RESULTS HERE!!! http://www.coolrunning.com/results/18/ma/Nov23_Thanks_set1.shtml

Online pre-registration is now closed! Here is some important information for race participants:

PARKING:  Just north of the race start/finish in Patton Park by the tennis courts and WW2 tank (in the direction of Ipswich), we will have use of a large parking area on the Myopia Schooling fields.  The entrance is marked with ECTA and Parking signs on Route 1A and is generally across the street from the First United Methodist Church. From your car, you can reach the starting area by walking/jogging a couple hundred yards south on Route 1A, or across the fields.   PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE POLICE OR WINTHROP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOTS.

WEATHER:  The current forecast for Friday predicts a mostly sunny, but cold day.  The race time temperature will probably be  around freezing.  Please dress accordingly.  We will have a gear check table/tent if you want to leave your jackets, sweatpants, etc. during the race.

NUMBER AND SHIRT PICK-UP:  If you haven’t picked up your shirt and number from New England Running Company (43 Enon Street, Beverly) on Wednesday (regular business hours, 10am-5pm), you can pick these up at the starting/finishing area starting at 7:30AM on Friday.

TEAMS:  For the team competition, only teams with at least 5 runners and at least 2 of each gender will be counted.  The Team with the largest number of runners will win $100 cash and the fastest team (on a traditional XC scoring with at least 2 of each gender scoring) will also win $100 cash.  The original idea was beer, but we are leaving that to your discretion...

POST-RACE:  We will have plenty of food and drinks in the finish area, so please enjoy the refreshments while awaiting the awards and lucky number winners at or about 10:20am. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3  men and women and to the fastest and largest teams.  Merchandise prizes to top 3 in the age groups.  At least 15 lucky number prizes, including gift cards from New England Running (7 $50 gift cards), Seaside Cycle (Manchester by the Sea), Tendercrop Farms (Wenham),  a pair of Celtics tickets (vs. LA Clippers – February 9) and a pair of Bruins tickets.

Results will be posted in the finish area and will be texted to each runner’s cellphone. It will also be posted on Coolrunning.com

KIDS’ FUN RUN: This 1 mile fun run for younger runners will begin at 10 AM sharp.  It will start and finish at the 5K starting/finishing line(s). Merchandise prizes awarded to first finishing girl and first finishing boy.

PS:  If you noticed an overflow of the lake in Patton Park in the area of the traditional Gabe’s Run finish line (which would be our chosen finish line), have no worries, you will not have to swim or splash across the finish line --- we will set up an alternative finish line without altering the course.  The rest of the course is clear and dry.

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ECTA is holding its inaugural Thanks for the Trails 5k and Kids Fun Run the day after Thanksgiving at Patton Park in Hamilton (November 23, 2018).  The 5k will begin at 9AM on November 23, and the Kids' Run will start at 10AM.  Using a scenic and challenging course and offering great prizes, this will be an event for all!  In addition to cash (or gift certificates) for top finishers, and many other terrific prizes, there will be cash prizes for the teams (co-ed) with the most runners and that have the best score (on a traditional XC scoring basis).  We are building on the fine tradition enjoyed by so many for the last 10 years with Gabe's Run, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Gabe's Fund.  Whether you seek a personal record or camaraderie with old friends and rivals, this event is for you!

Pre-Registration for 5k: $25 through Nov. 15th

Post-Registration for 5k: $30 Race Day 7:30-8:25 AM  at Patton Park

Kids' Run:  $15 per child

Check our our Facebook Page @thanksforthetrails and our Instagram ectathanksforthetrails5k

5K Registrants Under 18:  Print and mail in this liability waiver to our office! (In addition to online waiver).

Paper registration available also: Download registration form here and mail it in to PO Box 358, Hamilton, MA  01936.

Course Maps:  5K Run, Kids' Fun Run

Support the people who support us!  Click on the logos to check out the websites of our sponsors!  We couldn't do it without them!

Greenhead