ANDOVER — The Feaster Five will have a new addition on Thanksgiving morning, albeit a very big one.
Former Boston Bruins star Zdeno Chara will not only run his first ever event in Andover, but he will serve as the “Official Race Starter.”
Chara, at 6-foot-9, is believed to be the tallest person to ever attempt running the prestigious Andover event.
The other staples of the 36th annual Feaster Five Road Race, including families, kids races, free apple pie and the “pumpkin spice” long sleeve sports tech T-shirt, will also be front and center.
The annual race and walk is hosted by the Merrimack Valley Striders running club and sponsored by Schneider Electric.
With just a few weeks left to register, the Feaster Five expects to exceed 6,000 participants in the race, which includes a 5K and 5 Mile course option.
Chara, who completed the Boston Marathon earlier this year, will be joined by longtime Feaster Five VIP and World Marathon Challenge Champion Becca Pizzi.
Chara was the longtime captain of the Boston Bruins and played 24 seasons in the NHL. Pizzi was the first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge – running 7 marathons, on 7 continents, in 7 days. She’s now done it twice and won both times.
This September, Pizzi completed her quest to run a marathon in all 50 states and two weeks later competed in the World Championship Ironman event in Kona, Hawaii. Pizzi was Chara’s running coach and they ran the 2023 Boston Marathon together.
“Zdeno and Becca are two amazing athletes and generous human beings who really exemplify the sport of running,” said Tom Licciardello, one of the founders of the Feaster Five. “We’re excited to have Becca back again and really thrilled to welcome Zdeno to the Feaster Five.”
The Feaster Five will also present “Sidney’s Rainbow Run” Kids Run in honor of Sidney Mae Olson. The Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund is one the 2023 Feaster Five beneficiaries.
The Andover-based non-profit was established in honor of Sidney Olson, 5, who was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street in Elm Square, Andover. Focused on opening doors for kids to live active and curious lives, the organization supports a range of programs from a fast-growing kids running program to advocacy work for safer streets.
By naming the popular kids race in memory of Sidney, the Feaster Five hopes to celebrate Sidney’s joyous spirit — and bring more children into the sport of running.
Sidney’s Rainbow Run will take place at 7:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, prior to the Feaster Five 5K and 5 mile events at 8:30 a.m. The run will be held along the Balmoral Track in Andover.
Along with Sidney’s Rainbow Fund, proceeds from the Feaster Five will support the Merrimack Valley Striders’ High School Scholarship fund, the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Bellesini Academy and Groundwork Lawrence.
“Every year it is wonderful to see all types of families come together to complete this race. Whether they are running to beat their personal best or walking it for the first time, the Feaster Five is an event for everyone,” said Robin Condon, president of the Merrimack Valley Striders, the host club of the Feaster Five. “Using the proceeds from this race to support these organizations in our community make it an extra special event.”
Race day is November 23, 2023 in downtown Andover, with a three-day race expo beginning November 20 at the Merrimack Valley YMCA.
Visit www.feasterfive.com for registration information and more details.