Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run

• 5K/10K Finish Line Change: 5K/10K finish on Dey Street behind the YMCA with walk around the block to 3rd Street > Pokagon Street > back to 2nd Street for refreshments.
• Building Closed: In an effort to promote physical distancing, the YMCA building will be closed with the exception of packet pick-up off the lobby. It may open pending inclement weather.

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.

Early Registration - until 11:59 pm on 10/31/2021
$30 per person
$25 per person for households of 2-8 participants

Regular Registration – 11/1/21-11/23/21
$35 per person
$30 per person for households of 2-8 participants

Late Registration – 11/24/21-11/25/21
$40 per person

• No refunds.
• No additional discounts available.
• Shirts not guaranteed after 10/31/21 registration.
• Bibs are active for both the 5K & 10K.
• Strollers are allowed; no fee for children in strollers.
• Dogs are not allowed.

Multi-Person Pricing gives a $5.00 discount for up to 8 people in your household. Pricing ends Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 12:00 pm

Niles-Buchanan YMCA • 905 N. Front Street, Niles, MI 49120

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 25, and Saturday, December 4 to complete your race and upload your time. Virtual runners will still receive this year’s race shirt. Further instructions will be emailed to participants before the virtual race opens.

Must register before Sunday, October 31 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.

Packet pickup will be held at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA:

- Wednesday, November 24 from 1:00-6:00 pm

- Thursday, November 25 from 6:30-9:00 am

Participants will receive this year's race shirt, a drawstring bag courtesy of Honor Credit Union, and other goodies while supplies last.

Attachment includes maps for 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Run.

Please note, the finish line will be slightly altered for the 5K & 10K events. Participants will finish on Dey Road behind the Y.

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

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.

• Traveling US-31 – Use Walton Road exit #7 to M-139 South. Road to YMCA will be blocked from Niles-Buchanan Road exit #5.
  Traveling N 5th Street – Take Pucker Street >Ullery Road > Pucker Street Drive or M-140 > M-139 South. All roads traveling to the YMCA past Pucker Street will be blocked off (Pokagon Street, Dey Street, Wayne Street, Main Street, etc.)

Parking is available at and around the Niles-Buchanan YMCA:

• Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 N Front Street
• Berrien County Courthouse, 1205 N Front Street
• Dr. Richard Beckermeyer DDS, 123 Marmont Street
• Millin Automotive, 705 N 2nd Street
• Ginny's Place, 402 Wayne Street
• Niles City Hall, 333 N 2nd Street

We are excited to offer both in-person and virtual options for the 40th annual Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run on Thursday, November 25!

Our in-person event is in need of the following types of volunteers:

• Race Day Packet Pick-Up: Volunteers will be placed at stations to hand out race packets to participating runners.
  Course Route: Volunteers will be placed at various locations throughout the course route to instruct runners on directions. There are three races: 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run.
• Water Stations: Volunteers will be placed at various stations along race routes to hand out water to participating runners. We will provide participants with open cups of water. Volunteers will be provided masks & gloves.
• Clean-Up: Volunteers will be needed at the end of the event to help clean up different areas.
• Place me where needed: Volunteers will be placed where they are needed the most.

All volunteers will need to stop by the Niles-Buchanan YMCA between 1:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 24 to receive directions and pick up their Thanksgiving Day Run shirt.

Please contact Sammee Schaller, event volunteer coordinator, at sschaller@ymcagm.org or 269-683-1552 with questions or to volunteer.

• The 5K and 10K start on 2nd Street behind the YMCA.
• NEW THIS YEAR: The 5K and 10K finish on Dey Street behind the YMCA.
• The 1-Mile Fun Run starts and ends at Plym Park.

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.

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.