Dave’s Turkey Chase: Thanksgiving tradition strengthens our community

THERE ARE MANY WAYS to give thanks and celebrate the holiday. Spending quality time with family, making the most of an active lifestyle, burning off extra calories so you can enjoy another piece of pie, sharing in community support of the less fortunate, and making a tangible contribution directly to a local non-profit will all be options again on Thanksgiving Day in Downtown Toledo, as part of Dave’s Turkey Chase.

Thanks, giving, and celebration for all 

The 10th Annual Dave’s Turkey Chase 5K & 1 Mile Walk, presented by First Solar, will be held at 9:00 on Thanksgiving morning, with Cherry Street Mission Ministries as the primary beneficiary. Starting at host and media sponsor WTOL 11 studios in downtown Toledo, youngsters can participate in a special kids run for free by the waterfront, ahead of the main event. Others of all ages will then take to the streets for a 3.1-mile run/walk or 1-mile walk. There will also be a virtual option so anyone can participate from anywhere they may be that day—something for all.

A promise to all

Cherry Street Mission Ministries envisions its full community, rooted in God’s Grace, where all people are empowered with wholeness of spirit, soul, and body and able to live and participate as contributing members of society. Since 1947, Cherry Street Mission Ministries has been serving people in need by cooking them meals, offering housing, and more. Cherry Street Mission Ministries is committed to delivering solutions that will reverse the cycle of poverty for people in our communities, and Dave’s Turkey Chase helps fulfill that mission each Thanksgiving.

An inclusive lifestyle for all 

Dave’s Running Shop is the only locally owned and operated footwear store in Northwest Ohio, and was the first running shop in Ohio. Dave’s has been helping people get faster, go farther, and feel better since 1973. Dave’s serves the community’s performance, lifestyle, and running footwear needs from its Sylvania, Perrysburg, Findlay, and Delta locations, as well as online. The sole mission is to fit each individual for their lifestyle goals.

Don’t let the name fool you. Dave’s Running Shop provides performance footwear and orthotics for people of all ages and lifestyle preferences. You don’t have to be a runner to find the right shoe at Dave’s. In fact, many of Dave’s customers don’t run at all—but they keep coming back because they were treated right during their visit. As a family-owned business, three generations have facilitated an all-inclusive atmosphere and environment where everyone can feel welcomed and part of the family. People from around Northwest Ohio regularly take their first/ next step toward an active lifestyle in the right shoe by showing up to any of the free group gatherings or run/walk events Dave’s hosts throughout the year.

Happy memories for all

Dave’s Turkey Chase, presented by First Solar, provides families with the opportunity to bond in a healthy manner with a variety of activities for differing fitness levels. Participating in the event is also a way to give to a non-profit organization that is helping to make our community a better place. Join us in celebrating this and every Thanksgiving morning with a feel-good event that will create memories your family will cherish for a lifetime.

Don’t miss Dave’s races!

Runners, get ready to “take your mark” in these exciting community events sponsored by Dave’s Running Shop. For more information on the following events, including any associated costs/fees, please visit davesraces.com.

Hero Hustle 5K

Saturday, November 2, 2024, 9:00 a.m. (kids’ run at 8:30 a.m.) at the Dana World Headquarters Campus, 3939 Technology Dr., Maumee, Ohio. Solvita and Life Connection of Ohio are proud to present the 11th annual Hero Hustle 5K Run/Walk! The mission of the Hero Hustle 5K is to strengthen support, education, and recognition of organ, eye, and tissue donation in Northwest Ohio. A virtual run option is offered for those who would like to participate but cannot attend on race day.

Carpe Diem Epilepsy Run

Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Swan Creek Metropark, 4659 Airport Hwy., Toledo, Ohio. This is a 5k run and a 3k walk to benefit the Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio. Run participants will get a t-shirt, chip, and bracelet. The run starts at 8:30 a.m., and the walk will start at 9:00 a.m. Well-behaved, vaccinated, leashed dogs may attend. Responsibility for the animal and its behavior is the owners.

Churchill’s Half Marathon and 5K to End Hunger

Saturday, November 9-Saturday, November 16, 2024, 8:30 a.m. (5K to End Hunger at 9:00 a.m.). A scenic point-to-point course starting at Perrysburg High School. The course travels over rolling hills along the Maumee River, taking you through Perrysburg, Waterville, and Maumee to a finish at The Shops at Fallen Timbers.

The 5K to End Hunger will Start and finish at the Shops at Fallen Timbers. Run through the main street of the mall, then head over the Route 24 overpass to the Fallen Timbers Monument. The pedestrian bridge will take you back over Route 24 to the finish.

Virtual options are available for both events.

Phantom Fury 5K

Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:00 a.m. at 515 Sand Ridge Rd., Bowling Green, Ohio. The BGSU SVA and Task Force 20 will be putting on a fundraising 5k in remembrance of Operation Phantom Fury, often known as the Second Battle of Fallujah. The goal of this 5K is to raise funds for both organizations’ operations and to provide resources to veterans of the Bowling Green community. Veterans service organizations will be invited to have tables present at the start/finish.

After the PKs 5K Road and 10K Trail Run

Sunday, November 10, 2024, 2:00 p.m. (Kids Fun Run at 3:00 p.m.) at 12829 St. Rte. 613, Van Buren, Ohio. Both the 5k road and 10k trail race start and finish at the Van Buren Sports Complex. The 5k road race and 10k Trail Run through Van Buren State Park begin at 2:00 p.m. This is a true trail run—tree roots, mud, and all. This event supports and is put on by the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs at Van Buren High School including two scholarships and team support.

Knitz Greenhouse 5K

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 8:30 a.m. at 8961 Arquette Rd., Oregon, Ohio. Proceeds will go to the Jerusalem Township Food Pantry, a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that benefits the community. The 5k walk/run will start at the greenhouse and go around the block.

10th Annual Dave’s Turkey Chase 5K, presented by First Solar

Thursday, November 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. (One-Mile Walk at 9:05 a.m., Kids Turkey Chase at 8:30 a.m.) at WTOL 11, 730 N. Summit St., downtown Toledo, Ohio. The annual Dave’s Turkey Chase 5K, presented by First Solar is the ideal Thanksgiving Day family fun run/walk. With media sponsor WTOL 11 in downtown Toledo, the event also includes a one-mile walk, a kids run, and a virtual option—all to benefit Cherry Street Mission Ministries. The 5K event starts on Summit St. at WTOL 11, heads past 5/3 Field, onto Huron St., passing by the Huntington Center, and continues across Cherry St, then back onto Summit St. to the finish in front of WTOL studios. Bring canned goods and shoes to donate.

27th Annual Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28-Friday, November 29, 2024, 8:30 a.m. at Independence Dam State Park, 27722 State Route 424, Defiance, Ohio. Four-mile run or fun walk.