The Rescue Mission of Roanoke Drumstick Dash

The Rescue Mission of Roanoke Drumstick Dash is a Thanksgiving morning run and walk in Roanoke, Virginia, on November 26, 2026. Both the 5K run and the 5K walk start at 9:00 a.m. The event benefits the Rescue Mission of Roanoke's food services, which provide roughly 200,000 meals a year to adults and children working their way out of poverty. It is widely recognized for its community impact, raising both awareness and funds for people in need.

The Drumstick Dash welcomes everyone from elite runners to those who simply want an easy stroll, so you can approach it as a race or as a family outing. The road 5K is a natural fit for a first race, a holiday tradition with relatives, or a final fast effort of the year. If you plan to run hard, four to eight weeks of steady training with one weekly faster session will pay off; if you are walking, just show up rested and ready to enjoy the morning.