Faith Mission Turkey Stampede is a running and walking event in Elkhart, Indiana, offering 1-mile, 5K, and 10K distances. Held on November 26, 2026, the race starts at 8:30 AM from 220 E Jackson Boulevard. Entry fees range from $14 to $25 depending on distance and registration timing. Whether you're looking for a short warm-up mile, a standard 5K effort, or a 10K challenge, this Thanksgiving-season race provides options for different fitness levels. The relatively affordable entry price makes it accessible for runners and walkers seeking a local event before or after the holiday.
From the Race Organizer
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" 🥧, 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. Packet Pick up & Registration Pick up your race packet before race day - avoid the lines on race morning! Four options this year so that can you can sleep in on race day. You don't have to let us know which location, you can go to any location! We are literally hauling everything around to make it easy for you! SOUTH BEND - Sunday, November 22 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at Howard Park Event Center, 216 St Louis GOSHEN - Monday, November 23 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Goshen Brewing Company , 315 W Washington MISHAWAKA - Tuesday, November 24 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Fleet Feet Mishawaka , 3522 Grape Road ELKHART - Wednesday, November 25 from 12:00pm - 6:00pm at Elkhart Health & Aquatics , 200 East Jackson ELKHART Race Day- (last minute - expect a long line) Thursday, November 26 from 6:45 am - 8:15am at Elkhart Health & Aquatics, 200 East Jackson *Shirts will be ordered on November 5, 2026. Of course, we order extra, but we encourage people to sign up sooner rather than later. If you can select a size, it is available for you! *Group Registration ends Friday, November 13 at midnight - Groups with three or more people, create a group name and pick up all the packets in one fell swoop at GROUP pick up. Our team will pull the bibs and put them together under your group name, along with any shirts you may have ordered. Note: RunSignUp does not flag you as a group unless you create a group name, so just registering 10 people does not create a group automatically. 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 🦃🦃 HAPPY THANKSGIVING 🦃🦃 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 fini
