MISSOULA – It’s become an annual tradition for many families to wake up early on Thanksgiving morning and run the Turkey Day race in Missoula.
Some people were running for competition, others were running for tradition, and most of those were taking part so they could feel good about their multiple helpings of Thanksgiving dinner.
More than a 1,000 runners took to the starting line for the annual Run Wild Missoula event on Thursday.
Run Wild Missoula Executive Director Tony Banovich says the event is more than just about running, it’s also about giving back.
The event raised over $1,600 for the Missoula Food Bank, as well as collected food donations. On top of the spirit of giving, the event also brings families together during the holidays.
“People want to be out and get some exercise and feel good about indulging in all that food for the day. It’s a way to get out and feel good about that… be out and spend time with their family,” Banovich said. “We have lots and lots of family out here today.”
For every pound of non-perishable food donated to the Missoula Food Bank as part of the run, Run Wild Missoula and Runner’s Edge will match that with a donation of up to $1,000.
The donation will go to the Salvation Army to help support their facility as a Designated Warming Center this winter.
