Holiday Charity Running Events in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

The holiday season is fast closing in, and you might be looking for a good way to spend time with the family, give back to the community and avoid packing on a few extra holiday pounds.

Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are packed with holiday charity running events that fill all three of these goals.

From Thanksgiving-themed 5Ks for beginners, to 10Ks through rough wooded terrain and mile races just for fun, there’s a run for everyone in southeast Michigan. And, they all raise money for some great charity organizations.

Check this list and find the right distance, charity and overall event for you and your family.

Outrun Hunger

Nov. 13, 2021

• Address: Commerce Township City Government Office, 8600 PGA Drive, Commerce Township
• Cost: TBD

This annual 5K race aims to raise enough money to feed 1,000 families this holiday season.

Big Bird Run

Nov. 14, 2021

• Address: Recreational Authority Center, 18185 Sycamore St., Roseville
• Cost: $25/advance, $30/day of event

Choose from a 1-mile fun run, 4K and 10K to support local service organizations.

Back Roads Half Marathon

Nov. 14, 2021

• Address: Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston
• Cost: Sold out for 2021

More advanced runners can choose from a half marathon or 10K race on the lesser traveled trails of the park, while novice runners try the 5K race around the park.

Lightfest 8K

Nov. 17, 2021

• Address: Merriman Hollow Park, 7651 Merriman Road, Westland
• Cost: $30-$40

Walk or run this 8K through the longest holiday light display in the Midwest. All proceeds go to support Wayne County Parks.

Blitzen the Dotte

Nov. 20, 2021

• Address: Downtown Wyandotte area
• Cost: $30-$40/10K, $25-$35/5K, free/kids

This annual fundraiser offers a 5K walk/run to support the youth rowing club at the Wyandotte Boat Club.

Guernsey Chocolate Run

Nov. 21, 2021

• Address: Kellogg Park, downtown Plymouth
• Cost: Varies by race

This race offers a 10K, 5K and a half-mile race for runners and walkers of all ages.

Livonia Turkey Trot

Nov. 25, 2021

• Address: Livonia High School, 2 Bulldog Blvd., Livonia 
• Cost: $25-$30

This annual run gives all of its proceeds and canned food donations to the Friends of Livonia.

Detroit Turkey Trot

Nov. 25, 2021

• Address: Downtown Detroit area
• Cost: $24-$70

This 39-year-old event, hosted by Strategic Staffing Solutions, returns for another year to support The Parade Company. Be sure to dress up in your most outrageous holiday gear.

Turkey Trot 5K

Nov. 25, 2021

• Address: 300 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor
• Cost: $19-$50

The 15th annual 5K jaunt has hot chocolate and photos with Santa, too.

The Mighty Gobbler

Nov. 25, 2021

• Address: Lutheran Church of the Master, 3333 Coolidge Highway, Troy
• Cost: $27-$32

Racers of all ages are invited to choose from a 5K or 1-mile run and walk on Thanksgiving Day. A portion of the proceeds benefit Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers and Michah 6 Community. Food donations go to Troy People Concerned.

Canton Turkey Trot

Nov. 25, 2021

• Address: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton
• Cost: $20-$30

Families are invited to participate in a 5K race or 1-mile run to support the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, which gives management tools to those who live with epilepsy.

This post was originally published in 2015 and is updated regularly. 

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