In Andover, Massachusetts football games and turkey dinners are not the only longstanding Thanksgiving traditions. Long before the family sits down to feast there will be 10,000 people walking and running, as part of the24th annual Feaster Five Road Race, hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders. The start is early enough on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, 2011, so that folks can get their bodies moving and still have plenty of time to relax on the couch before the first kicker boots that first ball across the field. The hub of this 24th annual event is Brickstone Square in Andover, Mass., just a little more than an hour’s drive from where the original settlers sat down to their first Thanksgiving.

The Feaster Five is sanctioned by the Road Runners Club of America, and it draws people from all over Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and this year as far away as New York, Virginia, Maryland, Canada and Switzerland! One year it included actor Matt Damon and the race attracts world class runners like Billy Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and the Hoyts, as well as walkers, and runners of all speeds and ages.

This holiday race is a feast for the runner’s palate. Runners and walkers can choose from a distance menu that includes kid fun runs from 100 yards to 400 yards, 5K run and walk; or 5 (8K) mile run and walk. As in previous years, the “sweetest” part is at the end where all finishers are rewarded with an old fashioned apple pie.

The race will not only make participants feel good, it DOES good. Proceeds will benefit the Merrimack Valley YMCA and Ironstone Farm, as well as the host running club, the Merrimack Valley Striders.

Fun isn’t the only reward at this race. The top three in each age division (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+) in both the 5-mile and 5K races will receive awards. Certificates will be given to all children participating the Kid's K. Age group prizes will be mailed. Timing and results are provided by Granite State Race Services.

In addition to the Kids Fun Run, Feaster presents another two courses to the Thanksgiving feast. Choose the 5 mile or the 5K depending on your appetite for exercise. Walkers are welcomed and encouraged to participate!!

Timing is everything.

 

7:45 a.m. Kid’s K
8:30 a.m. 5-K Run and Walk
8:30 a.m. 5-mile Run and Walk

The Price for Fun:
Kid's Fun Run $5.00, 5 Mile/5K $30 pre $35 post (age 12/under $20 pre, $25 post)

ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Online registration closing date is Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 5pm EST, OR WHEN FIELD SIZE LIMIT OF 10,000 IS REACHED....REGISTER EARLY!

Registration and number pick up.

Monday, November 21st, Tuesday, November 22nd from 12PM - 7PM and
Wednesday, November 23rd from 12PM - 6PM at the Merrimack Valley YMCA,
Andover, MA.

Thursday, November 24th (Race Day): 7AM - 8:15AM at Woodworth Motors corner of Rt. 28 and Rt. 133.

How to get there

From Boston, take Rt. 93 North to Exit 43 which is Rt. 133 East. From
New Hampshire, take Rt. 93 South to Exit 43A. Follow approximately 3
miles through 3 sets of traffic lights taking left onto York St. which is directly after Rt. 28.