Long before the turkey goes in the oven and family members start claiming their favorite spots on the couch, something special happens in the Grosse Pointes. Thousands of runners, walkers, and costume enthusiasts hit the pavement for what has become one of Michigan’s most beloved holiday traditions: the Turkey Trot.
Where It All Started
The Turkey Trot didn’t begin in fancy running shoes or with digital timing chips. Back in 1896 in Buffalo, New York, the very first Turkey Trot attracted exactly six brave souls willing to tackle an 8K race on Thanksgiving morning. Only four of them actually finished. But those four started something that would grow into a national phenomenon, with communities across America adopting the tradition. By the time the 1980s rolled around, participants started showing up in costumes, turning serious races into festive celebrations.
Today, the Grosse Pointes carry on this legacy with their own Turkey Trot events, including the popular Brownell Turkey Trot in Grosse Pointe Farms. What started as a small school event has become a yearly gathering that brings together students, families, and community members who want to start their holiday with purpose.
Making It a Family Affair
Walk around any Turkey Trot in Grosse Pointes and you’ll spot three generations running side by side. Grandparents power walk alongside their grandkids. Parents push strollers. Teenagers race ahead while younger siblings trail behind in turkey hats. These races have become family traditions that people mark on their calendars months in advance.
The beauty of Turkey Trots lies in their accessibility. Nobody cares if you finish first or last. Families create running bibs together, pick out matching costumes, and make the race their own pre-feast ritual. Some families have been participating for over a decade, watching their kids grow from toddlers in wagons to teenagers crossing finish lines on their own.
Running for a Reason
Turkey Trots do more than work off future pie calories. These community races raise serious money for local charities. Across the country, Thanksgiving Day races generated over $3.6 million for various causes in recent years. Food banks, veteran organizations, youth programs, and educational initiatives all benefit from registration fees and donations.
The Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club demonstrates this commitment through their annual Grosse Pointe Run, which supports organizations like Kids On The Go, scholarships, community health programs, and youth development both locally and internationally. When you sign up for a Turkey Trot, you’re not just running for yourself. You’re funding programs that strengthen the entire community.
The Stories That Stick
Every Turkey Trot creates its own collection of memorable moments. There’s always someone dressed as a full turkey, waddling through the course and high-fiving kids. Some participants coordinate elaborate team costumes. Others set personal records they’ll brag about until next Thanksgiving.
The Detroit area Turkey Trot, which has been running for over 40 years, is famous for being called “The Parade before The Parade” because thousands of costumed participants dash past massive spectator crowds before America’s Thanksgiving Parade kicks off. Participants in Grosse Pointe Woods and throughout the Grosse Pointes create their own traditions, whether that means wearing the same lucky shirt every year or stopping for photos with mascots at the finish line.
Your Place at the Starting Line
Turkey Trots have evolved from six determined runners in 1896 to massive community celebrations that bring entire cities together. In the Grosse Pointes, these races represent everything that makes this collection of five communities special: strong schools, dedicated families, and neighbors who show up for each other. Whether you’re a serious runner chasing a PR or a family looking to start a new tradition, there’s a spot for you at the starting line. The only question is: what will you wear?
Sources: runsignup.com, theparade.org, a2turkeytrot.com
Header Image Source: runsignup.com
