Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run

For more than 44 years, the Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run has been a cherished tradition, uniting our community for a morning of fun, fitness, and philanthropy in support of the YMCA’s Annual Campaign.

Each year, over 2,700 participants lace up their shoes, gather their families, and head out to create lasting memories. Whether they're racing to beat "Tom the Turkey" or simply getting a head start on those holiday calories, the true spirit of the day is about coming together in gratitude with family, friends, and neighbors.

By supporting the Thanksgiving Day Run, you're helping to strengthen our community and enrich the lives of those who call it home. Since 1982, the generosity of local businesses and individuals has fueled a wide range of impactful YMCA programs—from water safety and youth sports to Summer My Way® day camp, Y-Club before and after school care, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, and many more. Your support makes a lasting difference.

Early Registration - until 11:59 pm on 9/30/2026
$35 per person
$30 per person for households of 2-8 participants

Regular Registration – 10/1/2026-10/31/2026
$40 per person
$35 per person for households of 2-8 participants

Late Registration – 11/1/2026-11/25/2026
$45 per person
$40 per person for households of 2-8 participants

Race Day Registration – 11/26/2026
$50 per person

• No refunds.
• No additional discounts available.
• Shirts are not guaranteed after 10/25/2026.
• Strollers are allowed; no fee for children in strollers.
• Dogs are not allowed.

Save $5 per person when registering up to 8 members of your household!

This special pricing is available through Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Niles-Buchanan YMCA | 905 N Front Street, Niles, MI 49120

Wednesday, November 25, 2026

1:00 - 6:00 PM - Packet Pickup & Registration

Thursday, November 26, 2026

6:30 AM - Packet Pickup & Registration

8:00 AM - 10K Run

8:05 AM - 5K Run/Walk

8:15 AM - 1 Mile Fun Run

With the virtual race option, you can complete your run wherever it works best for you—around your neighborhood, on a treadmill, at a local park, or even along the original course! You’ll have from Thursday, November 26, through Saturday, December 5, to finish your distance and upload your results. All virtual participants will receive this year’s race shirt, and detailed instructions will be emailed before the race window begins.

Register by Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM to guarantee your race shirt! All participants—virtual and in-person—who sign up before the deadline will receive a long-sleeve, dry-fit shirt as part of their registration.

The awards ceremony will take place outside the front entrance of the YMCA.

Trophies will be awarded to the overall male and female winners of the 10K and 5K Runs.

Medals will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each age group for the 10K and 5K run events.

Age Groups:

5–9
10–14
15–19
20–24
25–29
30–34
35–39
40–44
45–49
50–54
55–59
60–64
65–69
70–74
75–79
80+

The 1 Mile Fun Run is a non-competitive event. All youth participants will receive a finisher’s medal to celebrate their achievement!

Pick up your race materials at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA during the following times:

Wednesday, November 25 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, November 26 (Race Day) | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Participants will receive this year’s race shirt and other race-day goodies (while supplies last).

In 2024, M-DOT restrictions required a change to the Thanksgiving Day Run course. Please note:

• Main Street and the Main Street Bridge will NOT be used.
• All participants will now only cross the Broadway Street Bridge, which will be closed to vehicle traffic and set up for two-way runner traffic.

With both the 5K and 10K runners on the course simultaneously, please be aware of the following route split at Parkway and Broadway/Grant Streets:

• 5K runners TURN LEFT onto Parkway
• 10K runners CONTINUE STRAIGHT on Broadway/Grant Street

Please refer to the updated course map attached for full details.

Please give yourself ample time for travel and parking.

• Traveling US-31 – Use Walton Road exit #7 to M-139 South. 
• Traveling N 5th Street – Take Pucker Street >Ullery Road > Pucker Street Drive or M-140 > M-139 South. All roads traveling to the YMCA past Pucker Street will be blocked off (Pokagon Street, Dey Street, Wayne Street, Main Street, etc.)

Parking is available at and around the Niles-Buchanan YMCA:

• Niles-Buchanan YMCA | 905 N Front Street
• Berrien County Courthouse | 1205 N Front Street
• Beyond Smiles | 123 Marmont Street
• Millin Automotive | 705 N 2nd Street
• Niles City Hall | 333 N 2nd Street

The 5K and 10K races will start and finish on 2nd Street, directly behind the YMCA.

The 1-Mile Fun Run will start and finish at Plym Park.

City streets will remain open to traffic during the event. Please stay within the designated coned and barricaded lanes at all times. While traffic will be limited, minimal oncoming vehicle traffic is still possible—stay alert and run safely.

YMCA restrooms and locker rooms will not be available during the event.

Portable restrooms will be provided on-site for participant use.

Classic Race Management will provide official timing for the event.

Results will be available immediately after the race—just scan the QR code on your race bib to view your results.

Join us on Thursday, November 26, for this beloved community tradition—available both in-person and virtually!

We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make race day a success in the following roles:

Race Day Packet Pick-Up: Assist at the YMCA by distributing race packets to participants.
Course Route Marshals: Guide runners along the 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run routes at key locations.
Water Stations: Hand out cups of water to runners at various points along the course.
Clean-Up Crew: Help tidy up race areas once the event concludes.
Floater (“Place Me Where Needed”): Support wherever help is most needed throughout the day.

All volunteers are asked to stop by the Niles-Buchanan YMCA on Wednesday, November 25, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM to pick up their race shirt and receive instructions.

Interested or have questions? Contact Sammee Schaller, Event Volunteer Coordinator, at sschaller@ymcagm.org or call 269-683-1552.