registered on or after 11/21/2024 race shirts are not guaranteed as orders are placed far in advance of race day. Please note ALL participants are required to wear timing bib provided at pick up in order to receive an official time. For your safety, we ask that you run with your correct bib.  There is no bandit running allowed. Those observed with incorrect participant bib or no bib will be disqualified and unable to participate in future Turkey Trot events.

Should you place in your age category, medals are awarded to the top three finishers and available for pick up following the event in the awards room just inside the Van Andel arena.

 

Q: What will a LMCU Mini Trot participant receive for their registration? A: Participants will receive a medal, but please be advised with this registration there will be no tee shirt provided. The course is a .4 mile loop around the Van Andel arena and parents are welcome to run with their child.

 

Q: Can I walk or jog with my stroller?  A: Strollers are welcome. We ask that if you intend to walk with a stroller that you please line up at the back of the group start. 

 

Q: I have registered for the VIRTUAL event, when do I need to have this completed? A: The recommended window for completion is the week of the holiday (11/24-11/30) This is, however, an on your honor effort. There will be no awards for this category. We welcome you to join us in support and run when you can, where you are, even if you are traveling. Packets to be mailed race week.

 

Q: I do not run but would like to volunteer. How do I sign up?  A: Awesome! It takes a tribe! We need volunteers race week and race day both. Sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/PX9XA Please contact the following email with questions! turkeytrotvolunteer@grps.org

 

Q: Group discount: I am a part of a club or organization that wants to participate as a group. Is there a discount for groups?  A: The Turkey Trot is a fundraising event on behalf of Grand Rapids Public School scholars, we will offer discounts at our discretion in order to maintain alignment with this goal. Follow the Facebook event page here: facebook.com/grandrapidsturkeytrot for Tom the Turkey surprise pop-ups all over town this training season! ​ We also encourage our local business owners to support the health and wellness of your staff by signing up to be a corporate wellness sponsor. Email Holly Visser at holly@grpsf.org to find out how! 

 

Q: Can I request a refund or defer?  A: We understand life happens, but the Grand Rapids Public Schools Turkey Trot provides crucial fundraising for their Great Sports programming and has costs incurred from contracted services. We are unable to provide refunds or deferrals.

 

Q: How do I change my shirt size?  A: Changes may be made online prior to the event by October 31, 2024 at 11:59pm. Shirt changes made after this date cannot be guaranteed.

  • Log into your RunSignUp account
  • In your profile, scroll to the bottom of the screen and find “my registered races”
  • Find your Turkey Trot registration.  Select “manage”
  • Select “Giveaway” and modify your shirt size/style

*Tech shirt quantities are limited and participants may exchange sizes following the event based on availability. 

 

Q. When and where is packet pick-up?  A. The following options will be available race week:

Tuesday Nov. 26 TBD
3:30-7p

Wednesday Nov. 27 Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
8a-1:30p and Gazelle Sports Downtown location, 52 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503  3:30-7p

Thursday Nov. 28 AM RACE DAY, Van Andel Arena
6:30a-8:00a 

 

Q: Something came up and I did not run on race day. Can I still pick up my swag?  A: Swag and age group awards will be available following the event at the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation office the Tuesday and Thursday following the event during regular office hours (10-5p) 125 Ottawa SW Grand Rapids MI.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

SUPPORTER LEVEL 

      

BRONZE LEVEL  


 

 

 

SILVER LEVEL

 

GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR

NEW THIS YEAR! Student Pay it Forward Finish line Fest Sponsor!

 

GOLD LEVEL MINI TROT TITLE PARTNER!

 

PRESENTING PARTNER for the 10th Year!

 

 

Directions

Van Andel Arena
130 Fulton Street W
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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