Will run for
Pie
The 37th Annual Feaster Five Road Race
The largest Thanksgiving Day Road Race in Massachusetts.
Note: Feaster Five runner shirts are now sold out.
This is a family friendly event with a 5 mile race, 5K run/walk and a kids fun run. Will you run for pie? Feaster Five finishers take home a Table Talk Apple Pie, while supplies last. The Feaster Five will be held on Thursday November 28th, and we are delighted to announce that Schneider Electric will be returning as Presenting Sponsor.
Feaster Five Presents
Sidney’s Rainbow Run
Join us for Sidney’s Rainbow Run at the Feaster Five Kids Race in memory Sidney Mae Olson.
Registration is just $10 and includes a t-shirt and rainbow-themed youth medal! Space is limited.
Please reference the Frequently Asked Questions below for race-day details.
Race
Schedule
Race Schedule
Monday November 25th
Location: Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill Street Andover, MA
Tuesday November 26th
Location: Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill Street Andover, MA
Wednesday November 27th
Location: Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill Street Andover, MA
Thursday November 28th – Race Day
Event
Volunteers
It takes hundreds of volunteer hours to support the Feaster Five. We welcome individuals and groups to join our volunteer ranks! Volunteer opportunities are available during the race expo (Nov. 24) and before, during and after the race!
Sunday November 24th
2:00PM-5:00PM:
- Expo setup
- Shirt station setup
Monday November 25th
- Early Shift: 11:00AM-3:00PM
- Evening Shift: 3:00PM-7:00PM
Tuesday November 26th
- Early Shift: 11:00AM-3:00PM
- Evening Shift: 3:00PM-7:00PM
Wednesday: November 27th
- Early Shift: 11:00AM-3:00PM
- Evening Shift: 3:00PM-6:00PM
- Move to Woodworth 6:00PM-8:00PM
Guest
Appearances
Join the Feaster Five and Schneider Electric as we welcome our Feaster Five VIPs for meet and greets. Stay tuned for updates on our 2024 special guests.
Recent
News
Eagle Tribune:
Saved by the ‘Couch to 5K’: Feaster Five race offers program for beginners
Suellen Yeaton and daughter Katie Yeaton-Hromada pose with their pie at the Feaster Five Road Race in 2022. The mother-daughter duo started in the “Couch to 5K” program and now are running marathons together.
Suellen Yeaton can identify with the term “Coach Potato.”
“I spent a lot of time on my couch,” said the Danvers resident, “definitely too much time.”
Too much time, she noted, as in years.
Read the full story on the Eagle Tribune website.
Feaster Five Road Race donates $10,000 to Groundwork Lawrence
Lawrence, MA – June 6, 2024 – Groundwork Lawrence is delighted to announce the receipt of a generous $10,000 donation from the Feaster Five Road Races, organized by the Merrimack Valley Striders in 2023. The donation was presented by Robin Condon, President, and Carolyn Burt, Chair of Development/Finance, Merrimack Valley Striders, alongside other representatives, to Lesly Melendez, Executive Director of Groundwork Lawrence.
Founded in 1979, the Merrimack Valley Striders’ mission is to encourage and enhance running at all levels. This significant contribution will be used to complete Eaton Street access to the Merrimack River Trail. When the downtown portion of the Merrimack River Trail is completed, it will greatly enhance local and regional connectivity between existing and proposed paths. The trail meanders along the banks of the river through wooded areas, parks, and forests, providing scenic and accessible routes for the community.
36th Annual Feaster Five Road Race Gives Back $70,000 to the Community
ANDOVER – The Feaster Five Road Race – a Thanksgiving Day tradition that annually attracts thousands of runners and walkers – is proud to announce that the 2023 event raised $70,000 for local community organizations and non-profits.
The 36th Annual Feaster Five Road Race was presented by Schneider Electric and hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders running club. The 2023 race featured 7,500 participants in the 5K, 5 mile and the new Sidney’s Rainbow Run kids run.
At the February 28 monthly meeting of the Merrimack Valley Striders running club, the Feaster Five volunteer run organizing committee will present checks to the race beneficiaries.
Read the full story on the Merrimack Valley Striders website.
Andover Introduces EMS Bike Team
The Andover Fire Rescue will be rolling out a new unit, quite literally.
The EMS Bike Team will be responding to emergencies quickly when an ambulance or other vehicle is not able to get there first.
Dicky Krafton will be part of the 14-member unit.
“It’s going to provide us with faster access in crowds to patients when they need care,” he said, adding that the unit will be deployed during things like road races and parades.
The department had local help rolling the initiative out. The running club The Merrimack Valley Striders, along with the Dave McGillivray Foundation, started conversations with the department after participating in big road races with thousands of people and road closures.
These organizations are also funding this initiative with $22,000 to cover the cost of equipment and training, said Tom Licciardello with MVS.
View the video for the full story.
Event
sponsors
PRESENTING
GOLD
BRONZE
Supporting
Friends
Couch-to-5K Program
Join us Sundays at 8 AM from October 6 to November 24, 2024, at Shawsheen Square, Andover, MA.
Meet other runners and walkers to train for the 5K and 5M events. Runners/walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to this free program.
Join our coaches in the training traditions of the Feaster Five, warm up for your run on the Thanksgiving Day course and have any training questions answered.
YOUR COACHING TEAM
Maura Szendey and Steve Seide are the coaches for the Couch to 5K program. Collectively they have over 50 years of running experience. They’ve run all race distances and love sharing their tips and strategies for getting ready for Feaster Five – either as a beginner or a seasoned runner.
HOW IT WORKS
We meet the eight Sundays prior to the Feaster Five at the race start; we break into groups (walkers, walk/runners, runners) to make sure everyone has the right support; we start with group warm ups and running tips each week; we progress each week to further distances and more running than walking. If you plan on joining us you will be required to sign a waiver. We will have them on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sidney’s Rainbow Run at the Feaster Five
Where is Sidney’s Rainbow Run at the Feaster Five?
The Kids Fun Run will take place on the Balmoral Street track. Please enter the track at York street or the parking lot on Balmoral closest to York street.
What time is Sidney’s Rainbow Run? What time should I get there?
Kids Runners should arrive at 7:30 a.m. Races begin at 7:45 a.m.
** Kid’s Race courses and event schedule subject to change due to weather conditions **
How long is the kids’ race?
We have three new exciting courses for 2024!
The Mini/inclusive course is 60 meters on the track.
This is designed for our littlest athletes and is perfect for any athletes with rarity and disabilities. We have partnered with the Rare Road Foundation to make sure every child can join us in the rainbow run.
The Short course is 400 meters on the track.
This course is ideal for young kids and newer runners who are more comfortable staying on the track.
The Long course is a fun challenging 1k loop on the grass and track XC style.
This course is great for kids of all ages who want to challenge themselves and tackle this exciting new course. Please remember to enter the track at York street or the parking lot on Balmoral closest to York street.
Volunteers will help direct you to the correct start line!
Can my child run in the kids race and the 5K? Do I need to register them for both races?
Yes and Yes. All 5k/5M participants are expected to be registered. Click 5K 12 and under when registering – kids save $10.
5K/5M RACE
What time does the race start?
The 5k/5M races start together at 8:30 a.m. in Shawsheen Square, Andover.
Do walkers have a separate start area?
There is not a separate start area but we ask that you line up in your expected pace area. However, walkers will have an assigned lane at the start to assure their safety.
Are strollers allowed on the race course?
We are a very family friendly race and love kids, so having your little ones in tow in the stroller is great with us. We only ask that you line up in the start line at the designated area ( announced on race day) for your safety and the safety of other runners.
Are dogs allowed on the race course?
We are dog friendly. We only ask that you use a short leash, line up in the designated area (announced on race day), and hopefully show your dog’s rabies tag.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What if I am unable to run the race after I have registered?
Consistent with past races, our race policy states that all entries are non refundable.
Where do I park and what time should I get there?
There are parking lots at Brickstone Square, enter from Kenilworth Street as well as Stop and Shop plaza 209 North Main Street, Andover, and at the Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill Street Andover, MA. This is a large race, so we advise runners to arrive early to park and walk to the starting line.
What if it rains or snows?
Thanksgiving Day in New England can be unpredictable. The Feaster Five will go on rain or shine or snow. We encourage participants to dress in layers based on the conditions. In the case of extreme weather conditions, the Feaster Five race director would work with the Town of Andover to ensure safe conditions for participants and make any adjustments as needed.
Where do I pick up my bib and what time?
Bib pickup will be at the Andover/North Andover YMCA,165 Haverhill Street, Andover, MA 01810
- Monday 11/25 12:00 pm – 7 pm
- Tuesday 11/26 12:00 pm – 7 pm
- Wednesday 11/27 12:00 pm – 6 pm
Bill Deluca Chevrolet in Shawsheen Square 339 N Main Street, Andover
- Thursday 11/28 7 am – 8:30 am
Is number pickup available the day of the race?
You can also pick up your bib beginning at 7 am on race day morning, right near the starting line, at Bill Deluca Chevrolet in Shawsheen Square
What are the 5K and 5 mile courses?
Click here for course maps
5K course https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/589973968
5 Mile course https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/904544159
Can I create a TEAM in registration?
During registration you will have the option to create or join a team. If this step is missed during your registration process, you can email us directly at info@feasterfive.com and we can edit and update your registration.
How do I change my registration from the 5K to the 5 mile race?
You can either email us as info@feasterfive.com or use the Race Roster app which allows you to transfer your own registration. When you login to Race Roster there is an TRANSFER option on the right side of the menu. When you select this you will have the option to transfer to a new Sub -Event.
Note, this feature will become available after registration opens in July, 2024.
Can I register on race day?
Yes. Online registration through Race Roster remains open until the race starts at 8:30 am. You can register online Thanksgiving morning and come pick up your bib.
You can also register in person starting at 7 am at Bill Deluca Chevrolet in Shawsheen Square where bib pick up is on race morning.
If I register on site will I get a race shirt?
Race shirts are guaranteed only for the first 5,000 registrations.
Note: Feaster Five runner shirts are now sold out.
Where will I be able to find my race results?
Results will be emailed to participants and posted on our website and Race Roster event pages.