04 Jan Wheeler Mission hosts 21st annual Drumstick Dash on November 23rd
Thousands will start the holiday by moving their feet so others can eat!
INDIANAPOLIS – Wheeler Mission is pleased to present its 21st annual Drumstick Dash on Thursday, Nov. 23rd, Thanksgiving morning. Starting at 9 a.m. in Broad Ripple, thousands are anticipated to gather for the annual Thanksgiving tradition supporting those experiencing homelessness in Indiana.
Over the last two decades, more than 242,000 people have participated in this family-friendly event, raising millions of dollars for Wheeler Mission.
All proceeds will help provide food, shelter and care for men, women and children experiencing homelessness in central and south-central Indiana.
“The Drumstick Dash is a great way for friends and families to join together on Thanksgiving morning to help others in a fun and creative way,” said Wheeler Mission senior director of community relations and development, Brian Crispin. “We love how this has become a tradition in central Indiana, but more importantly our guests at Wheeler Mission are given inspiration and hope as they see how the community rallies around them in their greatest time of need.”
Since its inaugural race in 2003, Indianapolis’ Drumstick Dash has grown to become one of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in the nation and among the top three largest run/walk events in Indiana.
The Drumstick Dash will offer two courses, 4.3 miles and 2.6 miles, both beginning at 9 a.m. A virtual option will also be available for those attending from out of town.
The free Lil’ Gobbler’s Run for kids ages 12 and under begins at 10:15 a.m.
Race begins on Broad Ripple Avenue, near Broad Ripple Park. Pre- and post-race parties will be held at Broad Ripple Station shopping center parking lot (1055 Broad Ripple Ave.) Local cover band Dream Slice! will provide a pre-race concert as walkers and runners prepare.
The 4.3-mile, 2.6-mile and virtual races are $42 for adults and $37 for children ages eight – twelve. Children ages seven and under can participate in either race for free. Registration prices will increase on Wednesday, Nov. 22nd.
The Race Expo + Packet Pickup will be in the Harvest Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairground and Event Center. Participants may choose to pick up their race day packet on Wednesday, Nov. 22nd, 9:00am-6:00pm or for an additional $5, Thursday, Nov. 23rd (race day).
Race officials are advising interested participants to sign up now, emphasizing that there will be no race day registration.
Participants should arrive early to allow ample time for parking.
Parking Options:
- Neighborhood streets
- Local parking garages
Limited parking is available at the following Shuttle Bus locations:
- Park Tudor Lower Parking Lot (7200 N College Ave.)
- Southern end of Meijer parking lot (5550 N Keystone Ave.)
- Bishop Chatard High School (5885 N Crittenden Ave.)
- Christ the King Catholic School (5858 Crittenden Ave.)
For more information, please visit drumstickdash.org.
About Wheeler Mission
Founded in 1893, Wheeler Mission has been serving the Indianapolis community through a variety of programs for the most disadvantaged citizens – the poor and people experiencing homelessness. Funding for these programs has always come from the private sector as Wheeler does not receive government funds.
Day-of media contact
Brian Crispin
Senior Director, Community Relations & Development