Southeast
Mike May Races, Vassar, Nov. 2

Include a half-marathon, 5K run and the Mike May Memorial 5K Walk. Races start at Vassar High School, 220 Athletic St., at 9:30 a.m. The half-marathon travels through rolling farmland and Vassar State Game Area. For more information, contact Doug or Sheryl Garner at (989) 823- 3832. Results will be posted at www.raceservices.com -CDM

Roseville Big Bird, Nov. 10

Before feasting on the big bird, how about racing one? This 24th annual event features flat, fast courses for 10K and 4K runs, plus a 1-mile run/ walk. Nice chance for an end-of-the-year PR. Races begin at 10 a.m. at the Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore. Super Big Bird shirts to the first 750 registered runners. Call (586) 445-5480. -CDM

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot, Nov. 17

For the first time, these runs will take place at Hudson Mills Metropark, on North Territorial Road just west of Huron River Drive. The 5K run/ walk starts at 9 a.m., 10K at 10 a.m. (run both if you like) and kids dash at 11 a.m. Courses are flat and fast. Phone (734) 623-9640 or (734) 769-9510. Register online at www.signmeup.com/15698 -CDM

Thanksgiving Day Parade Turkey Trot, Detroit, Nov. 28

Close to 5,400 runners and walkers took part in last year's 10K, many dressed as pilgrims, turkeys, elves and reindeer. Precedes Detroit's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year's race, celebrating its 20th anniversary, starts at 8 a.m. in front of the Matthaei Building at Wayne State University, heads downtown, goes up spectator-lined Woodward Avenue, then returns to Matthaei. Phone Ed Kozloff at (248) 544-9099 or visit www.motorcitystriders.com -CDM

New Year's Eve Family Fun Run/ Walk, Belle Isle Park, Detroit, Dec. 31

This 32nd annual race, energized by director Jeanne Bocci, keeps going and going. Register at U.S. Marine Corps Training Center, 7600 East Jefferson. Proceeds go to My Sister's Place, a shelter for battered women. Contact Bocci at (313) 886-5560. -CDM

Central
Burg Run, Laingsburg, Nov. 17

The third annual Burg Run offers a 10K run and 5K run/walk, both starting at 2 p.m. A 1-mile Hike-4-Health is at 1 p.m. All start and finish at Laingsburg High School, 8008 Woodbury. Kids 12 and under are eligible to win one of two bikes. Proceeds benefit the Laingsburg Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF). Call Chris Lantis at (517) 651-5091 ext 257, or visit www.playmakers.com -CDM

Lansing Turkey Trot, Nov. 28

What better time for a Turkey Trot than Thanksgiving morning? This 9 a.m. 5K run/walk starts at Lansing Community College, on Grand Avenue between Shiawassee and Saginaw, travels through downtown and along the River Trail. Overall and masters champs win $25 gift certificates, age-group winners get $10 certificates. Medals go to top three in each age group. Proceeds benefit the Michigan Running Foundation Scholarship Fund. Phone Chuck Block at (517) 702-0226 or visit www.playmakers.com. -CDM

Fantasy 5K, Howell, Nov. 29

Starts at 6 p.m. with a 5K on Grand River Avenue through historic downtown. At seven, watch Livingston County's Fantasy of Lights parade featuring Santa, lighted floats and bands. Race-day registration is at First Presbyterian Church, 323 W. Grand River. Fee includes custom gloves for first 1,000 registered runners and luminary lights for all. Phone Jim Young at (517) 546-2439 or go to www.howell.org -CDM

TLC New Year's Eve Midnight 5K, Jackson, Friday, Dec. 31

Start your New Year the healthy way, running or walking beneath midnight fireworks in downtown Jackson. Phone (517) 788-4376 or visit www.fitnesscouncil1.org -SS

Southwest
Hoffmaster Trail Run, Norton Shores, Saturday, Nov. 2

This 10 a.m. 10K, through Hoffmaster State Park between Muskegon and Grand Haven, warns participants: "This is a very difficult race with many hills and long steep climbs through the forest and dunes." There's a 1.5-mile section along the Lake Michigan beach, and "no t-shirts, so don't ask." Want a PR? Go elsewhere. Want a course that is drop-dead beautiful? This is it. Phone David Paulsen at (231) 780-1399. -SS

Turkey Trot, Dowagiac, Sunday, Nov. 24

Ron Gunn started this run, now one of the state's oldest turkey trots, when he came to Southwestern Michigan College 36 years ago. Offers 8K, 5K, 3K and 1-mile races, plus a tot trot, starting and ending at Zollar Sports Center, 58900 Cherry Grove. Free for SMC students. Phone (616) 782-1209 or (616) 782-1210. -CDM

Wolverine Resolution Run, East Grand Rapids, Jan. 1

West Michigan's largest New Year's Day participatory event draws more than 1,000 each year to run four miles 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. Offers a "phantom runner" option and opportunity to raise funds for PORT (Pediatric Oncology Resource Team), which helps families with children who have cancer. Phone (616) 458-7888 or visit www.classicrace.com -SS

Sgt. Preston Yukon King Run, North Muskegon, Jan. 1

Kick off 2003 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 Derek Bailey at (231) 744-8957. -SS

Upper Peninsula
Marquette Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 28

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 -CDM MR