The Falmouth Road Race

The perfect summer road race

Held in August every year in the town of Falmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, it's one of the most popular events on the east coast and one that raises huge amounts for charity. Operated for more than 50 years, it's a 7 mile event that starts to the west of the town, heads east along the coast and finishes in the centre of town, where the celebrations are in full flow. It's another iconic US event that you must do.

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The Destination

The state of Massachusetts has some wonderful coastal locations and there are few better than Cape Cod. In the southwest corner of New England is the town of Falmouth and its eight villages. These include Woods Hole where the Falmouth Road Race starts and Falmouth itself where it finishes. Outside of the summer months there are only around 50,000 local residents, but when the holidays start these numbers grow hugely as visitors from all over the US and further afield flock to the gorgeous beaches and charming settlements. And there's world famous Martha's Vineyard, popular with the rich and famous, located only seven miles offshore

There are art galleries, historic sites, quaint shops, bookstores, bakeries and restaurants. There are events year round like live theatre, harbour side concerts, a lively jazz fest and the acclaimed Woods Hole Film Festival each summer.

Fishing is extremely popular, with the deep harbours, extensive shoreline and open waters perfect for deep sea and sport fishing with tuna, bluefish and the sought after striped bass all prevalent in the warmer months. There are ten beaches in Falmouth, with Chapoquoit Beach and Old Silver Beach, amongst the most visited. Sunsets here are very memorable!

History

There were 92 finishers in the first Falmouth in 1973. The race distance of just over 7 miles was dictated by the starting point in Woods Hole. It was from the Captain Kidd restaurant to the Brothers 4 club in Falmouth Heights. The idea came from local runner, Tommy Leonard, and it was one of many events that began in the 70's running boom.The initial route is relatively unchanged since that first event, although there are a few more runners these days. 10,000 lucky runners now compete each August and it's one of a handful of events globally that sells out. And it has an elite field, funded by corporate support.

Race Organiser of the Falmouth Road Race

It's owned and managed by Falmouth Road Race, Inc. a not for profit organisation that is committed to supporting and promoting local organisations. Their specific focus on youth athletics and programming that promotes health and wellness. The many sponsors, partners, supporters, benefactors and patrons are the backbone of the nonprofit’s giving. Since 2012, with a focus on youth, health, and wellness, FRR Inc. has awarded more than $3.7 million in grants, community contributions, donations and scholarships for high school graduates from the local area.

When?

The race is held annually in August.

Distances

It's a single event distance over a 7 mile course.

Is there an Expo?

There is a really good Health & Fitness Expo for runners, friends and family. It's not on the scale of the really big city centre marathons but it has all of the same elements. You'll need to pick up your bib here as they are not posted in advance. It's open for the 3 days prior to the race and closes on Saturday at 3pm so make sure you're there before then as it's a bit of an earlier close than normal.

How many runners?

In 2025 there were just over 10,000 entrants.

Course

The race starts from Woods Hole, with free buses for all runners leaving from Lawrence School up to 7:30 am. A wave system is used at the start and this ensures that there is no overcrowding along the course or at the finish.

The beginning of the course is very hilly, with a starting line by the Captain Kidd Restaurant & Bar, a century old building in Woods Hole, seven miles west of the finish line, by Falmouth Heights beach.

Pretty much from the first few steps it goes uphill, gradually, onto a long curved coastal stretch that runs by Nobska Light, one of the most famous landmarks on the Cape. The Lighthouse was operated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service for 111 years until 1939. The quarters were converted into the residence for the area Coast Guard Commander, which continued until 2013, when it was determined that the structure was in need of extensive repair. The Town, in turn, in March 2016, gave responsibility for restoration, maintenance, and operation as a museum to the Friends of Nobska Light. The Friends have restored the Tower and are working on the development of a museum.

From the lighthouse runners continue east along a wooded road with gentle rolling hills, onto Surf Drive past Martha's Vineyard Sound, past beach cottages on stilts, before heading inland. There's plenty of crowd support in Falmouth town and along Falmouth Harbor. There's a cruel 1⁄4-mile (400 m) hill just before the finish but that won't bother runners with all the crowd noise at this point! The huge American flag flying at the finish line is an unforgettable image of the race.

What's unique?

Cape Cod, especially in summer, is a fantastic part of the world. It's also a very busy part of the world. Being able to run along an extremely popular part of the Cape with no traffic and with plenty of crowd support gives this event its uniqueness. Seven miles of stunning countryside, with 10,000 like minded runners is special and knowing it's all in aid of charity makes it even better.

Do charities benefit?

There is an extensive charity programme, primarily for local charities and this is boosted by the fact that the event sell out. Charities have access to a number of bibs that can then be allocated to runners in exchange for a pre agreed amount of fundraising. In 2022 $6.5 million was raised. bringing the total raised from the program's inception in 2000 to $56.5 million. This is a very significant achievement for a seven mile event.

Our verdict

If you're looking for a quintessentially US event, in a beautiful summer environment without it taking over your trip this is the one for you. It's well organised and has plenty of local of local support.

How to register

Online via the website. It always sells out so you need to be quick. Entries are also available via the charity partners so this is an option once it's sold out (and of course before it's sold out).

Race website

https://falmouthroadrace.com/