Goodwill Running... Actor Matt Damon was among more than 7,000 at the 17th Annual Feaster Five Road Race
Posted Thursday, 2 December, 2004
Dave McGillivray, 617-212-6002
Linda Fechter, 781-383-2268
N. Andover, Mass. – The Eagle-Tribune Publishing Feaster Five Road Race in North Andover, Massachusetts is more than just another Turkey Trot. There were more than 7,000 participants and hundreds of spectators at this year’s 17th annual race held on Thanksgiving Day 2004. The Merrimack Valley Striders hosted the race, which is comprised of a 5-mile run or 5K run, along with a kid’s K. The Feaster Five has been directed by B.A.A. Boston Marathon Race Director, Dave McGillivray for the past 11 years.
“This year the race was taken to an even higher level, thanks our new sponsor, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care,” says McGillivray. “Their generous sponsorship, coupled with the fact that we also happened to have actor Matt Damon among our field of runners, made this year’s race our biggest and most successful from many standpoints. Matt was joined by his brother Kyle, and their father Kent, a North Andover resident. Matt and his father ran the 5K, while Kyle ran the 5-mile race. Matt was extremely gracious to the crowd as they requested autographs and photos. I was very impressed by his finishing time of 23:57 and his pace of 7 minutes and 38 seconds per mile. He is a legitimate runner for sure.”
Other sponsors included the Eagle-Tribune; Reebok, Twin Mountain Spring Water; Perfecto's Café; Fuddruckers; Woodworth Motors; Costa Fruit; Guesthouse Inn and Suites; Brickstone Square; CR Signs; Whirlaway Sports Center; Market Basket; and Enterprise Bank.
This race is all about family and fun. In fact, this year there was a contest held and prizes awarded to those families who had the most registered participants. The 2004 winners were the Panara family of Bradford, Mass. who had 35 family members run.
Held on a day when giving thanks is the norm, it is only fitting that hundreds of runners collect pledges that benefit both the Lazarus House and Home Health VNA, two local charities. Last year, the total raised was approximately $25,000, which was divided between the two charities. Though totals are not yet complete, it is expected that this year’s race will meet and hopefully exceed last year’s contribution.
“This race has become a true tradition in the Merrimack Valley Region,” says McGillivray. “I think it speaks volumes about the desire to do more than simply stuff oneself with food on Thanksgiving. Running in a road race is a great way to start the day with family and friends. It celebrates life and good health, not too mention it’s a whole lot of fun!”
Of course, each lucky entrant also received a free apple pie, and since they each had put a few miles under their belt, there was also room for a little desert too.
For information, go to www.feasterfive.com
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