ELKHART — The Turkey Stampede — the Thanksgiving Day road race to raise funds and awareness for the Faith Mission of Elkhart — continues to grow.

With some donations still coming in, development director Mike Perez reports that this year’s event has netted around $22,000 and that the fourth annual race drew a record 2,317 registrants.

“It really has grown every year,” said Perez. “We are very ecstatic about it. We’ve been surprised how well-received this event has been. We’re really proud and humbled by it.”

The first Turkey Stampede in 2009 drew about 600 participants. The number grew to around 900 in the second year and swelled to just under 1,500 in 2011. Perez estimates that the net take for Faith Mission has been at least $50,000.

But the money is not the only thing.

“It’s more than just a fundraiser for us,” said Perez. “It’s a way to connect with the community.”