Turkey Trot

Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan

Thursday, November 26th Thanksgiving Day outside Van Andel Arena

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation and Grand Rapids Public Schools are excited to kick off the 34th Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot—West Michigan’s favorite Thanksgiving tradition! This family-friendly event features our signature 5K, an exciting new 10K, a new 1-Mile Family Walk, the beloved LMCU Mini Trot, and a virtual race option, with proceeds benefiting more than 5,000 GRPS student-athletes.

Join us on Thanksgiving Day as we continue this cherished community tradition, proudly presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan.

Each year, more than 6,500 runners, walkers, families, and volunteers gather in downtown Grand Rapids, making the Turkey Trot one of the largest Thanksgiving Day events in West Michigan. Participants will once again start and finish in front of Van Andel Arena, with festivities beginning at 8:00 a.m. with our inaugural 10K, followed by the LMCU Mini Trot for children ages 12 and under at 8:10 a.m. The morning continues with My Team Triumph, the community 5K Run/Walk, and concludes with our new 1-Mile Family Walk. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, pushing a rider across the finish line, enjoying a leisurely walk with loved ones, or cheering from the sidelines, there’s truly something for everyone.

The Turkey Trot is about more than crossing the finish line—it’s about giving back. Alongside the race, participants are encouraged to support our second annual Thanksgiving food drive, helping provide meals for local families during the holiday season. Together, we’re creating a healthier, stronger, and more connected community.

As a sponsor, your partnership provides valuable brand exposure to thousands of participants and spectators from across the greater Grand Rapids area while directly supporting opportunities for GRPS students through athletics and wellness programs. Your support also helps us continue the event’s tradition of community giving through the annual food drive.

We invite you to become a partner of the 2026 Grand Rapids Turkey Trot and help make this Thanksgiving tradition bigger and better than ever. Please review the sponsorship opportunities included in this packet to discover how your organization can become part of one of West Michigan’s most meaningful holiday events.