WHAT: 29th annual family-friendly Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race, one of New England’s largest running events with 10,000+ runners and walkers and an apple pie for all finishers. Every year, Feaster Five participants get up early to run for pie before they sit for turkey.
WHEN: Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 24 – 5-mile and 5K races begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Kid’s Fun Run at 7:45 a.m.
WHERE: All three races – which welcome walkers as well – begin near Brickstone Square on Main St. in Andover, Mass. at the corner of Route 133 and Route 28
WHO: Olympic Gold Medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson, four-time Boston Marathon champ Bill Rodgers, and inspirational athletes Team Hoyt will participate and also appear at Number Pickup & Expo on Wed., Nov. 23 at Andover/North Andover YMCA. Samuelson and Rodgers will be featured from 4 to 6 p.m. and Team Hoyt from 3 to 6 p.m. State Senator Barbara L’Italien will serve as Grand Marshal. MEDIA WELCOME.
WEBSITE: www.feasterfive.com
More Info: The popular Feaster Five is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for families and groups of friends across the region. Every finisher receives an old-fashioned apple pie from Table Talk, a long-time New England favorite. Hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders (MVS) and managed by DMSE Sports, proceeds from the race benefit the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm, Bellesini Academy and the Merrimack Valley Striders.
A dedicated ‘walker lane’ – unusual for a competitive road race – is available for those who intend to walk the course. Last year, about 3,000 participants preferred the safety of the walker lane, making it a popular new addition to the event.
The event features bands and music along the course, digital clocks posted at each mile, and holiday refreshments following the race. In addition, every 50th runner in the 5K or 5 mile receives a $25 gift certificate to Whirlaway Sports, and every child in the kid’s race will receive a medal.
Media Contact: Dave McGillivray, DMSE dmse@dmsesports.com; Beryl Wolfe, Wolfe PR (520) 399-5770, beryl@wolfenews.com
About Merrimack Valley Striders
The non-profit Merrimack Valley Striders was founded in 1979 to encourage and enhance running at all levels – from beginners to seasoned marathoners to members who run to improve their health. Though founded in the Merrimack Valley north of Boston, the running club has members from as far away as Florida and Arizona. For additional information, visit www.mvsruns.com.
About DMSE Sports
Founded by Dave McGillivray in 1981, DMSE Sports is a leader in sports event management, specializing in creating, marketing and producing mass participatory athletic events throughout the U.S. and abroad. In addition to the Feaster Five, DMSE manages the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, the TD Beach to Beacon in Maine, the New Balance Falmouth Road Race on Cape Cod, the Finish at the 50 at Patriot Place, the Across the Bay 10k in Annapolis, Md., the Bellin Run in Green Bay, Wis., and the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, among others. For more info, visit www.dmsesports.com.