Southeast

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, Detroit, Nov. 27 Michigan's largest 10K draws more than 5,000 runners -- many in costume -- to romp through Detroit's Thanksgiving Day parade route. Bask in crowd cheers, stay for bands, floats and giant balloons, then go home to feast guilt-free and watch the Lions lose on TV. This year's 21st-annual running starts at 8 a.m. in front of Wayne State University's Matthaei Building, heads downtown for a jaunt up spectator-lined Woodward Avenue, then returns to Matthaei. Phone Ed Kozloff at (248) 544-9099 or visit www.motorcitystriders.com.

Christmas Stocking Four-Mile, Flushing, Dec. 6 Get in shape for the holidays with this venerable event. Starts 10 a.m. from Seymour Elementary School, offers long-sleeve t-shirts to all participants and Christmas-tree ornaments to top-three finishers in each age group. Visit www.doitsports.com/ register.tcl?id=6121

Belle Isle New Year's Eve Run, Detroit, Dec. 31 Ring out the old running on the island. There's a one-mile fun run/walk with all kids 12 and under getting trophies, and four-mile run with post-race awards, food and drinks for all. Jeanne Bocci, who has directed this race since it started 34 years ago, donates proceeds to different charities: it will be Special Olympics this year. Phone (313) 886-5560. Southwest

Turkey Trot, Dowagiac, Nov. 23 Ron Gunn started this run, now one of the oldest in Michiana, when he came to Southwestern Michigan College 37 years ago. Offers 8K and 5K races ($2 entry fee) and one-mile fun run (50 cents) on trails reminiscent of Pilgrim era. Race-day only registration. Runs start at Zollar Sports Center, 1 p.m. Phone (269) 782-1209 or (269) 782-1210.

Wolverine Resolution Run, East Grand Rapids, Jan. 1, 2004 West Michigan's largest New Year's Day participatory event marks its 20th anniversary with a four-mile run around Reeds Lake. Fun starts at 9 a.m. near East Grand Rapids High School, 2211 Lake Dr. SE, and ends there with refreshments, awards and cheer. Phone (616) 458-7888 or visit www.classicrace.com.

Sgt. Preston Yukon King Run, North Muskegon, Jan. 1 Kick off 2004 running the wintry shores of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. 5K and 6-mile races (the latter including the infamous Blockhouse Hill) start at 11 a.m. from Snug Harbor on Memorial Drive, across from Muskegon State Park headquarters. Unique prizes and experience. No teams of huskies allowed. Phone Sue Lloyd at (231) 744-8921.

Central

Fantasy 5K, Howell, Nov. 28 Starts at 6 p.m. with a 5K through historic downtown in front of 25,000 spectators. At seven, watch the Fantasy of Lights Parade featuring Santa, lighted floats and bands. Phone Jim Young at (517) 546-2439 or visit www.howell.org.

Portland Winter Run, Jan. 17 This mid-winter 5K, put on by runners for runners, offers family rates, handicap-based prizes, homemade chili and other fun stuff in a small town between Lansing and Grand Rapids. Starts 10 a.m. from Portland High School, 1100 Ionia Rd. Phone (517) 647-7873 or visit portlandrunningclub.homestead.com/PWR2004.html.

Upper Penninsula

Marquette Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 27 Snow or no snow, Thanksgiving Day 5K, 10K and 9-mile races take off at 9 a.m. from the corner of Fair and Lincoln, near the high school. Raises funds for the high school orchestra. Call (906) 225-4200 or (906) 249-1011. MR