Ayer Fire Department Thanksgiving Day 5K

Ayer Fire Department Thanksgiving Day 5K is held in Ayer, Massachusetts, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026, with a 5K road race (3.1 miles) starting at 8:00 AM. As the name says, the event is tied to the town's fire department, and the early start leaves the rest of the holiday free.

Small-town Thanksgiving 5Ks like this one are ideal whether you want to race or simply move before the big meal. If you are going for a time, warm up for 15 minutes with a few strides, since the cold New England air makes it hard to get up to speed from a standing start, and aim for even splits over the three miles. Newer runners can prepare in three to four weeks with short, easy runs. Layers you can shed before the gun, plus a hat and gloves, are worth packing for an 8:00 AM start in late November.