Amy Skeens-Benton: Submitted Photo

Since last year, Bolt for the Heart finishers have received medals from Indiana State Police officers. The 5k is nonprofit and 100 percent of the proceeds from the race go to causes such as putting AEDs in the cars of Indiana State Police.

This Thanksgiving day, thousands of Carmel runners of all ages will line up at the start of two different races— Bolt for the Heart and Drumstick Dash. While both 5K races fundraise for charity, Bolt for the Heart primarily raises money to supply Indiana State Patrol cars with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), while the Drumstick Dash raises money for families who cannot afford Thanksgiving dinner.  

This year, Bolt for the Heart will add an updated element to its race. Pierre Twer, president of Bolt for the Heart, said, “Everybody who finishes the race. . . will get a medal. . . This year the medal is a double spinner medal, which is unique in the fact that it highlights what we are trying to do. The medal is a map of Indiana; in the middle. . . is a heart that rotates and within that heart there is another spinner that has the Indiana State Police logo on it.”

Twer said the race offers additional amenities for runners, including times, free family photos and free registration.

Michelle Yin

Sophomore Ava Slowey said her favorite part of the Drumstick Dash is the extra events offered.

She said, “They have live music there and there are a bunch of people dressed up in turkey costumes. It’s just so much fun.”

Both Twer and Slowey said they believe the reason the runs raise so much money is because they are on Thanksgiving.

Twer said, “Thanksgiving is a great time to give thanks for all things that you have and that you don’t have. It is the trifecta of everything. It is giving, family and donations. Thanksgiving is a great time to do (the race).”

Slowey said, “It is really great to know that you are giving back and giving money to people that don’t have as much as you. . . Everyone there is just so cheerful and happy. Everybody knows that the money is going to a good cause.”