Registration Open for 26th Grand Rapids Turkey Trot

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Participants from the 2017 Turkey Trot.
It’s become a holiday tradition for thousands of people who “use their feet before they eat” on Thanksgiving Day and now registration is open for the 2018 Grand Rapids Turkey Trot, presented by Blue Care Network of Michigan. The Turkey Trot is a 5K run/walk that will start at the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Blue Care Network of Michigan and Grand Rapids Public Schools put on the event which raised more than $70,000 for GRPS athletics last year, funds that help more than 6,000 students participate in after-school activities. Around 4,500 people took part in 2017, continuing the Turkey Trot’s recent trend of increased participation. Last year’s total was up 38 percent from the previous year and organizers are working hard to continue that trend. “Every year we are overwhelmed by the support that the community shows Grand Rapids Public Schools and our students,” said Kurt Johnson, GRPS Executive Director of K-12 Athletics. “Even though the crowds get bigger and bigger every year, we have plenty of room so we invite everyone to come on out and support a great cause.” Blue Care Network will serve as the presenting sponsor of the race for the fifth consecutive year. “Blue Care Network is dedicated to helping people live healthier and the Turkey Trot is a great way for families to start their holiday with a more health-conscious mindset,” said Jessica Iloff, manager of Community Responsibility at Blue Care Network. “The increase in participation each year is a strong testament to the event’s significant impact in helping people make physical activity a part of their Thanksgiving traditions..” “The support that Blue Care Network of Michigan has shown to Grand Rapids Public Schools has been a game changer for us,” Johnson added. “They’ve helped the Turkey Trot grow beyond our wildest dreams and have helped both our students and the entire community reach a new level of health and fitness.” Runners and walkers can sign up for the Turkey Trot here. Use code BCN18 to get $5 off your registration when you sign up. Like this post? Read more like it:
Photo credit: Steven Depolo
MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association