The Four Fs of Family, Friends, Fitness and Fun Draw Runners to Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race

The Nov. 24 road race, now in its 29th year, is one of New England’s largest running events with a field of 10,000 and an apple pie for every finisher

ANDOVER, Mass. (October 10, 2016) – The Thanksgiving Day Feaster Five Road Race – one of New England’s largest and most festive running events -- is back and better than ever with traditions new and old.

Registration is underway at www.feasterfive.com with discounts for those who sign up before Halloween and a long-sleeved tech t-shirt guaranteed only to the first 9,000 registrants. Race officials have registered nearly 11,000 in past years and are encouraging runners and walkers to sign up soon.

The 29^th edition of the popular, family-friendly Feaster Five – a Thanksgiving Day tradition for families and groups of friends across the region – will again provide an old-fashioned apple pie from Table Talk, a long-time New England favorite, to every finisher.

Hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders (MVS) and managed by DMSE Sports, the Feaster Five Road Race’s 5-mile and 5K races will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Kid’s Fun Run at 7:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24.  All three races – which welcome walkers as well – begin near Brickstone Square on Main St. in Andover at the corner of Route 133 and Route 28.

Proceeds from the race benefit the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm, Bellesini Academy and the Merrimack Valley Striders.

Also, now in its fifth year, the Feaster Walk to 5k program is available to anyone interested in training for the race with a group. Sponsored by MVS, the free program is taking place on every Sunday leading up to the race. The event is geared toward all ages (kids, parents, grandparents) and all fitness levels (casual runners, former runners, walkers) are welcome. The training program begins at 8 a.m. on Sundays at the Feaster Five Race Start (parking lot across from Woodworth Motors). 

“These training events offer a fun and healthy way to prepare for the race,” said Tom Licciardello of the Merrimack Valley Striders. “I would encourage anyone at any fitness level to become involved. It’s a great way to get your Sundays started.”

For those who intend to walk the course, the Feaster Five will continue a tradition started last year by again offering a dedicated ‘walker lane’ – a rarity for competitive road races. Last year, about 3,000 participants preferred the safety of the walker lane, making it a popular new addition to the event.

In addition, after a two-year absence, the race’s Number Pickup & Expo Nov. 21-23 will return to its traditional location: the newly renovated Andover/North Andover YMCA.

The 2016 Feaster Five will again feature bands and music along the course, digital clocks posted at each mile, and holiday refreshments following the race. In addition, every 50^th runner in the 5K or 5 mile will receive a $25 gift certificate to Whirlaway Sports, and every child in the kid’s race will win a medal.

To learn more about the race and to register, go to the race’s website at www.FeasterFive.com. Once runners or walkers have registered, they can update their details via the www.myevents.active.com link on the website.

Volunteers also are needed. Detailed information about how to sign up to help on race day can be found on the volunteer page at www.feasterfive.com/Volunteer or by e-mailing Crissy Licciardello at crissyL26@yahoo.com. 

Also new for 2016, Schneider Electric is now the Feaster Five’s Presenting Sponsor after joining as a Gold sponsor last year. The global specialist in energy management and automation relocated its North American headquarters to Andover in 2014.

“We cannot thank Schneider Electric enough for its ongoing and phenomenal financial support for this event,” Race Director Dave McGillivray said. “This is a company dedicated to the health and wellness of its employees, a great many of whom take part in the Feaster Five, but also to supporting its community. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

Whirlaway Sports Center also is returning as a Gold Level sponsor. To become a sponsor, contact dmse@dmsesports.com.

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.

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, Run for the Dream in Williamsburg, Va., the Bellin Run in Green Bay, Wis., and the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, among others. For more info, visit www.dmsesports.com.

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