Thanksgiving fun run has grown over the past 8 years in Weiser

In 2012 Melanie Price suggested that her family do something different for Thanksgiving. 

 It was their first Thanksgiving with the five family members, and she wanted something different and active. She suggested that the family celebrate being thankful for their bodies with a “fun run” from their home on the family farm to the Galloway Dam and back, a distance of 3.5 miles. 

 This tradition became known to friends and family as the “Dam Turkey Run” and has grown each year.

 Although she is not a runner, Price said she has felt through the years that there is something amazing about getting out in the cool crisp air with a heart full of gratitude for the beautiful place she lives and the amazing bodies that are capable of difficult tasks. 

 The Price family and some high school students participate the first year of the run and the tradition has continued nearly every year since its conception. 

 With each year the run has been organized, the group of runners has grown. The Price family randomly invites family and friends to join them and the run has grown via word of mouth. Price said that she has been surprised by the growth and participation that continues each event.

 “It’s a holiday. It’s early. It’s cold. Lots of excuses not to do it. I’m always impressed with how many people show up,” Price said.

 Price said a favorite element of the event is its family orientation it has developed. Several young participants can be seen, including some in strollers, some on bikes, and walkers. She said she at times hesitates to call it a “fun run.”

 One year it was so cold that the river was frozen solid, children still excitedly reminisce about throwing rocks out and watching them slide across the ice. Price said the event has experienced cold weather, fog and sunshine and is thankful it has yet to see rain.

 This year the run was particularly special. Price decided to shift the event into a fundraiser for Operation Underground Railroad (OUR.) She said she decided to add the fundraiser to the run when she attended another fundraiser for OUR and after a conversation with the representative decided it would be a fun idea.

 OUR is a non-profit founded by Tim Ballard and Mark Stott. Its goal is to assist governments around the world in the rescue of human trafficking and sex trafficking survivors, with a special focus on children. OUR also aids with planning, prevention, capture, and prosecution of offenders and works with partner organizations for prevention, victim recovery, strengthened awareness, and fundraising efforts.

 According to the organization’s website, OUR has made a significant impact in the fight to end sex trafficking and sexual exploitation by rescuing and supporting thousands of survivors in 28 countries and 26 states in the United States.

 “They are doing such good things to help fight human trafficking and I love their efforts in the aftercare for survivors. The statistics are so heartbreaking. I hope this little bit we have been able to raise helps,” Price said.

 Price said the 2020 Dam Turkey Run had a great turnout and success and the group was able to raise more than $600 to help the organization.