
The 34th Annual Feaster Five Was A Success
THANK YOU!
On behalf of the host running club, the Merrimack Valley Striders; our Race Director Dave McGillivray and his DMSE Sports staff; our volunteers; our Grand Marshal, Becca Pizzi; the beneficiaries – the Merrimack Valley YMCA, the Bellesini Academy, Groundwork Lawrence, and the Merrimack Valley Striders Scholarship Program; the Town of Andover Police, Fire and DPW Departments; and our sponsors, thank you for your support of the 34th Annual Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Race.
We’ve always proclaimed the race is all about family, friends, fitness, and fun and the 34th edition of the race certainly rekindled that joy.
As Dave McGillivray says, “The comeback is greater than the setback!” We faced unique headwinds that created a few problems and for those bumps in the road, we apologize, but rest assured, Feaster Five is BACK, and next year’s 35th anniversary race will be a grand event!
We wish you the very best during the upcoming Holiday Season, and we can’t wait to see you again on November 24, 2022!

As COVID-19 and its variants remain part of our lives, we wanted to assure our supporters and runners that you can also “Run it your way." Participants who live in the region or plan to be in Andover for Thanksgiving, have the choice to join fellow participants at the start line in Andover or run virtually. The registration procedure is the same. Simply click the Register Now button below to get started.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ below.
PLEASE NOTE: All race shirts have been committed to early registrants.
5K or 5 Mile
$45
5K (Age 12 and under)
$35
Kids 12 and under who are participating in the 5K walk/run.
Kids' K
$10
Each little athlete will receive a commemorative medal and a custom long sleeve Kid’s K technical shirt.
COVID-19 Statement: The Feaster Five Road Race will be following CDC guidelines, Massachusetts regulations, and local rules to create a safe event for all participants and volunteers. We will update here as we get closer to the event.
Pre-Race Number Pickup
Pick up your race number and swag or register on site at the Feaster Five Expo, Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill Street, Andover, MA.
For the safety of our volunteers, everyone is asked to wear masks while inside the Y during bib pickup.
- Monday, Nov 22: 3:00-7:00pm
- Tuesday, Nov 23: Noon-7:00pm
- Wednesday, Nov 24: Noon-6:00pm
Race Day Schedule
- Parking:
Use the large parking lots at Brickstone Square, enter from Kenilworth Street. Parking is also available at the Stop and Shop Plaza on Main Street and the Merrimack Valley YMCA on Haverhill Street
- 7:00 AM: Race Day Number Pickup / Registration
Bill DeLuca Chevrolet
339 N Main Street, Andover - 7:00 AM: Race Day Number Pickup / Registration
- 7:45 AM: Kids' K
The Track at Balmoral Street - 8:30 AM: 5K/5M/walk
BENEFICIARIES
The Proceeds from the race benefit the The Bellesini Academy The Merrimack Valley Y, the MVS high school scholarship fund, and Groundwork Lawrence
SPONSORS
COUCH TO 5K PROGRAM
Need a push? Our Couch to 5K team is here to help!
An important tradition of the Feaster Five Road Race is the Couch to 5k training program, which helps motivate and prepare runners and walkers for race day. Held in Andover, MA, on the race course every Sunday for eight weeks, the Couch to 5k program begins October 3rd and goes until November 21st, 2021. Program starts at 8:00 AM at the race start area in Shawsheen Square.
All Feaster Five participants are invited to join the local running community for this fun opportunity to train and share in the traditions of the Feaster Five.

YOUR COACHING TEAM
Maura Szendey and Steve Seide are the coaches for the Couch to 5K program. Collectively they have over 50 years of running experience. They've run all race distances and love sharing their tips and strategies for getting ready for Feaster Five - either as a beginner or a seasoned runner.
HOW IT WORKS
We meet the eight Sundays prior to the Feaster Five at the race start; we break into groups (walkers, walk/runners, runners) to make sure everyone has the right support; we start with group warm ups and running tips each week; we progress each week to further distances and more running than walking. If you plan on joining us you will be required to sign a waiver. We will have them on hand.
The 2021 Feaster Five Road Race is the largest Thanksgiving Day road race in Massachusetts. Since 1988, the Feaster Five has drawn tens of thousands of participants annually who take part in the 5k or 5 miler walk/run. This race brings together the community and beyond for a fun filled morning of running miles and consuming plenty of pie. It is a longstanding tradition of many families to participate in the race each year.
The Feaster Five Road Race is hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders, a 400+ member running organization founded in 1979. Proceeds from the race benefit the Striders’ high school scholarship fund, local charities, and initiatives in the surrounding communities.
CONTACT US
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