Great Stew Chase Returns To North Shore For 50th Year

SALEM, MA — More than 200 runners — many in training for spring marathons, including the Boston Marathon — will take to the streets of Peabody and Lynn in two weeks as part of the 50th Great Stew Chase.

The race is celebrated as the nation's oldest 15-kilometer race and takes place ideally during the marathon-training season.

One of the event's most distinctive and cherished traditions awaits runners at the finish line: a hot bowl of hearty stew.

The race includes a challenging yet rewarding course, ideal for seasoned competitors training for spring marathons as well as recreational runners seeking a winter goal.

The main 15K race begins at 10 a.m., with additional options designed to welcome runners of all abilities. A 9:30 a.m. early start is available for slower-paced participants, and a two-person relay allows teams to split the distance evenly, also starting at 10 a.m.

Originally launched as a community initiative in 1975, the Great Stew Chase continues its legacy under the stewardship of the Wyoma Lions Club, which assumed organization of the race in 2022.

Proceeds from the event support the club’s ongoing service efforts and commitment to strengthening the local community.

Registration for the 50th Great Stew Chase and relay is now open here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)