Roanoke family gets ready for the 15th Drumstick Dash

Roanoke, Virginia – Amy Pace and her family have spent the past 15 Thanksgiving mornings ensuring that others have a meal to enjoy.

A brief trip to the Rescue Mission to explore ways to contribute soon evolved into a cherished Thanksgiving ritual.

Pace expressed, “This has been significant for us as it allows my children to understand the value of giving back to the community through participation in events like this.”

In her family, the importance of giving back is deeply ingrained. Having gone through everything the Rescue Mission provides, they are eager to assist in any way possible.

“It has been significant for me to support the Rescue Mission and Mark and I have also prioritized getting our kids involved in volunteering, giving back to the community, and grasping the importance of these actions,” Pace stated. “The Rescue Mission provides a wide range of essential services for individuals in need within our community.”

The Paces are undeniably a competitive family among themselves. Everyone aims to claim victory for bragging rights at the family dinner table.

Although no one truly prepares rigorously for the race, certain participants, such as Pace’s husband Mark, who is in the construction industry, find inventive ways to get ready.

“I typically start my workouts around 5:30 AM, and in construction, we accumulate a significant number of steps,” he stated. “Although I may not complete the whole race, I believe we can easily manage the 5k.”

The Pace family faces a fresh competitor this year. Amy’s son, Nicholas Pace, tied the knot earlier this year with Caroline Pace, who is now her daughter-in-law and has a background in running.

In high school, she participated in track and made an effort to join an organized 5k race every other year. This year, she has a straightforward objective.

“I aim to surpass everyone,” she stated. “I must work for my food.”

This year, they will compete in a virtual race alongside a new family member, their puppy Frank.
“He’s a blast to hang out with, and we can’t wait to hit the ground running with him,” Nicholas Pace remarked. “The hope is that it will tire him out enough to sleep through Thanksgiving dinner.”

Amy Pace expressed her excitement about the increasing numbers after years of being just a group of four.