20th Anniversary Eagle-Tribune Publishing Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Race and Walk
Posted Wednesday, 21 November, 2007
ANDOVER, MA – 8,000 runners and walkers are expected at the 20th annual Feaster Five race on Thanksgiving morning, November 22nd, which is hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders and presented by Eagle-Tribune Publishing and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, making this perhaps New England’s largest “Turkey Trot.” For two decades this race has attracted runners and walkers for the sportsmanship, camaraderie and the apple pie received by each finisher. Local celebs running this year include: Bill Rodgers, Joan Samuelson, Rick/Dick Hoyt, Steve Cooper, Barry Burbank, Dan Roche and Gerry Callahan.
In addition to the apple pie, participants will receive a commemorative 20th anniversary medal, and the first 6,000 persons to register will receive long-sleeve T-shirts. The beneficiary of the race is the Merrimack Valley Hospice, which serves more than 70 communities throughout the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. There are also prizes for the largest participating family, courtesy of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Last year 50 members of a local family spent Thanksgiving morning walking and running. A children’s fun run (approx. ¼ mile to ½ mile) will be held at 8 a.m. with almost 700 children ages 12 and under participating, while both a 5k and 5 mile race/walk will start at 8:30 a.m.
“The Feaster Five does have its serious runners, and more than that, it’s a great way to begin this quintessential family holiday of Thanksgiving. The race is filled with warmth and the smell of the apple pies at the finish,” says Dave McGillivray, who directs the Feaster Five, along with the BAA Boston Marathon and countless other world-class events (www.dmsesports.com).
“The event’s natural focus on fun and fitness is what attracted Harvard Pilgrim Health Care to become one of the Feaster Five’s primary sponsors for a fourth consecutive year,” says Charles D. Baker, president and CEO. “Anyone who participates in the Feaster Five as a participant or cheering spectator will feel the positive, healthy atmosphere the event creates,” Baker says. “It’s the kind of positive outlook that Harvard Pilgrim encourages all its members to pursue when it involves their individual health.”
In person registration for the race is held at the Guesthouse International Inn and Suites in Methuen on Tuesday, November 20th from 12 noon to 7pm, Wednesday, November 21st from 12 noon to 6pm. Race day, registration is held at Woodworth Motors at the corner of Rt. 133 and Rt. 28 in Andover (location of starting line) from 7am to 8:15am.
In addition to the Eagle-Tribune Publishing Company and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, other key sponsors and race supporters include: Costa-The Fresh Idea Company, Fuddruckers, Market Basket, Coldwell Banker, Spin City, Bagel Boy, Inc., Whirlaway Sports Center, Long –Term Pharmacy Solutions, Inc., Pepsi / Aquafina, Brickstone Square, Merrimack Valley Hospice, C.R. Signs, Woodworth Motors, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Guesthouse International Inn and Suites.
For more information visit: www.feasterfive.com
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