Falmouth Road Race Eyeing In-Person Return

FALMOUTH, MA — The Falmouth Road Race opened for registration for its virtual event, but that doesn't mean organizers aren't also hoping for an in-person race this year.

The virtual edition of the 49th Annual ASICS Falmouth Road Race, is scheduled for Aug. 7-14, and allows runners from all over the world to lace up their running shoes and participate in the 7-mile race. Road race President Scott Ghelfi said he's trying to have an in-person race on Aug. 15, but the virtual race will still happen regardless.

"I think we learned last year, there's so many people from different countries and different states in the country, and more people that normally couldn't run the race could participate," Ghelfi said.

As for the in-person race, Ghelfi said he's working with town officials to see if an in-person race is feasible. He said some social distancing protocols still need to be worked out. The two biggest social distancing challenges are with bussing and the race's start line at Woods Hole.

The race typically has buses bring runners to the starting line, but doing that safely will require planning, Ghelfi said.

"We have to be cognizant of the fact we might have to social distance people on buses," Ghelfi said.

As for the starting line, Ghelfi said the plan is to have a rolling start for the race. When runners get dropped off at the starting line, they'd start running right away.

"We're also looking at the runner finishing the race and having a grab-and-go with snacks and water, and then off they go," Ghelfi said. "We're just trying to be cautious and not have everyone in big crowds."

There will also be capacity limits on how many people can run. During registration, runners will be presented with an option to select, "If given the chance, I would like to run in Falmouth." Those who select the option to run in-person get placed in a random lottery and if selected, can participate in the in-person race.

Ghelfi said seeing a possible return for the in-person race means a lot to him because it has encompassed so much of his life. He became a track and cross-country athlete after running the road race for the first time as a teenager. Before becoming president of the event, he also served as a host family for runners from outside the state and country.

"The event is like Christmas to me," Ghelfi said."Every year, I look forward to it. Last year was extremely painful to not have that to look forward to."

Ghelfi said he's also looking forward to using the race to raise money for the Falmouth community.

The road race gives back to different nonprofits in town every year. There's also scholarship opportunities for Falmouth students going to college, and some of those students have received over $50,000 from the race.

"Last year with the at-home edition, we were still able to give a bit back to the town," Ghelfi said. "That's what drives us. "This year being able to have the runners back will hopefully provide us the opportunities to give back to town in a more helpful way."

Virtual Race Details

The first 10,000 registrants will receive all the traditional Falmouth runner gifts, including this year's shopper bag, a commemorative mug, access to the virtual gift bag and other assorted goodies.

Additionally, free registration for the SBLI Kids At-Home Challenge also opened. Registered participants between ages 3 and 12 will receive a package complete with activities and surprises, including an Official SBLI Kids At-Home Challenge bib, limited-edition protective face covering and the 2021 superhero cape and mask to celebrate their accomplishments.

For more information, or to register, the Falmouth Road Race's website.