Surf Internet sponsors 2025 Faith Mission Turkey Stampede to support people in need

On Thursday, November 27, runners, walkers, and more met at Elkhart Health & Aquatics, 200 East Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN, for the 2025 Faith Mission Turkey Stampede. Racers gathered at their designated corrals at 8 a.m. for a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk, 1-mile walk, and more, with people of all ages and their dogs welcome to participate.

“It’s such a fun way to kick off Thanksgiving morning—bringing people together, getting outside, and supporting an organization that makes a real difference in Elkhart County,” said Surf Internet Sales Manager Dan Umbower. “Surf is proud to be part of an event that lifts up the community and helps Faith Mission continue its important work.”

Beyond the race itself, there were plenty of fun bonus features, such as “Catch the Turkey,” where racers tracked down a costumed Francis Disori, the turkey rabbit, during the race for a $25 cash reward. 

“The characters are here for the enjoyment of everyone and add to the atmosphere of the races,” said Mike Perez, CEO of Faith Mission. “We also have free hot chocolate from Rocket Car Wash and food trucks for people to enjoy.” 

The Faith Mission Turkey Stampede began each race with a big-screen countdown and featured a chip start, which tracks racers’ start and end times when they cross the official timing mat. 

To get racers back to their families in time for their Thanksgiving celebrations, the race course closes at 10:30 a.m., and there is no official awards ceremony. There are still, however, plenty of awards to go around, including finisher medals for each participant, and gravy boats for the top three men and women to finish the timed races.

The Faith Mission Turkey Stampede was hosted by Stone Soup Promotions, which holds races to support various non-profit organizations in Elkhart County. Stone Soup Promotions Founder Paula Turk created Stone Soup Promotions for three reasons: because running changed her life, she believes in the health and social benefits that races provide, and she wanted to make a difference in the greater Elkhart community.

“We started this race together 17 years ago, and I just love it. We have a broad range of participants, from babies to 90-year-olds. There really is nothing like it. There are races every weekend, but what’s special about this race is that every penny goes to the Faith Mission,” said Turk. 

Faith Mission, the beneficiary of all profits from the race, is a non-profit that provides emergency shelter, short-term shelter, life skills programs, and free meals—including Thanksgiving meals—for people in need in Elkhart County.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Perez. “All of the proceeds help Faith Mission continue the work that we are doing for the community.” 

This event would not be possible without its nearly 40 sponsors, including Surf Internet, which is proud to once again support and participate in the Faith Mission Turkey Stampede.

“We want to be involved with and help the community,” said Umbower. “Faith Mission is so great and does such great things to support the community. We want to help support them in any way we can.” 

To learn more about Surf Internet and its community involvement, visit surfinternet.com.