Thanks for the Trails 5K & Kids Fun Run
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Patton Park, Hamilton
Join us for our 9th Annual Thanks for the Trails 5k and Kids Fun Run the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Patton Park. The Kids' Run will begin at 9:30AM and the 5k will start at 10AM. Using a scenic and challenging course, this will be an event for all! Super prizes for top finishers, and many other terrific prizes.
A Boston Marathon Entry will be given to a lucky bib number holder, so be sure to enter during online registration! Free swag will be given to registrants as long as supplies last, so be sure to register early. We are building on the fine tradition enjoyed by so many for many years with Gabe's Run, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Gabriel Pacione Memorial Scholarship. Whether you seek a personal record or camaraderie with old friends and rivals, this event is for you!
Online Registration Fees:
5K - $25 ECTA member, $35 non-member
Kids Fun Run - $15 per child (12 and under)
(Online registration closes Sunday, November 22)
All 2026 events will offer a $10 discount for ECTA Members. Become a Member before registration!
This race is part of the North Shore Trail Series 2026!
For more info check out the North Shore Trail Series
Divisions: Men, Women, and Non-Binary: 25 & Under, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, Over 65. Thanks for the Trails hats only guaranteed for first 200 registrants!
Kids Fun Run: This 1-mile fun run for younger runners (12 and under) will start and finish at the 5K starting/finishing line(s). Prizes for our top 3 Kids Fun Runners and a Thanks for the Trails give-away for other Fun Run finishers.
BOSTON MARATHON ENTRY give-away: all online registrants are welcome to enter our give-away to win a 2027 Boston Marathon Entry! You must register online before Sunday, November 22 at 11:59 PM to enter the Boston Marathon Entry giveaway, you can't enter this giveaway if you register in person at the race. You must check off the Boston Marathon Entry box on your registration and agree to the Terms and Conditions:
- must be 18 or older to enter
- non-transferrable: marathon bib can only be used by the giveaway winner
By agreeing to enter the Boston Marathon Entry give-away you will be responsible for the following if you win:
- pay the special entry fee with the BAA entry form (estimated $375 for 2027 race)
- commit to raise personal sponsorships, in form of donations to Essex County Trail Association in the amount of $3,500.
Race Day Registration: Registration will be available from 7:00-9:15 AM at Patton Park, $5 increase for 5K same day registrations – registration will CLOSE at 9:15 AM: Members = $30, Non-members = $40. Kids Run = $15.
Packet Pick-up: If you wish to pick up your bib and hat early (for pre-registered runners ONLY), we will be at New England Running Company at 43 Enon Street in Beverly during the day on Friday, November 27th from 10am-5pm. Otherwise, pick it up at the pre-registration table at the race starting at 7am.
Parking and race start: 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.
Bag Check: November weather can be pretty chilly! The race time temperature will probably be around freezing. Please dress accordingly. There will be a dry area in the gazebo if you want to leave your jackets, sweatpants, etc. during the race, ECTA is not responsible for lost items.
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 10:40am. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Overall and in each division, also 1st place in age-graded, and at several lucky number prizes will be awarded. The Boston Marathon Entry give-away will also be announced post-race, the entry will only be given out to an individual who is present when called.
Results: will be posted in the finish area and published on our website on Sunday, the day after the race.
Course Maps: 5K Map - click here Kids' Run Map - click here
