Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash 2026 Early Bird

24th annual Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash co-presented by Huntington Bank and Lucas Oil!

Thanksgiving morning run/walk to help those experiencing homelessness
9:00AM Start Time in Broad Ripple (Indianapolis, IN)
All proceeds provide programs and services for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in our community.

Move your feet so others can eat!®

Courses:
4.3 mile "Full Gobbler" course
2.6 mile "Mini Gobbler" course, sponsored by Barnes & Thornburg
Virtual "OuttaTownDashAround" option

You can choose from the following parking options:

• Neighborhood streets
• Behind Broad Ripple High School
• Local parking garages

There are NO shuttles from Glendale Town Center or Park Tudor School for 2020.

Be sure to arrive early enough to give yourself time to park and get to the start line on time.

Click here to see the 2019 Outta Town Dash Around photo submissions!

Virtual race for those who can’t be in Broad Ripple on Thanksgiving morning!

Sponsored by



Help Wheeler Mission even if you’re not in Indy for Thanksgiving! Register for the Outta Town Dash Around, and we’ll mail you your shirt at no extra charge. Great for vacations, neighborhood runs, churches, and traveling families.

• Your virtual registration includes a race shirt, downloadable bib, access to the Drumstick Dash Virtual Goody Bag, and access to the 2020 Drumstick Dash Virtual Expo Event. Entry to the race is not included.
• Shirts will be mailed starting mid-October
• Take your shirt with you and run where you are while supporting the homeless and needy Wheeler Mission serves.
  

*Outta Town Dash Around registration does not include entry to the race. Registration for the Outta Town Dash Around closes November 25, 2020. (Shirts not guaranteed to arrive by Thanksgiving if registering after November 15th.)

Contest!

Here are our #OuttaTownDashAround winners!

1st place was from Mount Juliet, TN (162 likes)
2nd place was from Wellington, KY (117 likes)
3rd place was from Iceland (105 likes)

This has been announced on our FB page and the winners have been contacted about their prizes.

Invite your friends and family!
Register four or more adults at full price from one account, and each entry will receive a *$5 discount!
*Not available with other discounts. Some restrictions may apply.

4.6 Mile and 2.75 Mile Run/Walk
Rate: $39
Children’s Rate (ages 8-12): $34
Children (ages 0-7): Free

#outtatowndasharound Virtual Race
Rate: $39
Children's Rate (ages 8-12): $34
Children (ages 0-7): Free

Registration Cut-off Dates
Now – November 14: Shirts mailed to arrive by Thanksgiving (no guarantee if out of country)
November 15 – November 25: Choice of mailed shirts with no guarantee of arriving by Thanksgiving

November 16, 2020

We are currently moving forward with a live Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving Day, operating under a risk mitigation plan approved by the Marion County Health Department. Of the many safety factors taken, the most significant is the reduction of participants. We will operate this year’s Drumstick Dash at 20% capacity or less.  See below for more details.

October 22, 2020

THE RACE IS ON! JOIN US!

TWO ROLLING START TIMES! 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM

Don't delay! Each start time is LIMITED TO 3,000 PARTICIPANTS! 

A VIRTUAL OPTION is also available!


Don't miss out on our GREAT shirt! Limited quantities available.

NEW 4.6 MILE Full Gobbler COURSE!

Questions? Visit our website - DrumstickDash.org - or email us at info@drumstickdash.org.

REGISTER TODAY BEFORE SPOTS ARE GONE!

September 2, 2020

The MARION COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT COVID-19 RISK MITIGATION EVENT PLAN form has been submitted to the MCPHD. While we wait word, we are moving forward with plans to have a modified in-person event. Our virtual option is also available. See July 29th post for more information on our modified plan. [UPDATE: The health department approved our risk mitigation plan and we are currently moving forward with a live Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving Day - as well as a virtual option.}

July 29, 2020

To our incredible Dash community:

We are so looking forward to our 18th annual Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning!

The COVID-19 pandemic has left our neighbors experiencing homelessness all the more vulnerable. In the midst of this crisis, Wheeler Mission has remained faithful in providing the shelter, food, and critical services they desperately need. To ensure Wheeler Mission has the resources it requires to extend help and hope to men, women, and children, it has never before been more important for us to lace up our shoes on Thanksgiving morning!

That being said, the safety and health of our participants is of the utmost importance. We have made several adjustments to this year’s Drumstick Dash, and we’re so excited to share what we have planned. 

PLEASE NOTE: As the COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid and ever-changing situation, our plans remain contingent on all guidelines provided by the State, County, and Health Department.

While our event may look different, our fun, festive, quirky Thanksgiving race will still deliver the cheer, smiles, and holiday exercise you have enjoyed in the past! The most up to date race-day information can be found here on our website, but here is where things stand today!

EXPO & PACKET PICKUP

• NO in-person expo or packet pickup.
• YES -  a live, interactive virtual expo (more details to come!).
• Drumstick Dash will mail each participant’s packet for FREE ($14.95 savings), beginning mid-October.
  • Those who already paid for shipping will be refunded the entire shipping cost.
• Registration price will increase to $39 on August 1st, but there will be no more price increases.
  

RACE DAY
Modified Start Line:

• Same start area from Indianola to Compton
• 2 thirty-minute “rolling start” waves - 8am & 10am
  • Limited to 3,000 each wave
  • Approximately 12.5 square feet per person if everyone showed up at the same time
• Choose start time during registration
  • Those who are already registered will be emailed instructions on how to go back and choose
• Masks worn at start line

Modified Finish Line:

• OPTIONAL RaceJoy tracking app
  • Participants can time themselves
  • Friends/family can track progress & send cheers
• NO traditional food court
  • Pre-packaged items – grab one bag of goodies
• YES - masks worn in finish area

Other:

• NO water stations
  • BYO water if needed
• NO start-line concert
• YES start and finish line music/emcee
• YES first-aid stations
• YES course entertainment 
  
  • DJs
  • Selfie stations
  • Course Fun Patrol

*ALWAYS SOCIAL DISTANCING*

IMPROVED VIRTUAL OPTION:

• More engaging and interactive
• RaceJoy Anywhere App 
  
  • Tracks where you run and your mileage
  • Submits your time when you finish
  • Friends & Family can track and send cheers
• More inclusive with the in-person event 
  
  • Prizes
  • Social media engagement
• If we must cancel the in-person Drumstick Dash, every participant will be changed over to virtual. Participants who don't wish to Dash virtually can instead choose to donate their registration cost to Wheeler Mission. The Drumstick Dash is Wheeler Mission’s largest annual fundraiser—we are so grateful for your generosity and participation during this time!

Steve Kerr, Wheeler Mission’s Executive VP of Advancement and Drumstick Dash founder, explains how these changes came about and why this event is so important to our community. 

"While the safety of our participants is our number one concern, we looked at a number of scenarios for a live Drumstick Dash and feel this plan offers both a safe, outdoor environment and a fun opportunity to gather together to celebrate family on Thanksgiving and help those experiencing homelessness in our community"

We are so excited to host you for a SAFE, FUN, and FESTIVE Thanksgiving morning race! Thank you for standing with us and get ready to lace up and “Move your feet so others can eat!®”

Sincerely,

Tammy Ellis
Director of Special Events
Wheeler Mission

May 13, 2020

The Drumstick Dash team and Wheeler Mission staff pray you are staying safe, well, and encouraged in this challenging season. In light of the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we are closely following and adhering to the guidance of the State of Indiana, the City of Indianapolis, the Marion County Board of Health, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

At this point in time, we eagerly anticipate the 18th annual Drumstick Dash, and plan to see you in person on Thanksgiving morning! The COVID-19 pandemic has made our neighbors experiencing homelessness all the more vulnerable, and it has never been more important to “Move your feet so others can eat!®” Wheeler Mission and the men, women, and children in its care are counting on you to lace up your shoes this Thanksgiving.

In the meantime, we are thoughtfully and carefully considering various options to ensure the health and safety of all participants, volunteers, and staff. This is our top priority. While adjustments to our race and expo may be necessary, we are doing our best to ensure that this year’s Drumstick Dash will still be the fun, quirky, festive, and beloved tradition you and your family and friends have enjoyed in the past!

What can you do right now?

Register! This event is owned and operated by Wheeler Mission, so 100% of the funds raised directly support men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. “But what if we are not able to gather on Thanksgiving morning?”, you may be wondering. We have options!

1.       Transfer your registration to our Virtual Race and run wherever you are!
2.       Donate the cost of your registration.

Wheeler relies on the Drumstick Dash, as it is a significant portion of our critical operating funds each year. Will you show your support and care for your neighbors by registering NOW?!

Dashers, this season has been all things weird, surprising, scary, and just plain hard. But let’s stand together as a force for good for our neighbors in desperate need. This Thanksgiving, we know you’ll be ready to “Move your feet so others can eat!®”

With gratitude,

Tammy Ellis
Director of Special Events
Wheeler Mission

Engage with an estimated 20,000 participants in one of the top 3 largest running events in Indiana. 100% of sponsorships provide food, shelter, and care for the men, women, and children at Wheeler Mission.

Sponsorship Benefits:

• Entertain clients, coworkers, or associates with complementary race registrations!
• Enjoy comfortable amenities with reserved VIP parking and hospitality at the event!
• Associate your company with this important cause through the event’s popular advertising (shirts, brochures, banners, jumbotrons, Expo booth space, and much more!)!

100% of the sponsorships provide food, shelter, and care for the men, women, and children experiencing homelessness at Wheeler Mission.

Click here to submit a sponsorship inquiry today!

For more information, call Brian Crispin at 317-635-3575 or Submit a Sponsorship Inquiry.

For more information, email sponsorships@wheelermission.org

The Drumstick Dash is owned and operated by Wheeler Mission and 100% of the event proceeds support programs and services to our neighbors experiencing homelessness, hunger, and addiction. Wheeler relies on the income from this event, therefore, refunds are not available.

You can, however, transfer your registration to our Virtual Race and run wherever you are (email us at info@wheelermission.org to do so) AND you'll receive the cool race shirt in the mail!

In the event that our in-person race must be cancelled, all registrations will automatically be moved to our Virtual Race.

Both courses finish along Broad Ripple Ave!

The main course distance is 4.3 miles (sponsored by Lucas Oil). There is a short course (sponsored by Barnes & Thornburg) opportunity of 2.6 miles. Both events are timed. The course is fairly flat with one water station.

Check out our Course Map!

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are a wonderful way to support and encourage Drumstick Dash participants while benefiting Wheeler Mission. Not only will you encourage your Dasher by giving, but you’ll also make a tremendous impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness in our community. Grants made to Wheeler Mission through DAFs will be used “where most needed” to help provide nourishing meals, safe shelter, and other essential care to their guests in need.

Clients of some of the largest Donor Advised Funds can easily make a designation by conveniently clicking on the box of their Fund below. If your DAF is not listed, please connect with them directly to get the process started.

When making your gift, please indicate Drumstick Dash and the name of the person fundraising who you are supporting in the designation, and your gift will be credited to his or her personal fundraising page once Wheeler receives the check. You may also need to include Wheeler Mission’s Federal Tax I.D. Number: 35-0888771.

For more information, please contact Jeff Boxell, Wheeler Mission's Senior Director of Donor Relations, at 317.635.3575 or JeffBoxell@wheelermission.org. 

THANK YOU for your generous gift during this exceptional time to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness!

To download, right click on (if on a computer) or press and hold (if on a phone) the image you would like to use.

You can then save and/or share the image.

Join us this Thanksgiving in Broad Ripple for the 23rd annual Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash presented by Huntington Bank!

All proceeds provide meals and care for homeless men, women, and children in our community.

Thanksgiving Morning / Broad Ripple, IN
Thursday – November 27th, 2025
9AM Start Time – 4.3 Mile and 2.6 Mile

 Race begins on Broad Ripple Ave. in front of Broad Ripple Park.
1426 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220

If you are walking the race, please be courteous to the runners and line up towards the back.

Please be courteous to the Broad Ripple neighborhoods and residents.

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please no pets or skates.

2020 Expo + Packet Mailing

NO IN-PERSON EXPO OR PACKET PICK-UP FOR 2020.

A live, interactive, virtual expo available to all participants (more details to come!)

Drumstick Dash will mail each participant’s packet for FREE ($14.95 savings), beginning mid-October.

Bib Numbers

All participants registered for the in-person race on Thanksgiving morning will have their bib number mailed to them with their race shirt!

Pre-race FAQ

When and where does the race start?
The race has two “rolling start” waves at 8:00AM and 10:00AM east of Broad Ripple High School on Broad Ripple Ave. and heads east.

How do I start a Fundraiser for Wheeler Mission?
At the end of your Drumstick Dash registration, you will be given a link to your own fundraising page. This will also be sent to you in a confirmation email. Send the link to your family and friends, asking them to support Wheeler Mission. Anyone who raises at least $250 qualifies for a race refund down to one penny!

Race Day FAQ

I forgot to bring my bib – what do I do?
Go to the Command Center (white tent next to Einstein Bros. Bagels) and get a new tag.

What if my bib doesn’t arrive before the race?
We are doing our best to get everyone's packets in the mail by Monday, November 23rd. If for some reason you don't get your packet before Thanksgiving, please go to the Support Hub located in the big white tent in the parking lot near the finish line (next to Einstein Bagels on Compton and Broad Ripple Avenue) and they will assign you a new bib number.

Where is the Start Line?
East of Broad Ripple High School on Broad Ripple Ave.

Are strollers allowed?
Yes

Are dogs or other pets allowed?
For the safety of your pet and other participants, NO pets are allowed

What if I need to report a lost child or if a lost child is found?
Accompany child or person reporting lost child to Command Center (white tent next to Einstein Bros. Bagels). A ‘Lost Persons Form’ will be filled out, staff with radio will be contacted along with IMPD.
An ‘Incident Report Form’ will also be available at the Command Center for anything significant that Event Staff or IMPD need to know about.

Where are the restrooms?
Portables are outside behind Einstein’s Bagels, all around Broad Ripple High School, and near the Start Line as well as on Keystone Ave. There are no indoor restrooms.

Is there Gear Check available to store belongings?
There is no Gear Check in 2020.

Where do I go to pick-up my packet?
All packets will be mailed to participants for 2020.

Where is the Finish Line?
For both the long and short courses, it is located near Sun King on Broad Ripple Ave.

Is there a lost and found?
Yes, go to the Command Center white tent next to Einstein Bros. Bagels.

If someone is in need of First Aid, where do they go?
For minor issues, send them to the First Aid Tent near the Finish Line. For major issues, call 911.

Are there prizes for the run?
Not for age divisions, but there will be prizes for the top ten male & top ten female finishers.

Where do I take canned goods to donate to Wheeler Mission?
You can drop them off at the Support Hub in the big white tent next to Einstein's Bagels.

Where can I recycle my water bottle?
Look for recycle boxes right next to the trash boxes in the Food Court Party Area.

Where can I park?
• Neighborhood streets
• Behind Broad Ripple High School
• Local parking garages and lots

What time do roads close and reopen on Thanksgiving morning?
At 7AM on Broad Ripple Ave., between College & Keystone. 8AM from Keystone around to Kessler Blvd. As the race proceeds, more streets will close. Once the last walker crosses the Start Line, a police car will follow them and all roads will slowly but open back up. All roads should be open along course by 1:00PM.

How can I volunteer at Wheeler Mission?
Go to the Wheeler Mission tent in the Food Court Party Area and someone there will be able to help you (tent is black with large, white Wheeler logo). Or visit WheelerVolunteer.org.

How do I know when my turkey is done?
According to the Department of Agriculture, scientific research indicates that food borne pathogens and viruses, such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and the avian influenza virus, are destroyed when poultry is cooked to an internal temperature of 165^o F. The Food Safety and Inspection Service recommend the use of a food thermometer to monitor internal temperature. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook turkey to higher temperatures.

1. Go to drumstickdash.org
2. Click "Register!" in the menu (this will take you to the Drumstick Dash RunSignup page)
3. Click on the circle icon in the top right corner. A menu will drop down.
4. Click on "Profile"
5. Find Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash 2020 under the "Upcoming Events" tab
6. Select "Manage Registration"
7. Click "Questions" in the menu
8. Select which rolling start time you would like to choose (3000 spots available per start time, first come first serve)
9. Scroll down and select "Update Registration"

Largest Team Contest

Register as a team for the Drumstick Dash!

Team categories are: Corporate, Schools and Clubs, Friends and Family.

Contest deadline is Monday, November 23, 2020 at 9AM.

Final 2019 Top 10 Largest Teams:
1. Allison Transmission: 424 (Corporate Division WINNER)
2. Tiger Running Club: 246 (Clubs and Schools Division WINNER)
3. FC Tucker Company: 149
4. TEAM Orange Theory Fitness: 126
5. Friends & Family Forever!: 105 (Friends and Family Division WINNER)
6. Huntington Bank: 100
7. Shepherd Insurance Flock: 75
8. Firefighters On A Mission: 65
9. HATCH for Hunger : 57

*Notes an Official Sponsor

Family or friends coming in this holiday season?

Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Keystone is offering special discounted rates around Thanksgiving just for you!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW!

You can also call the hotel at 317-843-0064 or 1-888-HYATT-HP (492-8847).

Use the code G-OTDD in order to receive the special rate!

Official Pace Car

Thank you to sponsor, Freelance Graphics for the professional wrap on this year’s official
Ray Skillman Pace Car.

Look for this around town leading up to Thanksgiving morning!

Email us at info@drumstickdash.org

Start Line + Finish Line Updates

Start Line

In order to accommodate social distancing, there will be two 30-minute rolling starts at 8AM and 10AM.

•  Each time frame is limited to 3,000 participants on a “first to choose” basis
•  This will allow for approximately 12.5 square feet per person if all 3,000 people are in the start line area at the same time
•  Participants can choose a start time during registration
•  Masks are required in the Start Line area

Finish Line

•  Official race timing for everyone
(Optional: RaceJoy tracking app! Participants can time themselves and friends/family can track progress and send cheers)
•  Masks are required in the Finish Line area

Refreshments

There will be NO water stations located on the course in 2020. Please bring your own water to the race.

Food items and refreshments from Starbucks, Kroger, and Frito Lay will be available as pre-packaged items just past the finish line.

Gear Check

No Gear Check available for 2020.

MHS Lil' Gobbler's Run

No MHS Lil’ Gobbler’s Run in 2020. Kids medals will be mailed with packets (while supplies last).

Awards

• Largest team
• Top fundraiser
• Top ten male finishers [4.6 mile]
• Top ten female finishers [4.6 mile]

Top finisher prizes provided by Athletic Annex.

Course Entertainment Application

Become a referrer!

Looking for a way to reduce the cost of your registration? This is for you! Here's how it works: Once registered for the event, you will automatically be supplied with a unique referral code that will credit you as the referrer any time a user registers as a result of your referral. Here's how it works:

When the 5th person registers using your referral code, $10 will be refunded from your registration cost, not to exceed the cost of your registration (fees, donations, store purchases, coupon codes, and add-ons do not qualify for refund).

Note: Each registered person has their own unique referral code. 

Locating Your Personal Referral Code

There are three main locations you can find your referral code

1. Within your Confirmation Email
2. Within your RunSignup Profile
3. Within the confirmation page following Registration

Locating Your Referral Code From Your Confirmation Email

Within your confirmation email, you will be able to find your referral code/link. 

 
Locating Your Referral Code From Your RunSignup Profile

From your RunSignup profile, you can access your referral code by scrolling down to the bottom of your profile and selecting My Referrals under the Runner Links section. If you have registered for multiple races that have setup referral tracking, you will be able to see all of your referral codes from here.

Be sure to share the link with your referral code in it with family and friends who may be interested in joining you (ex: including the link in a Facebook status, a tweet on Twitter, a blog posting, a monthly newsletter, on the side of blimp, etc.). And since we have the #outtatowndasharound virtual option, people from all across the country (or the world!) can participate, all while supporting a great cause!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@DrumstickDash.org.

Want to reduce your registration down to a penny? Go the extra mile and become a fundraiser! Each person who raises a minimum of $250 has the option of getting their registration reduced down to a penny in our "Run for a Penny!" incentive program.

If you qualify for our “Run for a Penny” program, simply email us at info@drumstickdash.org to refund your race entry down to a penny,

Visit our virtual expo to interact with sponsors and vendors, check out our Live Video Lineup, and have the first opportunity to register for the 2021 Drumstick Dash at our lowest rate!

10:00 - 10:30AM
Welcome to the 2020 Drumstick Dash
Panel discussion with Rick Alvis (Wheeler Mission) Steve Kerr (Wheeler Mission) & John Corbin (Huntington Bank - Presenting Sponsor)

12:00 - 1:00PM
Local celebrities discuss the Drumstick Dash

1:00 - 2:00PM
Jake Query interviewing Wheeler Mission program participants

2:00 - 3:00PM
2020 event discussion with Dave Calabro (WTHR) and Steve Kerr (Wheeler Mission)
Sponsored by Kroger (Recognize)

5:00 - 6:00PM
Wheeler Mission Event Staff Team Discussion

6:00 - 7:00PM
Wheeler Mission Ambassador Discussion

7:00 - 8:00PM
Panel discussion about how the Drumstick Dash began
With Bob Kennedy (former Olympian, owner of Athletic Annex), Don Carr (Tuxedo Brothers), Steve Kerr (Wheeler Mission), and Tammy Ellis (Wheeler Mission)

Experience the entire 4.6-mile course with this stunning 360 degree video! Watch from your PC, phone Youtube app, or for the best experience, use a VR headset to feel like you’re right inside the crowd!

Here are some key points you’ll want to check out:

:10 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Start Line Fun!
1:20 Running under the American flag (look up!)
1:40 🦃 Passing DASH, the Official Mascot (look left)
7:10 🎼 WJJK Fun Zone
10:00 👨‍🚒👩‍🚒 Pass Firefighters on a Mission on Kessler Blvd. (look right)
13:10 💧 📸 Christ the King Water Station and Fun Zone
14:30 🎼 K-LOVE/Northminster Church Fun Zone
25:00 💧 📸 Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling Water Station and Fun Zone
29:30 🎼 WFMS Fun Zone
36:00 🎼 GEICO Fun Zone
37:20 🎼 Studio 77 DJ Fun Zone and final turn
39:30 😀🏆 Finish line!