Record-breaking turnout for a Michigan YMCA holiday tradition

NILES, Mich. – The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Niles hosted its 38th annual Thanksgiving run on Thursday morning.

Before sitting down for a holiday meal, a record-breaking over 2700 people showed up earlier than 8:00 Thursday morning to participate.

Jill Haboush is the Race Director and the Vice President of Fund Development at the YMCA. At the end of the race, she said, “I think that we marketed a bit heavier this year, but I think the weather always contributes to a great turnout. It’s a beautiful, clear, quiet, dry day, so it really helps the numbers. A record year. We’ve never broken 2500 before, so we’re very excited to be 200 over the record.”

Those who showed up had the option to walk or run for 5k, 10k, or one mile.

The event raised money for the YMCA’s annual campaign, allowing hundreds of kids in the community to attend youth programs with little to no cost.