6,000 turn out for
Drumstick Run

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Many people spend Thanksgiving morning preparing meals to feed family and friends. But for several thousand people got up early to run and help the homeless in Indianapolis.

Thousands of people braved the chilly morning air and laced up their running shoes for a four-mile run around Broad Ripple.

"Biggest turn out ever." said Steve Kerr from the Wheeler Mission.

"This one is unique because it's on Thanksgiving," said Doug Cox.

Proceeds from this Sixth Annual Drumstick Dash go to Wheeler Mission to help feed the hungry in Indianapolis.

"They will go to support programs such as long term recovery programs, food, shelter, and clothing for the homeless...men, women and children," Kerr said.

"They do such good work with the poor and the homeless in our community," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.

The annual run is so popular; many people said it's now a Thanksgiving tradition.

"I've run it about four times before so it's kind of a tradition when we are in town for Thanksgiving, Cox said.

"It was four and a half miles and it was awesome," said Melanie Lang from Florida. Melanie Lang ran the race to enjoy Thanksgiving. "I want to be able to eat as much calories as I can today, so I wanted to burn a few."

It also helped those less fortunate who otherwise may go without.

"It always makes it a little bit more fun to run if you know its going for a good cause," Lang said.

"We need to continue to give food to those who need it because...we need a little bit more this year," Mayor Ballard said. Organizers estimated more than 6,000 people ran in this year's Drumstick Dash.

24 Hour News 8 Sports Reporter Jeané Coakley came in first place in the media bracket.