Eighth annual Mighty Gobbler Walk/Run returns to Troy

TROY — Before grabbing that knife and fork for Thanksgiving, Troy-area residents can grab their running shoes for the eighth annual Mighty Gobbler Run/Walk.

Hosted by Lutheran Church of the Master, the family-friendly event will take place in Troy on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 24, at 8 a.m.

“It is the best 5K on Thanksgiving Day in Troy Michigan. We also have a 1-mile walk/run. It is chip timed and has medals and T-shirts for finishers,” said Pastor Paul Walters. “It features the world-famous Tunnel of Turkeys. We have six or eight 6-foot-tall inflatable turkeys lining the finish line. It adds a little whimsy to what we’re doing.”

The entry fees are $32 for the 5K and $27 for the 1-mile run/walk in advance. They will both go up by $5 on race day. Participants get a long-sleeved T-shirt and a medal. Lutheran Church of the Master is located at 3333 Coolidge Highway, and the race will begin and end there. To register, visit mightygobbler.com or call (248) 643-0176 for more information.

“I’ve been on the committee for four years, and it requires a lot of time getting sponsors and convincing people to contribute to it,” said race planning committee member Lindsay Ludtke. “I think we get a lot of repeat donors because they see how good it is for the community. We have to organize the medals, shirts and the other prizes. Because it’s our eighth annual race, we have built some good relationships, so it makes that preparation a little easier.”

The money raised will go toward supporting local nonprofits aimed at helping individuals and families in need.

“In addition to the participants, we support the Micah 6 Community in Pontiac, which are a group of folks working to revitalize the community in Pontiac,” explained Walters. “We choose smaller nonprofits so the donation makes a bigger impact. We also support (Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers), which is a Troy-based group that helps older and disabled folks stay in their homes. We also benefit the Troy People Concerned Food Bank. We have usually been able to donate about $5,000 each to both of them. We have a canned food drive each year, which donates thousands of cans of food to them each year.”

In addition to funds being raised, a canned food drive will take place at the race, with raffle tickets for prizes given out to those who donate.

“For every can of food you donate, we give you a raffle ticket,” said Walters. “We have a huge array of prizes and gifts that people can take home from places like MJ Diamonds, local restaurants, and so forth.”

“It is a wonderful way to both benefit the community and get some exercise in before a day of feasting,” remarked Ludtke. “There are prizes, and it’s a fun way for a family to bond on the holiday. It’s a fun tradition that you can do every year.”

Ludtke added that it’s a great event even for those who aren’t runners.

“It’s definitely worth a shot trying out,” she said. “Even if you can’t run the entire distance, you can walk the 1-mile track and just cheer and enjoy the energy of the crowd.”

The size of the event has kept going up, save for the year it was canceled due to COVID-19.

“This is your classic 5K race,” Walters said. “We had about 800 runners last year, and we’re anticipating 1,000 runners this year, and it will likely be our biggest run yet, which has been true the last eight years. The numbers keep going up.”

The organizers hope hundreds of people will join them for a great Thanksgiving tradition in Troy.

“This is a fabulous family event,” said Walters. “It’s fun and it’s a great way to start Thanksgiving Day, and no matter the weather, everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”