Thankful 4... 5K and Fun Run 2026

The Thankful 4... 5K and Fun Run is a Thanksgiving morning race series. Its original four-mile run is based at NorthWood High School in Nappanee, Indiana, starting at 8:00 AM. This flagship event has drawn crowds of nearly 1,000 runners. A Colorado edition also runs at 8:00 AM from Golden High School in Golden, Colorado, attracting local friends and families annually. The series originated as I’m Thankful Four and evolved into a Thanksgiving gathering honoring Kelsey Mikel after her passing in a car accident. All event proceeds support the Kelsey Mikel Memorial Foundation, which grants scholarships to high school students. The foundation has awarded 39 scholarships totaling over $111,000, making the race a holiday run and a fundraiser with a distinct local mission.