Feaster Five Report, 2001

Biggest Feaster Ever -- Running Boom Continues in the Merrimack Valley

The 14th Feaster Five Road Race, on November 22nd, had more entrants and more finishers than any previous Feaster Five. There were over 7500 entrants for the five mile, 5K, and Kid's K events. The five miler had 2929 finishers (compared with 2748 last year), and the 5K had 3356 finishers (compared with 2913 last year). The two big races had 6285 finishers, 624 more than last year. There were an estimated 700 participants in the Kid's K.

Remembering 9/11/01

Compared with the events of 9/11/01 and the continuing aftermath, Feaster is only a race, or a walk, or a moment to spend with family and friends. And it's a moment and more to devote to the Feaster Five beneficiaries -- The Lazarus House and Home Health VNA. It has always been that.

But the world has changed, and events that draw the community together, which the Feaster Five does, should reflect and participate in that change.

This year's Feaster shirt displayed an American flag and the words "Remember 9/11/01." Before the race began, the estimated gathering of 10,000 runners, walkers, volunteers, friends, and families observed a moment of silence. And then Tracie Gardner sang God Bless America.

And then, as the runners turned off Haverhill Street (route 133) onto York, with 400 yards to the finish line at the top of the hill, their horizon was blocked by an American flag that rose five stories in front of them at the top of the hill. Some runners sprinted faster, others stopped and just looked, and some let their tears carry them to the top. It was a moment that all will remember.

For those who are not aware of the magic Dave McGillivray brings to the events he directs, The Flag is the latest example. Although he is the Master of Detail, he also is Master of the Creative and Perfect Moment.

The Race

Michael Smith won the 5 miler in 24:56, with Chris Volante 2nd, and three-time winner Chris Teague 3rd.

Suzy Walsh was first woman in 29:30, followed by Nina Caron in 29:51 and Lyne Bessette in 30:02. Evie Caron was 5th in 31:08 and Marielle Yost was 8th in 31:35.

In the 5K, Doug Martyn was the winner in 16:14, followed by Christopher Antuns in 16:28 and Matt Sullivan in 17:04.

For the women, Jessica Parrott was the winner in 18:57, followed by Miae Jacobs and Meaghan Shaw. Meg Fucillo was 6th in 20:35.

Kay Seymour won the women's 60+ division, Esther Pelletier won the women's 70+ division, and Lou Peters won the men's 70+ division.

Management and Sponsors

The event was managed by Dave McGillivray and DMSE, and hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders. Significant support was provided by Kid's K sponsor, LODESTAR Corporation, the presenting sponsors, The Eagle Tribune and Smith + Nephew, and the beneficiaries, Home Health VNA and The Lazarus House.