2023 Turkey Stampede 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk or 1 Mile Walk

We're thrilled to announce our 15th race, and we can't wait to have you join us for this exciting event. It's going to be a fantastic family day filled with fun and gratitude, as Thanksgiving is the perfect time to celebrate with your loved ones and show appreciation for all that we have. Mark your calendars for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, at 8:30 am. We'll be gathering at the Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center located at 200 East Jackson in Elkhart, IN. The 10K race kicks off first at 8:30 am, followed by the 5K at 8:35 am, and then the Mile Walk at 8:38 am. When you register, the pricing includes the timed race entry fee for both the 10K and 5K. Finisher medals are available for everyone who wants one, and we'll also provide post-race refreshments. If you'd like a custom shirt to commemorate the event, you have the option to purchase one for an additional $15. This race holds great significance as it's the biggest fundraiser for the Faith Mission homeless shelter. By participating, you're making a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of people who rely on the shelter for support. Together, we can help provide accommodations, clothing, training, and food to those in need. Join us in the morning to soak in the fresh air and get moving before you dive into your family festivities. Our goal is not to take up your entire morning but to give you an opportunity to be part of the community, get a bit of exercise, work up an appetite, and then continue with your plans. While you're here, we encourage you to look out for others who may not have a place to go on Thanksgiving and invite them to participate alongside you. Attention groups! If you have three or more people, you can register everyone at once. Simply create a group name and choose one person to pick up the packet containing bibs, shirts, and more. Please ensure you register by Friday, November 17, so we have enough time to organize the group bundles. For those unable to join us in person, we have a virtual option available. Even if you're out of town, you can still support the mission. We'll mail you your bib, finisher medal, and shirt. Just remember to provide the shipping address when you sign up. No need to worry about coming to packet pickup; we'll take care of everything and mail the items to you on the Monday before Thanksgiving Day. When it comes to registration and packet pickup, you have the convenience of online registration until race day. However, if you prefer to pay in cash or check, you can do so onsite. Just head over to the cash/paper line during packet pickup. Speaking of packet pickup, it will take place on Wednesday, November 22, from noon to 6 pm. You can find us at the Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center, specifically on the Commons side. On race day, Thursday, November 23, we'll be available from 7:00 am to 8:15 am at the same location. We encourage you to come early, pick up your packet, and get ready for the race. We're placing the shirt order on November 8. If you miss out on pre-ordering, don't worry. We'll have a limited number of shirts from previous races available for $15 on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, we have shirts from the 2022 race for only $5. Cash or check will be accepted for shirt purchases. Now, let's talk about race day! Thursday, November 23, will be a day filled with excitement and energy. Here's the schedule: - 7:00 am to 8:15 am: Registration and Packet Pickup - 8:15 am: Gather by the Start Line on Jackson at Clark - 8:20 am: Welcome and Prayer - 8:22 am: Course Comments and Instructions - 8:27 am: 10K lines up in the starting chute area on Jackson - 8:30 am: 10K race starts with a countdown on the Monster Message Trucks - 8:35 am: The 5K Turkey Rabbit is released with a 45-second head start - 8:36 am: 5K Runners start, followed by walkers (the countdown start will be on the Monster Message Machine) - 8:38 am: Mile Walk leads the way with Gobbles and Holly There won't be an official awards ceremony, as we want everyone to be able to leave and enjoy the rest of their day as quickly as possible. Each participant will receive a finisher medal, and if you missed out on one from last year, now's your chance to complete your collection as we have hundreds left. Additionally, we offer coveted turkey awards to the top three overall men and women who finish both the 5K and 10K races. Swing by the wagon near the timing trailer by the start finish line, and we'll take care of you! Want to know the results? Keep an eye on the Monster Message Jumbotron on race day, or you can find them posted online at EpicRaceTiming.com and Stone Soup Promotions. We're continuing the tradition of presenting the coveted gravy boat awards to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K races, along with gift cards and free entries into the 2024 race. Plus, we're offering $25 cash to the first male and female to "Catch the Turkey" (just to clarify, it's a person dressed up as a turkey, not a real one—honor system here). Parking will be available in the adjacent lots around Beacon Health & Aquatics. Look out for the huge lot near Hacienda, Civic Plaza, Innova Credit Union, NIBCO Water and Ice Park, and other small businesses close to the race start. The race will start and finish in front of the new parking lot on Jackson at Clark Street. It's a convenient and easily accessible location for everyone. So what's new in 2023? We've streamlined the registration process to make it even easier for you. If you sign up as a group, you can still pick up your packets at Group Registration. For individuals, we'll assign your number when you arrive to minimize any waiting. Remember, online registration will remain open until 8:00 am on Thanksgiving Day. If you didn't pre-register and still want a shirt, any extras will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2023 shirts will be $15, and the 2022 shirts will be $5. Please note that on race day, we can only accept cash or checks for shirt purchases. Checks should be made payable to Faith Mission of Elkhart. We can't wait to see you at our 15th race and celebrate Thanksgiving in a fun and active way. It's not just a race; it's an opportunity to make a difference and show support for the Faith Mission homeless shelter. Lace up your running shoes, gather your loved ones, and join us for a memorable day of togetherness, community, and gratitude. Sign up now and get ready to be part of something incredible! See you on race day! The Event Team