Bill Rodgers of Olympic and Marathon Fame to Serve as Feaster Five Grand Marshal

Bill Rodgers at the Amsterdam Marathon in 1977.

Marathoner and Olympian Bill Rodgers is the grand marshal for this year’s Feaster Five Road Race, a Thanksgiving Day tradition that annually attracts thousands of runners and walkers of all levels.

The 35th Annual Feaster Five Road Race is presented by Schneider Electric and hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders running club. It offers a 5K or five-mile route option, with all finishers receiving a Table Talk Apple Pie.

“Feaster Five is a great example of a community that supports the well-being of people of all ages,” Rodgers said. “In running and walking together, all the barriers fall and the result is a renewed focus on health and wellness. What is really powerful on Thanksgiving is the camaraderie that comes out during the Feaster Five and it’s a wonderful experience.”

Feaster Five started in 1988 with a few hundred runners and over the years grown into the largest and most recognized Thanksgiving Day race in New England.

The race starts Thanksgiving Day in Shawsheen Square,Andover, with a three-day race expo beginning Monday, Nov.21 at the Merrimack Valley YMCA.

Rodgers is an Olympian and four-time winner of both the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. He has competed in more than 60 marathons during his career.  Rodgers will also be at the Feaster Five Road Race Expo Tuesday, Nov. 22, to sign copies of his book and meet with runners picking up their Feaster Five bibs.

Proceeds from Feaster Five support Merrimack Valley Striders’ High School Scholarship Fund.  There have been nearly $200,000 in high school scholarships to date to graduating seniors from all over the Merrimack Valley. Additional proceeds support the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Bellesini Academy of Lawrence, and Groundwork Lawrence.

Details and registration at feasterfive.com.

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