Faith Mission Turkey Stampede presented by Adams Remco, Inc.

Michiana's Thanksgiving Tradition is a community event to be shared with loved ones - family & friends. Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to spend together - a time of gratitude for all we have!

An event on Thanksgiving morning? What?

It's a great way to get some fresh air, "burn it forward" 不, and do something for others at the same time. Every dime raised through your entry fees goes right to Faith Mission of Michiana to help feed and house those in need as our sponsors cover the fixed cost of the event.

Be sure to ask around your work, friends, and people in your neighborhood - do they have something to do on Thanksgiving? Invite them to join you!

Distance Options

10k Run, 5k Run, 5k Walk You will begin on Jackson Street in Elkhart and run through the north end of town, then loop around through the historic neighborhood of Strong Avenue, with its wider streets and unique homes! We spread people out at the start so that you can go at your own pace and enjoy your morning.

The 10k runs most of the same 5K course, as well as an additional mile around the Strong Avenue neighborhood and a lap around McNaughton park, which includes one small hill, to make up the additional 3.1 miles.

1mile Walk This is a lovely walk around Island Park, which you reach by crossing a bridge over the river. The trees are turning and it makes for lovely photo ops.

Not a runner, that's ok!

You can bring the stroller or your dog with your coffee and get your steps in with your house guests before the days festivities!

Reminders for 2026:

FOUR, yes four, different locations to pick up your packets so that you can avoid lines on Thanksgiving morning!

We encourage people to pick up for their friends and family! Finisher medals for all participants on Jackson just past the finish line

If you didn't get one last year, you can pick up during registration this year!

To keep event pricing down, the shirts are optional and an additional $15.

Race Day

Join your community for Michiana's Thanksgiving Tradition - bring your dog, your friends, and your family to do something good for others. Fresh air and exercise help you earn your second slice of pie!

If you have your bib, you can go directly to your starting corral by 8:10am on race day. Corrals are based on the event you’re participating in - see below.

⌚ FIND your corral by 8:10am on race day

Race Day Schedule

7:00am - Doors open to Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center for packet pickup

8:10am - Gather in your corral along Jackson 8:10am - 10k Runners line up in 1st corral on Jackson

8:10am - 5k Runners line up in 2nd corral on Jackson

8:10am - 5k Walkers line up in 3rd corral on Jackson

8:10am - 1mile Walkers line up in 4th corral on Jackson

8:10am - Welcome to Elkhart, Mayor Rod Roberson

8:20am - Faith Mission Welcome and Prayer

8:25am - Mandatory Race Safety Comments and Instructions

8:30am - 10k Run starts (Watch Monster Message for race countdown) 8:34am - Turkey Rabbit is released with a 45 second head start

8:35am - 5k Run starts (Watch Monster Message for race countdown)

8:40am - 5k Walk starts (Watch Monster Message for race countdown)

8:45am - 1mile Walk starts, lead by Gobbles the Turkey (Watch Monster Message for race countdown)

10:30am - Course is closed 旅旅 HAPPY THANKSGIVING 旅旅

Port-a-johns are available on Jackson by the starting corrals to make it more convenient for you to go directly to your corral and cut down on wait times.

Water and refreshments are served at the finish line of the event.

Finisher medal - everyone receives a finisher medal - medals will be on display for pickup at the finish of the race.

Awards ceremony - there is no official awards ceremony, we know people want to leave and get back to their holiday festivities asap. Finishing times for the running participants will be posted on the Monster Message Board as soon as you cross and pushed to the results page.

We do offer the coveted turkey awards for the top three overall men and women that finish the 5K and 10K. Come to the timing trailer by the finish line, and we will take care of you!

Additionally, we offer $25 cash to the first male and female to "Catch the Turkey! "(Not a real turkey, a volunteer named Francis Disori is dressed up as a turkey--honor system here- so first female and male to pass him win).

Results will be on the Monster Message Jumbotron and posted immediately online at turkeystampede.com/results.

FAQ

Costumes? Yes, please we encourage costumes, hats, and celebratory elements at the event.

Strollers? Strollers are allowed on the course. Be aware of those around you.

Please start with people at your pace

Dogs? We love dogs! Dogs are allowed on the course, collars and leash are required.

Pick up after your dog - we all thank you!!

Up-to-date on their shots

Trained dogs who are comfortable in crowds (not a puppy training event)

Your dog is trained for the distance

Please consider safety for your very small dog! This is a very large crowd!

Lead lines need to not impede other runners

Help us follow these guidelines so that we can continue to allow dogs at the event

Let's have fun!! 瑩