Feaster Five Report, 1999

The Race
Dave Hinga climaxed an incredible streak of victories with his fifth 1st place in a row, winning the Feaster 5 mile race in 24:06 (4:51 pace), a course record. Dave's other recent races:

  • Oct. 31st, he won a 5K in Newburyport in 14:46 (4:46 pace)
  • Nov. 7, he won the Country Club Classic X-Country 5K in Methuen in 15:19 (4:56 pace)
  • Nov. 14, he crushed the field at the Run Your Turkey Off 15K in Tewskbury, winning in a time of 46:50 (5:02 pace)
  • Nov. 21 at the Slattery's Turkey Trot 5 Miler in Fitchburg, he beat a deep field to win in 23:44 (4:45).
    Dave Hinga is a member of the Merrimack Valley Striders and is coached by Fernando Braz.

    In the Feaster 5 mile women's race, Andover native Terri-Anne McGettrick defended her title with a 28:21. Matt St. Germaine won the 5K for the men in 15:44, and Kara Molloy edged MVSer Molly Taber in the women's race, 18:43 to 19:02.

    MVS Top Runners
    In the 5 mile race, Charlie Kellogg won the senior's title (50-59) in 30:38, and Wayne Fillback won the veteran's title (60-69) in 35:34. Debbie Ian was 7th woman senior and Betty Waldman was 9th. Seamus Daly was 4th male master in 28:28, and Dave Tyler was 6th in 29:01. In the sub-master category (30-39), Sue Kiley was 8th in 31:52 and Laura Shejen was 9th in 32:00. For the open men (20-29), Todd Buckley was 4th in 27:16, and Ray Regan was 5th in 27:22. In the women's 13-19 category, two MVS Memorial Scholarship winners were 3rd and 4th, Katherine Blais in 34:43 and Kristen Munson in 34:44.

    In the 5K, Matt Pimental was 6th overall and 2nd in the 13-19 category in 16:59. Charlie Perry Jr. was in 8th in the 13-19 group in 18:17. Jessica Flinn was 9th overall and 3rd in the 13-19 category in 21:17. Brian Moody was 10th overall and won the 30-39 age group in 17:10. Also in the 30-39 age group, Mike Dimauro was 4th in 18:30 and Gerry Duggan was 7th in 18:45. In the 40-49 group, Charlie Perry was 6th in 18:46. Charlie Farrington won the seniors title in 19:19, with Andy Pendleton 2nd in 20:08. Bob Katz was 2nd veteran in 25:48, and Lou Peters won the 70+ age group in 29:27.

    The Numbers
    The 1999 Feaster Five Road Races were the largest in the event's 12-year history. Although the number 7800 is floated for 1995, that is probably not accurate. In 1999, there were 7563 registrants. There were 703 in the kid's K and 6860 in the 5 miler and 5K. Of these, 3183 finished the 5 miler and 2891 finished the 5K, for a total of 6074 (not counting the kid's K). There were only 787 no-shows or non-finishers in the adult races this year, a remarkably low number.

    The high registration number and high turnout was the result of the mild weather (with light rain developing well after the races had started), and excellent promotion. The event was managed by Dave McGillivray and DMSE, and hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders. Significant support was provided by the presenting sponsors, The Eagle Tribune and Smith + Nephew, and the beneficiaries, Home Health VNA and The Lazarus House.