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• 7th Annual Thanks for the Trails 5k

  • When
    30 Nov 2024
  •  
    9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Patton Park, Hamilton, MA

  Register

  
  

  
  

  REGISTRATION OPEN!
  THANKS FOR THE TRAILS 5k
  and Kids Fun Run SATURDAY November 30, 2024

  ECTA is holding its 7th Annual Thanks for the Trails 5k and Kids Fun Run the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Patton Park in Hamilton (November 30, 2024).  The Kids' Run will begin at 9:30AM and the 5k will start at 10AM.  Using a scenic and challenging course and offering great prizes, this will be an event for all!  Super prizes for top finishers, and many other terrific prizes. A Boston Marathon Entry will be raffled off, important info below, be sure to enter during registration! 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! 

  REGISTRATION:
  

  • Registration for 5k online (now through Sunday, Nov. 24^th): Members = $20, Non-members = $30
  • • Thanks for the Trails knit hats only guaranteed for first 200 registrants!
    • Race Day Registration will be available from 7:00-9:30 AM at Patton Park (REGISTRATION WILL  CLOSE at 9:30 AM): Members = $25, Non-members = $35
    • Divisions:  25 & Under, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, Over 65.
  • Kids' Run:  $15 per child (Children 12 and Under). 
  • • Kids' Fun Run: This 1-mile fun run for younger runners (12 and under) will begin at 9:30 AM sharp.  It 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 water bottle for each Fun Run finisher.

  

  This race is part of the North Shore Trail Series 2024! 

  
  

  BOSTON MARATHON ENTRY raffle 

  All registrants are welcome to enter our raffle to win a 2025 Boston Marathon Entry! To enter you must check off the Boston Marathon Entry box on your registration form and agree to the Terms and Conditions. By agreeing to enter the Boston Marathon Entry raffle you are agreeing to the following if you win:

  • agree to pay the special entry fee with the BAA entry form (estimated $375 for 2025 race).
  • commit to raise personal sponsorships, in the form of donations to Essex County Trail Association in the amount of $3,500.
  • ensure that you will raise the minimum required $3,500 by the day of the Boston Marathon. Winner will provide their own credit card information to ECTA upon winning raffle and allow ECTA to charge of any shortfall of the required donation amount on April 21, 2025.

  
  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 29th 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.  We will have a gear check table/tent if you want to leave your jackets, sweatpants, etc. during the race.

  POST RACE AND PRIZES 

  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 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place Overall and in each division, also 1^st place in age-graded, and at several lucky number prizes will be awarded. Winner of the Boston Marathon Raffle will be announced.

  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

  
  

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• 30th Annual Equine Expo & Tack Sale

  • When
    26 Apr 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield MA

  
  

  SAVE THE DATE
  SATURDAY APRIL 26, 2025
  30th EQUINE EXPO & TACK SALE

  Plans are underway for ESSEX COUNTY TRAIL ASSOCIATION to host the 30th annual Equine EXPO & Tack Sale to be held on Saturday, April 26th 2025 from 9-3 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Route 1, Topsfield, MA.

  Individuals, groups & businesses will make up our booths offering new and used items as well as services for the horse and rider/driver. Vendor spaces are available.

  We will have a demonstration ring and are looking for suggestions of presenters.

  There will be a food vendor serving breakfast and lunch. Plenty of free parking and the building is accessible to everyone. An admission fee of $5 (kids under 10 free) goes towards our goal of maintaining trails in our member towns of Hamilton, Wenham, Topsfield, Ipswich, Essex, and West Newbury.

  For more information or to donate any horse memorabilia such as books, figurines, and artwork for our ECTA sales space or to rent a vendor space please call Kay at 978-768-6275 or Sue at 978-468-7715 or e-mail kljoreo@aol.com. This year we will only be accepting donations of horse memorabilia or saddles, no other tack or blankets. 

  Interested in sponsoring this event or being a vendor?
  Vendor/sponsor contract here.

  
  

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