Feaster Five Road Race Returns To Andover Thanksgiving Day

ANDOVER, MA — Did you miss the Feaster Five Road Race last year, when it was held virtually due to the coronavirus? It returns Thursday for the annual Thanksgiving Day road race.

Andover announced planned road closures Thursday for the race, beginning at 6 a.m. and ending around 11 a.m. The race runs from Shawsheen Square, through downtown Andover and side streets, to the finish line at Brickstone Square.

The map of road closures is available here.

The three-day race expo bings Monday at the Merrimack Valley YMCA. Expo hours:

• Monday: 3 to 7 p.m.
• Tuesday: Noon to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday: Noon to 6 p.m.

Masks are required in the Y during the expo.

There are multiple events: a 5K, a 5-mile route and a kids' K fun run. Adult race finishers receive a Table Talk Apple Pie.

Race day schedule:

• 7 a.m.: Race day number pickup/registration at Bill DeLuca Chevrolet, 339 N Main Street.
• 7:45 a.m.: Kids' K at The Track at Balmoral Street
• 8:30 a.m.: 5K/5M/walk

"As we enter our 34th year, it is really gratifying to see the enthusiasm the community has shown for the return of our traditional Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Race," said Race Organizing Committee Chair Tom Licciardello when announcing the return to in-person running. "The chance to once again gather with friends and family will be especially emotional for all of us this year. Our race director, Dave McGillivray, and our entire Organizing Committee are excited to see all of our past participants and new, young and old, back again to celebrate a day of family, fitness, and fun."

In 2020, with the in-person race canceled, runners participated in dozens of states and multiple countries. But most years, up to 10,000 people run through Andover each Thanksgiving.

The race raises money for the Merrimack Valley Striders' high school scholarship program, the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Bellesini Academy of Lawrence and Groundwork Lawrence.

DMSE Sports, led by McGillivray, manages the race. McGillivray is also the race director for the Boston Marathon.

"I've been saying all during this pandemic that the comeback is always stronger than the setback and such will be the case with the annual Feaster Five Road Race," McGillivray said. "It is such a thrill to once again be planning for this traditional Thanksgiving gathering of family and friends and I know all the participants will be equally as thrilled to once again be running side-by-side one another showing the community that we are back and we are stronger than ever."

More details and registration are available at www.feasterfive.com.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.