ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — We’re one week away from this year’s Drumstick Dash, the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s biggest fundraiser of the year. As organizers countdown to the big day, we’re giving you a sneak peek at some of the things they have in store for participants.
The color and design of the t-shirts for this year’s drumstick dash are a bit different from last year. Event manager, Kevin Berry says it was made with participants in mind.
“The design for the dash shirt this year is an outline of the state of Virginia in an orange color with the iconic drumstick dash cartoon turkey running across the state,” said Berry. “Many of our participants are from Virginia or are visiting family in Virginia, and this is just a great way to memorialize and also recognize the beautiful state that this is in.”
Runners will also receive a medal will the Drumstick Dash logo and dog tags for runners who may have a furry friend. Before and on the day of the race, Berry says they will have some specially made socks on sale as well.
“It has Drumstick Dash on the ankle bend right there. At the top of the feet, this is my favorite part, says ‘So others can eat’,” Berry told WFXR News.
That of course is a homage to the slogan “Move your feet, so others can eat.” The money raised from the Thanksgiving Day 5k will go toward programs at the Roanoke Rescue Mission to help feed the hungry, house the homeless, and help those struggling with addiction.
Berry says he hopes people will be able to look back years from now and be proud of their participation.
“It shows that you’re part of the community that supports people when they’re hurting. The drumstick dash the purpose of it — while it’s fun, it’s great to do on Thanksgiving morning, it’s a family tradition, the real purpose of it is to provide support for those hurting in our community and this is a way to show it off that’s your way to say I’m helping, I’m making a difference in our community,” said Berry.
The event manager says participants can start picking up their race day packets starting on Saturday, Nov. 18. Participants can come to pick them up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you can’t make it, don’t worry. Dashers can pick up packets Monday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bags will also be available come race day.
