The Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run has been a tradition for families and friends in the Niles community for 39 years. Every Thanksgiving, over 2,000 people lace up their shoes, bundle the kids, and head off to create memories. Whether your motivation is to outrun Tom the turkey or burn off those holiday calories, the goal is to celebrate a day of appreciation together with family and friends. In 2019, over 2,700 people from 30 states participated in the 10k Run, 5k Run/Walk, and 1 Mile Fun Run.
To comply with current COVID-19 mandates from the State of Michigan, we are switching all events to virtual and will have no live event. You can keep your Thanksgiving Day tradition going (or start a new tradition) by participating virtually this year. While we wish we could see you all on Thanksgiving Day, our number one priority is keeping our participants and volunteers safe, and we look forward to seeing you in person next year.
With a virtual race, you can run the distance anywhere! For example, you can run in your neighborhood, on a treadmill, at a nearby park, or even on the original course! You will have between Thursday, November 26, and Sunday, December 6 to complete your race and upload your time. Virtual runners will still receive this year’s race shirt and official race bib. Further instructions will be emailed to participants before the virtual race opens.
Early Registration - until 11:59 p.m. on 11/8/2020
$25 per person
$20 per person for households of 2-8 participants
Regular Registration – 11/9/20-11/24/20
$30 per person
$25 per person for households of 2-8 participants
Late Registration – 11/25/20-11/26/20
$35 per person
When you support Thanksgiving Day Run, you make our community better and build strength in those who live here. Since its inception in 1982, support from local businesses and individuals has powered a multitude of YMCA programs including, water safety, youth sports, Summer My Way® day camp, Y-Club before and after school care, and many more.
Multi-Person Pricing gives a $5.00 discount for up to 8 people in your household. Pricing ends Tuesday, November 25, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
Niles-Buchanan YMCA • 905 N. Front Street, Niles, MI 49120
We will conduct curbside packet pickup on Tuesday, November 24, and Wednesday, November 25 between 9:00 AM-7:00 PM. Please pull up to the front entrance of the Y to collect your items.
Participants will receive this year's race shirt, bib, a drawstring bag courtesy of Honor Credit Union, and other goodies while supplies last.
If you have additional pick-up requests, please email Jill Haboush, race director, at jhaboush@ymcagm.org with your request.
Must register before Sunday, November 1 at 11:59 PM to be guaranteed a shirt. Shirts are long sleeve, dry-fit material and tend to run large. All participants who register before the cutoff date, including virtual, will receive a shirt.
In an effort to promote physical distancing, there will be no awards at this year's race. The 1 Mile Fun Run is a non-competitive event.
Parking is available at and around the Niles-Buchanan YMCA:
Due to the earlier start time of the 10K race, some roads leading to the Niles-Buchanan YMCA may be closed when 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run participants are traveling to the Y. Please give yourself ample time for travel and parking.
Please note, city streets will remain open during the event. Be sure to stay within the coned/barricaded lanes. There could be minimal traffic in the oncoming lanes.
The race starts/finishes on 2nd Street behind the YMCA.
YMCA restrooms and locker rooms will not be available during this event.
Porta-potties have been rented to accommodate participants.
Timing is done by Classic Race Management. Results will be posted immediately following the event.
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