Every Thanksgiving morning in Buchanan, Michigan, something special happens. While most people are still in their pajamas debating pie flavors, thousands of locals are lacing up sneakers and heading out the door. The Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run has become the community’s favorite way to kick off Turkey Day, and it all started with a simple idea back in 1982. What began as a small gathering has grown into a celebration that brings together more than 2,700 participants each year, making it one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions.
But Buchanan isn’t alone in this tradition. The very first Turkey Trot took place way back in 1896 in Buffalo, New York, when the local YMCA hosted an 8K race. Only six runners showed up that chilly Thanksgiving morning, and just four made it to the finish line. Fast forward over a century, and Thanksgiving has become the biggest running day of the year in America, with more than 750,000 people officially signing up for races nationwide. Who knew those six brave souls would start something that would sweep the nation?
When Grandma Outruns Everyone
The beauty of Buchanan’s Turkey Trot lies in its multi-generational appeal. Families return year after year, creating memories that span decades. Parents who ran the race as teenagers now bring their own kids, and those kids race alongside their grandparents. The event offers something for everyone, from the serious 10K runners trying to beat their personal records to families strolling the 1 Mile Fun Run with toddlers in tow.
Many participants have their own annual rituals. Some families make it a competition to see who can finish first, while others focus on the pre-dinner workout as an excuse to eat extra helpings later. The goal isn’t always about speed, though. It’s about celebrating gratitude with the people who matter most, breathing in that crisp autumn air, and being part of something bigger than yourself.
Running for a Reason
Here’s where the Turkey Trot becomes more than just a fun morning jog. Every registration fee goes directly to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which funds essential community programs throughout the year. We’re talking swim lessons for kids, summer camps, after-school care, senior fitness classes, and emergency assistance for families in need. When you participate in the Thanksgiving Day Run, you’re not just burning calories before the big meal. You’re helping provide opportunities for hundreds of local children and families who might not otherwise have access to these vital programs.
Since the race began in 1982, support from local businesses and individual runners has powered countless YMCA initiatives, making Buchanan and Niles stronger communities. That $40 registration fee? It’s an investment in your neighbors’ futures, and it feels pretty good knowing your morning jog helps fund youth sports, water safety classes, and wellness programs.
The Year Someone Dressed as a Giant Fork
If there’s one thing that makes Turkey Trots unforgettable, it’s the costumes. What started in the 1980s with hockey-themed outfits has evolved into full-blown Thanksgiving pageantry. Turkey suits are everywhere, from realistic feathered getups to inflatable versions that bob along the course. Families coordinate matching pilgrim outfits, runners sport festive onesies they slept in the night before, and the truly committed show up dressed as giant utensils or entire Thanksgiving dinners.
At Buchanan’s race, participants compete not just for finish times but also to see who can create the most creative costume while still managing to run. There’s always that one person who shows up in full turkey gear, complete with tail feathers, pushing a double stroller and somehow still passing everyone. Then there’s the legendary challenge of trying to outrun Tom the Turkey, the race mascot who adds an extra element of fun to the morning.
Your Place at the Table
Registration for the Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run opens months in advance, and signing up by late October guarantees you get the official race shirt. If you can’t make it in person, there’s even a virtual option so you can run from anywhere while still supporting the cause. Volunteers are always needed too, from handing out race packets to staffing water stations, making it easy to be part of the tradition even if running isn’t your thing.
Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just want to earn your pumpkin pie, this race offers the perfect way to start Thanksgiving morning. Grab your family, pick out your costume, and join thousands of your neighbors for a celebration that’s been bringing the community together for over four decades.
Sources: ymcabn.org, fleetfeet.com, ymcagm.org
Header Image Source: RUN 4 FFWPU
