July Fourth, North Andover Races—These Holiday Races Give You Freedom of Choice
Choose from the 2K (kids), 5K, and 10K at the 28th Annual Merrimack Valley Striders Fourth of July Road Races. They are back with a classic holiday event, the perfect way to celebrate the founding of our nation—a healthy run for the entire family.

E-mail this page  Printer-friendly page Related info: Event Registration Event Website Active Running

By Linda Fechter
Posted Saturday, 27 June, 2009

Exercise your right to life, liberty and the pursuit of the finish line at the 28th Annual Merrimack Valley Striders Fourth of July Road Race. The Town of North Andover, Massachusetts, the Merrimack Valley Striders Running Club, and a host of generous local sponsors are proud to announce the return of this local favorite which will take place on …you guessed it…July 4th! With three distances to choose from there truly is something for everyone. Walkers are welcome and encouraged to join in for any distance they choose.

“This great race is centered around family, fitness and fun. It has a lot of the same characteristics as our Thanksgiving Day Feaster Five Road Race, only with warmer temperatures…or so we hope, this is New England after all,” says Tom Licciardello of the Merrimack Valley Striders, the group that also hosts that enormously popular thanksgiving classic. “For many folks this is the ONLY race they run each year. This race was “off line” for three years while the Massachusetts Highway Department completed a major construction project in town, yet a group of runners continued to hold an “unofficial” July 4th run just to keep the tradition going. It shows that you can’t keep people away from a great race, even when it’s on hiatus!”

The newly revitalized North Andover Old Town Center and Common provide a beautiful backdrop for this weekend of fun and friendly competition. Registration and bib number pick up will be held on the Common. The race finish line will be at its original location in front of the Museum of Printing, 800 Massachusetts Avenue. DMSE Sports, Inc. is managing the race, and timing will be provided by Granite State Race Services using the ChronoTrack "D-Tag" system. The race benefits the Merrimack Valley Striders Youth Running Program.

The fee for 5K and 10K entrants is $25.00 until July 3rd, and $30.00 on race day. The Kids 2K fun run (ages 12 and under) is $8.00 until July 3rd and $10.00 on race day. Registration and number pick-up will be conducted at the Start/Finish area on race morning between 7:00 and 8:15.

The Kids 2K fun run starts at 8:00 am on Independence Day, followed by the 5K start at 8:30 and the 10K start at 8:35 a.m. Tee shirts are guaranteed for the first 900 pre-registered runners in the 5K and 10K, and for the first 200 children entered.
For the 5K and 10K events, awards will be presented to the top three overall male, female and wheelchair participants, as well as the top three finishers in age-group divisions. The top 5 male and female finishers in the 2K event will also be given awards, and all 2K participants will receive a special memento of their participation.

Presented by the Merrimack Valley Striders, this July 4th happening is truly a partnership among the sponsors, the Town of North Andover, the Merrimack Valley Striders, and DMSE Sports. Dave McGillivray, President of DMSE Sports, and Mike Giallongo, also of DMSE are directing the event. Sponsors include The Town of North Andover, Wheelabrator North Andover, Eagle-Tribune Publishing Company, Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Employment Practices Group, River Bank, Nexamp Energy and Carbon Solutions, Smolak & Vaughan, LLP Attorneys at Law and Nelson’s Rescue Remedy.

This beloved annual race and the festivities surrounding it were brought back by the Town of North Andover. It’s the signature event of a weekend-long July 4th Celebration, which includes a Kid’s Olympics and Doll Carriage Parade on Saturday afternoon, and a Fireworks display on Saturday evening. There will be food and refreshments, and yes, the VFW beer tent will also be making its comeback. Visit www.townofnorthandover.com for further details.

For some, the 28th Annual Merrimack Valley Striders July 4th Road Race is like the return of an old friend, and for others, perhaps the start of a new Independence Day family tradition. This quintessential New England road race with a small town feel is sure to get your inner fireworks going on the Fourth…it might have been on hiatus for a little while, but it was certainly not forgotten.

For further information, or to register online please go to
http://www.gorun.org/NorthAndover4thOfJuly/

Related info:
Event Registration

Event Website

Active Running

 E-mail this page
 Printer-friendly page

 

 

Latest articles in USA: Massachusetts

The Ragnar Relay Series is in for 2010—Great Concept, Great Adventure, Fun Challenge
If your New Years resolution involved training for a new race or a truly unique running experience, rally your friends and run a Ragnar Relay. There are four this spring, and 10 in total. Capture that wanderlust! What are you waiting for?

No, Ney, Never – Don’t Miss the Wild Rover Series
This innovative race series is ideal for spring racing action and enjoyment. Increasing mileage each week (3-4-5) makes for a perfect spring schedule, with each race followed by a terrific party. This third annual trio of races is for runners who truly want to have fun!
Also: Event Website
Also: Event Registration

The New Cape Cod Relay—Exciting and Challenging Event on a Beautiful Course
This tremendously popular region has a new overnight relay, running next May 1st and 2nd from suburban Boston to Provincetown on the very tip of Cape Cod. It will be a run through history with terrific organization, amenities, and extraordinary scenery.