Every Thanksgiving morning in Canton, thousands of people work up an appetite before diving into turkey and mashed potatoes. The Canton Turkey Trot for a Cause has turned into one of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions, bringing together families, friends, and runners of all abilities for a good cause. Whether you’re a serious athlete or just looking to burn off some calories before the big meal, this race offers something special that goes way beyond crossing the finish line.
How It All Started
The story behind Canton’s Turkey Trot is deeply personal. In 2003, Michael and Terri Murray faced every parent’s nightmare when their son Justin was diagnosed with epilepsy. Instead of letting fear take over, the couple channeled their energy into something positive. They partnered with Canton Township to organize the very first Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, creating a fundraising event that would help fight epilepsy and support families dealing with seizure disorders.
The happy twist? Justin underwent successful brain surgery in 2007 to remove a seizure-causing growth and has been seizure-free ever since. Now an adult, he continues to give back by volunteering at the race each year and working with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan in Southfield. What started as a family’s fight has transformed into a community movement that’s been going strong for over two decades.
Running Through Generations
The beauty of this race lies in its family-friendly vibe. Grandparents lace up alongside grandkids, creating memories that span generations. The event offers both a chip-timed 5K for the competitive crowd and a 1-mile fun run for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Even virtual options exist for folks who want to participate from wherever they happen to be on Turkey Day.
Many Canton families have turned the Turkey Trot into their own annual tradition, making it as essential to their Thanksgiving as pumpkin pie. The course itself winds through the stunning grounds of Heritage Park and Pheasant Run Golf Club, offering a flat and scenic route that works for runners and walkers alike. Starting and finishing at the Summit on the Park, participants get to enjoy some of Canton’s most beautiful spaces while supporting a worthy cause.
Making a Real Difference
Here’s where the Turkey Trot really shines: every registration fee goes toward helping the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. Since that first race in 2003, Canton’s event has raised over $350,000 to support epilepsy research, education, and family resources. Last year alone, the community came together to contribute more than $43,000 to the foundation.
The foundation uses these funds to empower individuals living with seizure disorders, providing essential tools and support services. When you sign up for this race, you’re not just getting a workout and a t-shirt. You’re becoming part of a movement that’s changing lives and funding breakthrough treatments that could one day end epilepsy for good.
Race Day Magic
Turkey Trots across the country are famous for their festive costumes, and Canton is no exception. Runners show up dressed as turkeys, pilgrims, and everything in between, adding an extra layer of fun to the morning. The tradition of dressing up at turkey trots really took off in the 1980s, and today it’s one of the highlights of these events.
The race kicks off bright and early on Thanksgiving morning, with the 1-mile starting at 9:00 a.m. and the 5K following at 9:30 a.m. Gazelle Sports in Northville sponsors the event and hosts bib pickup, while also providing awards for top finishers. But whether you’re gunning for a personal record or just enjoying the crisp November air with your family, the Canton Turkey Trot offers a perfect way to start your holiday.
Canton’s Turkey Trot proves that the best traditions are the ones that bring people together while making the world a little better. So grab your running shoes, round up your crew, and join the thousands who make this race part of their Thanksgiving celebration.
Sources: cantonmi.gov, epilepsymichigan.org
Header Image Source: epilepsy.com
