For Wiebke S., this year’s YMCA of Greater Michiana Thanksgiving Day Run is more than just a race — it’s a tradition that spans continents and holds a special place in her heart.
Now living in Germany, Wiebke will take part in the run’s virtual option this November. But her connection to Niles, Michigan, runs deep. She lived there for nine years, first arriving as a Brandywine High School exchange student and later returning to the U.S. for college. “Niles is a big part of me,” she says. “I love remembering my time there.”
Last year, she and her husband — a big fan of American football — traveled back to Niles with close friends to visit and take part in the Thanksgiving Day Run for the first time. “I’d always thought about doing it, but never signed up before,” Wiebke shared. “This time, it felt right — and it was so much fun! The energy, the shirts, and being part of it all made it special.” The experience quickly became a tradition. This year, she’ll be joined virtually by a friend and her husband, and they’ll celebrate afterward with a Thanksgiving-style meal — but with ham instead of turkey.
While Wiebke never considered herself a runner, she’s always been active. During her years in Niles, she worked out almost every day at the YMCA, starting with 5 a.m. spin classes and gradually adding more activities. “It built a real sense of community,” she said. “You’d see the same staff and members, and it was never about how you looked or if you had the coolest workout clothes — it was about feeling welcome.”
That sense of belonging helped her maintain her mental health while balancing her studies at Lake Michigan College and later at Siena Heights University, where she majored in business administration with a focus on marketing. After a year, she felt it was the right time to return home to Germany — but the friendships, memories, and traditions she built in Niles continue to inspire her.
Whether in Michigan or halfway around the world, Wiebke proves that the spirit of the YMCA and the joy of the Thanksgiving Day Run can be celebrated anywhere.
