25th annual race provides record support for Hastings Family Service

Gobble Gait has been a Thanksgiving tradition in Hastings since 1998 when it began as a small race to raise some money for the Hastings Family Service. This year, the event raised $128,000 for Hastings Family Service, a record amount bringing the total support over 25 years to over $1.8 million! A beautiful Thanksgiving day brought over 3,000 participants to Hastings, growing from a race that raised $4,600 in its first year to $128,000 this year.

“Hastings Family Service would look very different today if it wasn’t for the support received from Gobble Gait each year,” said Amy Sutton, HFS Executive Director. “It is such an incredible way for the entire community to come together and make a difference for our neighbors!” Sutton is grateful for 25 years of dedication from the founders/organizers Mary Fasbender, Jay Kochendorfer and Brian Radke. The organizers also gave credit to the sponsors, volunteers and participants that have made Gobble Gait successful year after year.

Gobble Gait celebrates 25 years at a time of great need. HFS reports providing as many full food shelf orders by the end of August this year as they did in all of 2021. The idea of Gobble Gait began with a conversation between friends and business owners Mary Fasbender and Jay Kochendorfer as they wanted to make a difference in their community. Brian Radke was recruited to help and together, they and their families have poured time and energy into building it year after year into what is now one of the largest Thanksgiving day races in Minnesota.