This year’s 18th Annual Turkey Trot has been converted to a virtual event in compliance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) new emergency order that enacts a three-week pause targeting indoor and social gatherings and other group activities in an effort to curb rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates.

The order allows parks and outdoor recreation to continue, but the Dork Brother Racing Team and the United Way of Northeast Michigan decided against gathering a large number of participants for the race.

Instead, the Turkey Trot will be a virtual 5K that begins on Nov. 23 and ends Nov. 28.

Runners can register themselves or their families by completing a registration form. The forms are available on the Dork Brothers Racing Team Facebook page, the United Way of Northeast Michigan Facebook page, the United Way office or at the Chamber of Commerce.

Online registration and payment can be made at unitedwaynemi.org. Fees are: $15 student/$20 Adult/$40 Family.

Participants can complete the race at their convenience between Nov. 23-28. Participants can complete the race wherever they want, but are encouraged to submit their times to uwnemi@unitedwaynemi.org. For those who complete the race outside, participants are encouraged to use social distancing practices.

The first 100 top finishers will receive a finisher’s placed medal. T-shirts are available and will be mailed to those registrant who purchase one.

Complete results will be posted the week of November 30.

If you have questions contact the United Way of Northeast Michigan office at (989) 354-2221.