Blast Those Calories: Michigan Turkey Trot Round Up

Don't let all those delicious Thanksgiving Day delicacies weigh you down — blast those calories away.

It's easy enough to do with a pre-dinner run at one of the numerous turkey trots in and around metro Detroit on Thanksgiving morning. And don't sweat: If you're not up for the traditional 5K or 10K, many of these events also include a one-mile walk/run.

So tie up those laces, hit the road, and enjoy some camaraderie and scenery with fellow exercisers. – Christy Strawser 

29th Annual Turket Trot

This Detroit tradition precedes the annual America's Thanksgiving Day parade. You pick the intensity: The race combines a 10K, 5K and one-mile mashed potato race. For fun flair, there's also a  costume contest. Last year's winner was dressed like a cupcake. Get more information here.

Gazelle Sports Gobble Wobble

This third annual event in Grand Rapids lets you choose a 1-mile short course or a 4.1-mile version in this untimed race benefiting Kids Food Basket. Late Registration/packet pickup at: Gazelle Sports 3930 28th St SE, Grand Rapids
November 23rd 5-8pm, and November 24th 11am-2pm. Race day check-in/registration is 7 a.m.-7:45a.m. Get more information here.

Predict-A-Turkey Thanksgiving Morning 8 Mile Run

This is quite the unique event: For a $5 entry fee you can predict your finish time beforehand and try to run as close to that time as possible. The beauty of it? You can run as fast or slow as you want — but you can't wear a watch. The winners finish closest to his or her predicted time. All entry fees go to the winner. Get more information here.

Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

Billed as the "coolest trot," this 5K race through the University of Michigan's North Campus starts at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $30 on site the morning of the event; same-day registration starts at 7 a.m. Santa will be there in the morning for photo ops. Get more information here.

B-WARM 2nd Annual Drumstick Derby

This Port Huron trot begins at 9 a.m. in Pine Grove Park. You can join a 5K race yourself — or share the duties with up to four friends. Registration is $25. This event benefits the homeless of St. Clair County. Get more information here.

Boyne City Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run

This 5K and 1-Mile fun run starts and ends at Veterans Park, Cost is $15 per person and all proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club in Boyne City. Participants are also asked to bring a canned good or non-perishable item to be delivered to a local food pantry. There will be special awards for Best dressed turkey, Youngest turkey, Oldest turkey,
Farthest traveled turkey and most canned goods. Click here for the registration form.

Emily Belanger-Garrant 5K Walk/Run

The first 100 people to register for this event will get a free T-shirt. Registration is $15 for this 5K flat path through Bellaire. Proceeds go to Antrim High Tea for breast cancer prevention in Antrim County. Register here.

Gaylord Turkey Trot

This includes a 5K, 1-mile run and 1-mile walk starting at 9 a.m. at the Gaylord Regional Airport. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Friendship Housing Center homeless shelter. Get more information here.

Gobbler Gallop Trail Run

This 9 a.m. 5K event encompasses two loops of a wooded trail along the Tittabawassee River. It includes a 1.5-mile youth run and walks. Click here for more information.

Kalamazoo Area Runners Turkey Trot Time Prediction 5K Run

The 2011 Kalamazoo Area Runners Turkey Trot 5K Time Prediction Run will be held on the cross country course at Portage West Middle School at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Packet pick-up and race day registration will be in the middle school cafeteria from 7:30-8:30 a.m. No watches, dogs or strollers are permitted in this unique event. Get more information here.

Lansing Turkeyman Trot

This scenic 5K run through downtown Lansing starts at Lansing Community College. Cost is $25. Register here.

Traverse City Downtown Turkey Trot

Traveling Up North for the holiday? Stop by this 9 a.m. 5K Turkey Trot and 5 Mile flier race through historic downtown Traverse City. It benefits local nonprofits. Cost is $35. Register here.

The ANTI-Turkey Trot

Tired of the old turkey trots? Join this ANTI-Turkey trot, which is basically the same as any other trots, but with a cooler name, a later start time and a cheaper price. It starts on Lakeside in Shelby Township, and costs only $10 for Lifetime Fitness members, and $15 for non-Lifetime Fitness members. Start time is 10 a.m. Register here.