
From the Organizer
The GVSU Turkey Trot is BACK for its 13th year! Last year, we celebrated the first year back since the pandemic with well over 100 runners and a beautiful sunny day, and we’re looking forward to an even better experience this year. Here’s what’s new:
➡️Updated course: The Turkey Trot course now starts and finishes at the clock tower, conveniently located right next to packet pickup! Course map coming soon.
➡️Better ways to stay in touch: That’s right, the GVSU Turkey Trot now has an Instagram page! Follow us @gvsu.turkeytrot and of course you can also find us on Facebook or email at gvturkeytrot@gmail.com.
➡️Updated age categories: We made a few changes to our age categories to give everyone their best shot at a medal! The new brackets are 13 & under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
➡️Share your thoughts: If you have an idea to improve the Turkey Trot, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your feedback here: https://forms.gle/CV8D3HU4J691FYHBA.
Here’s what’s the same (and just as great!) as last year:
🗓️Date: The Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 21st) at 9am
📍Location: 1 Campus Dr, Allendale, MI 49401
🏅Awards: Top two in each age category and first overall male and female.
And of course, 100% of the profits still go to supporting runners on the GVSU Cross Country & Track Club! As a self-funded club, every dollar makes an impact to our athletes' success. Because of your support last year, our team will be able to travel to cross country nationals this year! Follow what we’re up to on Instagram @gvsu.xc.tfclub 🏃➡️
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
45°
Typical Low
31°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Grand Haven Wwtp, 15 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
661 ft
Nearest Airport
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 21 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2026 GVSU Turkey Trot, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Grand Explorers' Trail Race
7 miles away
Zeeland Zoom 5k
11 miles away
myTEAM TRIUMPH West MI - Zeeland Zoom 5k -- Captain & Angel Registration
11 miles away
Metro Way 5K & West Fest
12 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
2026 GVSU Turkey Trot
Nov 21, 2026