Every Thanksgiving in Nappanee, IN, the I'm Thankful Four is held at 8:00. The start location is NorthWood High School which provides a lot of parking and an athletic center to keep warm in before the run if the weather is bad.
Proceeds from the race go to the Kelsey Mikel Scholarship Foubdation. Kelsey Mikel is the daughter of high school cross country coach, Mark Mikel who was tragically killed in a car accident 11 years ago. The run also promotes organ donation.
Early registration fee is $15 and goes up to $25 at packet pick up and day of registration. For the race entry, you get a long sleeve cotton tshirt and this year a I'm Thankful Four watch. Best watch $2 can buy as the race director states.
The morning of the race, there is a meeting inside the high school athletic center giving instructions for the 4 mile run and 2 mile run. As tradition in this race goes, there is also a period of time when everyone shouts what they are thankful for before going out to the start.
This run typically has over 800 participants involved. Even with the large number, this is a low key event, and it's advertised as such. There are no age group awards, but there are awards for beating the turkey. There are three turkeys: a male turkey, a female turkey, and a butterball turkey (honor system for anyone who weighs over 200lbs). This year if you beat the turkey, you received a hoodie. I am guessing over 100 runners beat the turkey.
The course is easy to follow and flat, parts are on roads, other parts on bike paths. Course is very well marked and volunteers are on every corner. There are no aid stations as it's usually cool enough that they are not needed. But if you need water, bring your own. The finish line is on the high school track right outside the athletic center.
There are cookies and water following the race to enjoy. Since there are no age group awards to wait for, you are able to leave the race location early to prepare for the rest of your Thanksgiving day.
This is a very low key event and family friendly run. Bring your kids, bring your dog and come out to exercise before stuffing yourself later on.