Will run for
Pie
The 38th Annual Feaster Five Road Race
The largest Thanksgiving Day Road Race in Massachusetts.
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 27th, 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.
Weather
Report
Feaster Five Race Day Weather Report
Matt & Danielle Noyes
Race
Schedule
Race Schedule
Feaster Five Race Expo
Andover/North Andover YMCA,
165 Haverhill Street
Andover, MA
Bill Deluca Chevrolet,
349 N Main Street,
Andover MA: 7a.m. – 8 a.m.
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 and before, during and after the race!
Guest
Appearances
Join the Feaster Five and Schneider Electric as we welcome our Feaster Five VIPs for meet and greets.
Tuesday, November 25
Location: Andover/North Andover YMCA
Special Guests:
- Becca Pizzi, World Marathon Champion,
- John Young Physically challenged Triathlete, Marathoner and Guinness World Record Holder,
- And running legend Dave McGillivray
Recent
News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2025
Feaster Five Road Race Kicks Off Thanksgiving with the New Can You Catch Them Challenge?ANDOVER – The Feaster Five Road Race, a Thanksgiving Day tradition featuring family, fun, fitness and apple pie, takes over downtown Andover next week expecting more than 7,000 runners and walkers of all ages to join this special event.
When runners line up at the starting line this year, they will be chasing two well-known targets: Bruins legend and Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara and World Marathon Champion Becca Pizzi for the brand new Can You Catch Them Challenge!
For every runner who finishes the 5-mile course or 5K course with a time that beats Chara and Pizzi’s, $1 will be donated to the Feaster Five by sponsor Taz Jersey Design, up to $1,500.
They won’t be easy to catch, especially in the 5 Mile, as #33 finished the Feaster Five previously in under 33 minutes! But for runners in the 5K, they have a shot!
Runners who beat Chara and Pizzi will receive a special digital certificate.
Chara and Pizzi will also serve as the official Race Starters.
The 38th Annual Feaster Five Road Race is presented by Schneider Electric and hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders running club. A signature of the Feaster Five are the Table Talk Apple Pies handed out at the end of the race.
“It is thrilling to see thousands of families come together on Thanksgiving morning year after year to be active together and support the community,” said Diane Jannetti, president of the Merrimack Valley Striders. “The Feaster Five continues to be a meaningful event for families and provides funding to important community organizations.”
The event includes 5K and 5-mile road races and Sidney’s Rainbow Run at the Feaster Five for kids. The inclusive kids’ run, which includes a cross-country style option, honors the memory of Sidney Olson, 5, who was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street in Elm Square, Andover.
Along with Sidney’s Rainbow Fund, proceeds from the Feaster Five will support the Merrimack Valley Striders’ High School Scholarship fund, the Merrimack Valley YMCA, and Bellesini Academy of Lawrence.
Race day is November 27, 2025 in downtown Andover, with a two-day race expo beginning Tuesday, November 25 at the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Andover/North Andover Branch. The volunteer-run race expo includes shopping, sponsor booths, VIP book signings and more.
Merrimack Valley Striders’ Present $22,000 in College Scholarships to Local Seniors
LAWRENCE – The Merrimack Valley Striders’ running club announces 11 area high school seniors as the recipients of this year’s MVS Memorial Scholarship presented by Schneider Electric.
Students were honored earlier this week at a dinner reception at Salvatore’s in Lawrence hosted by the Striders.
“These student-athletes are strong representatives of the running community,” said Dianie Jannetti, MVS club president. “Each of these students has a special connection to the sport, and found that running has made a positive impact on their lives. In addition, all of these students have made positive contributions to their schools and community and we’re proud to honor them for their hard work.”
The MVS Memorial Scholarships presented by Schneider Electric are given to eligible seniors preparing for college who have participated in cross country, indoor track or outdoor track during their high school years. All high schools throughout the Striders’ membership area are notified of this scholarship opportunity. The students must submit a profile form along with an essay on “What running means to me,” demonstrating their character and dedication to running.
The Scholarships – each student is awarded $2,000 – are funded through donations and proceeds from the Feaster Five Road Race, presented by Schneider Electric. The Feaster Five is the largest Thanksgiving Day road race in Massachusetts, annually attracting 7,000 participants in the family-friendly 5K and 5 mile event. The 38th annual Feaster Five will be held November 27, 2025.
Event
sponsors
PRESENTING
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Supporting
friends
management team
Couch-to-5K Program
Training begins on October 5th, and continues on Sunday mornings at 8 AM for eight weeks preceding Thanksgiving Day and the Feaster Five 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
The program coaches for the Couch-to-5K program collectively 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!
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.
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. During registration, you will have the ability to purchase optional insurance to protect your race fee. The refund insurance policy can not be added after registration is completed. This insurance is not affiliated with or managed by Feaster Five, MVS or Race Roster.
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?
The Feaster Five Road Race Expo and bib pick up is Tuesday, November 25 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Wednesday, November 26 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Andover/North Andover YMCA 165 Haverhill Street, Andover. It is strongly recommended you pick up your bib at the expo to avoid the lines on race day!
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.
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.
Can I win any prizes at the Feaster Five?
Yes! Our top three overall male and female finishers in both the 5K race and 5 mile race will win gift cards to Burtons Grill – $100 for first, $70 for second, and $50 for third.
Age group winners, male and female in both races, will receive Whirlaway Sports Center gift cards: $35 for first, $30 for second, and $25 for third.
And finally, every 25th finisher of both the 5K and 5 mile races will win a $20 Whirlaway Sports Center store credit, so all runners have a chance to win!.
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.
Is the FeasterFive “Dog Friendly”?
Any participant who chooses to run or walk with a dog in the Feaster Five Road Race agrees to the following conditions:
- Leash Requirement: The dog must be kept on a short, secure leash at all times. The leash should be non-retractable and no longer than 4 feet.
- Starting Position: The participant and their dog must start from the back of the lineup of either the runners’ or walkers’ to ensure the safety of all participants.
- Liability: The participant assumes full responsibility and liability for their dog’s behavior and agrees to hold harmless the Merrimack Valley Striders, the Town of Andover, DMSE, Inc., all sponsors, their directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and successors from any claims, damages, or legal actions arising from the actions of their dog.
By participating with a dog, the individual acknowledges and accepts these terms.
Contact Us
Interested in being a sponsor or vendor at our Expo, contact us at:
Sponsorship: info@feasterfive.com