Frequently Asked Questions
PLEASE NOTE: These FAQs are a living document and responses provided are subject to change as updates become available. For the latest event updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
PLEASE NOTE: FAQs are subject to change as updates become available. For the latest updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
What’s new for 2022?
- Advance Packet Pickup will be held at EIGHT convenient locations from Saturday, November 12 through Saturday, November 19, 2022 (NOTE: Store hours and days of operation vary).
- For those participants who do not pick up their packets in advance, you will electronically receive your race number before Expo opens at Noon on Wednesday, November 23rd. Be sure to include your correct email address, home address, and phone number during event registration.
What is a Wave Start?
Corrals (or waves of participants) are assigned by mile pace at registration. Each corral is color coded to match participant bib numbers. 10K and 5K races start at different times, each with five corrals.
CORRAL PACE
Yellow 8 minutes per mile and faster
Blue 8 – 10 minutes
Green 10 – 11:30 minutes
White 11:30 – 13 minutes
Red Slower than 13 minutes & Walkers
How can I check if I am already registered?
You will be notified by email when your registration is processed. Also, here is the link for runner lookup:
http://usainmotion.events/links/dtt/lookup
Will there be a new course for 2022?
No. However, unexpected road work and construction in the City of Detroit may lead to last minute course changes. Follow us on social media (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook) to be notified of any adjustments.
Where and when do the races start?
S3 Turkey Trot 10K 7:30am Griswold & Fort St.
BCBSM Mashed Potato Mile 7:30am Atwater, behind Huntington Place
Stuffing Strut 5K 8:30am Griswold & Fort St.
ALL events finish on Atwater, behind Huntington Place, adjacent to the Detroit River.
What should I know if I sign up for the Drumstick Double?
To run both the S3 Turkey Trot 10K and the 5K Stuffing Strut you should run fast enough to register for the yellow or blue corral (under a 10-minute mile).
All Drumstick Double participants will receive a PURPLE bib.
Drumstick Double participants will finish the 10K on Atwater, then walk/run back to the start on Griswold.
Participants will receive their unique medal inside of Huntington Place – look for the Drumstick Double Awards Banners.
Participants MUST have their PURPLE bib to receive a Drumstick Double finisher medal.
NOTE: If supplies permit, Drumstick Double runners may ask for an individual race medal in addition to the DD medal. Please inquire at the Information Table in the Expo after the race. We cannot guarantee this second medal, nor whether it will be from the 5K or 10K race.
What should I know if I sign up for the Cranberry Combo?
The Mashed Potato Mile starts at 7:30am on Atwater, behind Huntington Place, and finishes at the same location. The 5K Stuffing Strut starts on Griswold and Fort St. at 8:30am (about 0.3 mile away).
Cranberry Combo participants will receive a special Cranberry Combo number bib. You will receive a unique medal inside Cobo after you complete the second race. Look for the Cranberry Combo Awards Banners. DO NOT take a medal either time you cross the Finish Line. You must have your Cranberry Combo bib to receive the medal.
NOTE: If supplies permit, Cranberry Combo runners may ask for an individual race medal in addition to the CC medal. Please inquire at the Information Table in the Expo after the race. We cannot guarantee this second medal, nor whether it will be from the 5K or 1 Mile race.
What is a “packet,” when you reference Packet Pickup?
For those new to racing, a packet includes your number bib and your event shirt. The S3 Turkey Trot offers Advance Packet Pickup at EIGHT locations around the metro area from November 12th through November 19th, in addition to a pick up option at the Turkey Trot Expo on November 23rd and November 24th.
Can someone else pick up my Race Packet or vice versa?
Yes. At the advance pickup locations, participants will need the name & zip code used during registration. Please be sure of the spelling and zip code accuracy for any pickups. It speeds up the process to have names and zip codes written down when you arrive at the pickup location, especially if you are picking up more than one packet.
How do I know what shirt size to order at registration?
A size chart is provided on our website with the online registration page. Please refer to the chart before choosing a size.
Shirts are ordered months in advance of the event, based on estimates. Therefore, we may not have enough of every size available at every packet pick up location on any given day. We advise you to pick your packet up early to ensure your size. Shirts cannot be exchanged for a different size at any of the advance packet pickup locations. For the Drumstick Double and Cranberry Combo events, participants receive one shirt.
Where do I find the race results?
Each bib includes a QR code (a computerized identification symbol). If you have a code reader app on your smart phone (such as QR Droid or QR Code Reader), you may scan your bib and receive your results within an hour of finishing. Participants can also ask one of our information volunteers for assistance with scanning the QR code. Results are posted online, after 4:00 PM at https://enmotive.com/results and www.runmichigan.com.
Links will be posted on our event website, as well as, on all our social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook).
The 10K, 5K, Drumstick Double and Cranberry Combo are all B-tag timed (chip on back of bib number). Participants in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile have clock timing.
Will food and water be available for participants?
Two water stations are located on the course for participants. Post-race food will be available for participants inside of Huntington Place, in Hall E.
Are there restrooms on the course?
Yes. Portable restrooms can be found along the course route. Additional restrooms are available on the first two levels of Huntington Center.
Where should I park on race day? And what time should I get there?
Event organizers are working to provide the most convenient parking locations for our volunteers and participants. Primary locations are:
- Huntington Place (both underground and rooftop). Race Central. $16.
- Millennium Garage: 432 W. Congress (across from Huntington Place). $12.
- Center Garage (SP+ Parking): 414 Renaissance Drive West adjacent to the RenCen. Hourly rate.
NOTE that all listed parking garages are “Pay by Charge Card” ONLY.
Wherever you plan to park – GET THERE EARLY! That’s the best advice we can give. Arrive at your parking lot of choice no later than 6:15 AM on race morning, no matter which race you attend.
Are there discounts at local hotels if I want to spend the night in Detroit before race day?
Discounts at the Westin Book Cadillac (on Washington Blvd. & Michigan Ave.) expired on November 2nd. Be advised that our previous host hotel, the Marriott at the Renaissance Center is undergoing extensive renovations and unavailable for Thanksgiving week. Other downtown hotel rooms available are more costly than in previous years.
A list of downtown hotels may be found on the Detroit Visitors & Convention Bureau site at: https://visitdetroit.com/hotels/?pg=1&or=popularity.
Do people really wear costumes?
Costumes make our S3 Turkey Trot “The Parade before the Parade!” Wearing costumes is a time-honored tradition and highly encouraged! Costume Judging is in Huntington Place and will take place between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
Do you offer Gear Check?
Yes. The Gear Check area is located inside Huntington Place which is adjacent to the Hall E. The Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot and The Parade Company are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Participants will receive a clear plastic bag for gear to be checked. All items for gear check MUST fit inside of the bag provided. Any bag inside of Huntington Place is subject to a security check.
Will there be awards?
The top three overall M&F finishers, along with the First Place overall Masters M&F, in the 10K and 5K will receive unique awards. First Place overall and Masters M&F finishers in the Drumstick Double and Cranberry Combo will also receive awards.
Can I switch races?
If you decide to switch races after you have registered, but before race day, please email the change request to our Registration Director, Mark Koehl, at mkoehl@theparade.org. If you already picked up your packet, be sure to provide Mark with your assigned bib number.
Are strollers allowed on the course?
Yes, participants can run with baby joggers or strollers in the slower waves (NOT in the yellow or blue waves). Event organizers strongly request that participants utilizing a baby jogger or other stroller start in or near the back of the participant group for both the participant’s safety and the safety of others.
Are wheelchairs or hand cycles allowed on the course?
For safety reasons, event organizers do not permit hand cyclists to participate. Wheelchair participants can take part in the slower waves (NOT in the yellow or blue waves). Event organizers strongly request that participants utilizing wheelchairs start in or near the back of the participant group for both the participant’s safety and the safety of others.
Can I run with my dog?
Due to course congestion and Huntington Place’s policy against animals, event organizers do not allow dogs or animals of any kind to participate in the Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot events.
Are there any Age Restrictions for the races?
No. Event organizers ask that young children be accompanied by an adult, even for the BCBSM Mashed Potato Mile.
Do you provide refunds?
Our policy has always been that entry fees are non-refundable and cannot be deferred.
The Parade Company, in accordance with management, city officials, and local law enforcement has the authority to alter the schedule and/or cancel any of the events for emergency purposes such as, but not limited to, inclement weather, the threat of terrorism, or other scenarios that pose a significant risk to the health and safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, and the surrounding community. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided since funds will have been spent in preparation for Race Day. Participant shirts and finisher medals may be distributed.
How much time do I have to finish the race?
Because of America’s Thanksgiving Parade®, all participants need to be off the Woodward Ave. portion of the course by 9:10 AM. For the 10K, you turn off Woodward at approximately the 4-mile mark, with the race starting at 7:30 AM. The 5K begins at 8:30 AM, and you turn off Woodward approximately half way through the race at the 1.5 mile mark. The finish line at Huntington Place closes at 10:00 AM.
Didn’t find the answer to your question? Send us an email at TurkeyTrot@theparade.org.
