Partnership Will Help Raise Awareness of Foundation’s Youth Running, Reading and Kindness Programs
ANDOVER, Mass. – July 28, 2026 – The Feaster Five Road Race today announced that the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation will serve as a community partner for the 2026 event season, bringing together two local, well known organizations that share a commitment to physical activity, youth development, and stronger communities.
As part of the partnership, Feaster Five will help introduce its participants and supporters to the Finish Strong Foundation and its work to inspire and empower young people through running, reading and acts of kindness. The organizations will collaborate on promotional opportunities throughout the race season, including website, email, and social media visibility, as well as potential community programming and appearances.
The Finish Strong Foundation will participate as a community partner and will not receive proceeds from the 2026 race. Feaster Five proceeds will continue to benefit Bellesini Academy, the Merrimack Valley YMCA, the Merrimack Valley Striders High School Scholarship Fund, and the Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund.
“Feaster Five has always been about much more than the miles people run on Thanksgiving morning. It is about families, tradition, and bringing an entire community together,” said Dave McGillivray, founder and president of the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation and longtime race director of Feaster Five. “That spirit aligns perfectly with our foundation’s mission. We are excited to introduce more families to our programs and encourage young people to move, read, ‘Dream Big,’ and discover the impact they can make through kindness.”
The 39th annual Feaster Five presented by Schneider Electric will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026, in Andover. The family friendly event includes a five mile race, a 5K run and walk, and a children’s fun run. Finishers traditionally receive an apple pie while supplies last.
“Dave has played an important role in the history and continued success of Feaster Five, and we are pleased to recognize the Finish Strong Foundation as a community partner,” said Louise Cummings, president of the Merrimack Valley Striders, the nonprofit running club that hosts Feaster Five. “Its focus on physical activity, literacy, kindness and self-confidence reflects the community centered values that have defined Feaster Five for nearly four decades. We look forward to helping more of our participants learn about the foundation and its programs.”
Registration for the 2026 Feaster Five is now open. For race information and registration, visit feasterfive.com.
ABOUT FEASTER FIVE
Founded in 1988, the Feaster Five Road Race is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in Andover, Massachusetts, and the largest Thanksgiving Day road race in the state. The family friendly event includes five mile and 5K races, a walk, and a children’s fun run, welcoming runners and walkers of varying ages and abilities. Proceeds from the event benefit Bellesini Academy, the Merrimack Valley YMCA, the Merrimack Valley Striders High School Scholarship Fund and the Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund.
ABOUT THE DAVE MCGILLIVRAY FINISH STRONG FOUNDATION
The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and performing acts of kindness. Its vision is rooted in a belief that discovering a passion for physical activity, reading, and acts of kindness at a young age gives individuals self-confidence and self-respect, empowering them to move forward — one step at a time. For over eighteen years, the foundation has remained committed to preparing individuals for future success and building vibrant communities. For more information, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org.