The following are comments from Falmouth Heights – Maravista Neighborhood Association members regarding the Sunday, August 15, 2021 Road Race. They will be delivered to the Road Race Committee as they are every year.
Elysian Ave
My family participates in the FRR and are pleased to be part of such a wonderful community event. One issue I do know is that, clearly, parking in Falmouth Heights is the major issue. Is it time for FRR to see about taking over part of a large lot (Walmart? Christmas Tree Shop?) and having authorized parking, shuttle from finish line or the like? This would certainly temper the issue of traffic out of the neighborhood postrace and minimize unauthorized parking on private property. I appreciate Falmouth Heights-Maravista Neighborhood Associationâs liaison with the FRR.
Dartmouth Avenue
I thought the Road Race was very well organized, and clean up was accompanied quickly.
Lake Leaman Road
Although I was surprised the Road Race took place (rise in Covid #’s) I believe it went well. Praying over the next few days Falmouth Heights doesn’t become the media’s next PTown.
Deacons Ave
At my house, from 8-about 10 we had only about 1/3rd the normal number of spectators, then it popped up to about the same as always. The band, Undercover Band CC, was terrific, great music and they left at 11 instead of noon because watchers cleared out pretty quickly and didnât gather or leave much trash. I checked the COVID statistics before and for a few weeks after the race and there was no spike in COVID cases. I think that speaks well for the race directorsâ commitment to clear the area as fast as possible.
Sycamore Street
This year’s finish was more like the old days of smaller races, with no ballfield events, and a very limited corral for runners after finishing. The race did a good job of keeping Worcester Ct open this year, mostly for emergency vehicle access to the Heights and medical tents. That also created an impact on the neighborhoods, as runners were sent down Indiana to the corner of Nantucket (one block in from the beach, near where Lawrence’s Restaurant used to be). Then the runners were left to find their own way back to their cars. There were no fences or barricades along the route since there was no official route. There were good signs to guide the runners to water and snacks but nothing after that. That meant that hundreds/thousands of runners just sat down to rest and recover in the shade on people’s front (and back) lawns. Then they mostly just walked through the neighborhood and down the streets to Falmouth Plaza etc. where many had parked. For the most part, runners were polite and courteous, but even if only 1% forgot to pick up a water bottle or wrapper, that’s still hundreds of items left on lawns and in bushes. There were many trash receptacles, and most runners were very good about using them. But I saw neighbors who had to ask runners to please not walk around in their back yards, or cut through their properties, or who knows what. It would have been better to provide the runners with a more specific route back to their cars and provide a rest area for them rather than expecting the residents to host them on their lawns.
Chapel Park Ave
The set up and break down seemed smooth and efficient.
Deacons Avenue
I think the race was extremely well run and cleanup was superb. Earlier start these last few years makes a huge difference. Very pleased.
Hiawatha Street
Thought the Race was very well run and had absolutely no issues what do ever with the crowd. It was great having so many people come to our community. The parking wasnât an issue at all as well.
Worcester Avenue
I thought the race was very well organized, orderly and run very well. I do appreciate that we had less runners then in the past, but the experience was overall very good. The runners and spectators were respectful of the area. I would ask if there is any way we can look to have the activity on race day on Worcester Ave start at 5am and not prior. Some groups setting up were out there earlier than 5am moving trucks around and the noise levels (back up warning devices and verbal communication) were at a level tough to sleep. It looked like they had plenty of time if they started at 5, because not much was happening between 7-9 am that could have allowed them to accomplish proper set up.
Young Road
I had good feelings about the Road Race this year, considering all the circumstances under which they were operating. I drove the finish line the evening before, everything was in place and ready to go, I was a volunteer there the next day….by the Flag. Reporting in on the ball field went fine, day was great and after it was over, tear down and cleanup happened right away. Shipwrecked party in the back seemed under control after the race, walking back to my home was easy, no traffic jams. I believe they did a good job and I myself saw no problems. My neighbors felt good about it also….. Just keep in mind FRR day to me is the best day of the year.
Russell Road
We noticed far less post-race traffic on Worcester CT, and more runners walking past the house. It appears many runners parked at the Staples Plaza and at Walmart. Overall, I would say the scaled back race went smoothly.
Miami Avenue
I was very impressed with the efficiency of the take down after the race. On Monday there was nearly no evidence a race took place. Also, the limited size of the race, plus the virtual offerings makes the stress on the Heights much more suitable. Lastly, closing Central Park and escorting runners to exit the areas was an outstanding success and should be the format going forward.
Alma Road
Was really disappointed they ran the Island Queen during the race. Runners were literally trying to run around commuters with luggage, dogs etc. crossing the road. Police officer had no control over the situation. It was a nightmare on the corner where the race turns between mile 5-6. Also, very disappointed that they didnât even refresh and paint the mile markers or the starting line. The line for merchandise at expo was terrible too.
Sycamore Street
It would have been better to provide the runners with a more specific route back to their cars and provide a rest area for them rather than expecting the residents to host them on their lawns.
Forest Avenue
There was a complete lack of security at the ball park after the race. Small signs saying the park was “closed per order of public health” were hung on banners but there was no enforcement whatsoever. The public was allowed totally unchecked access to the venue. An “official road race vehicle” was left illegally parked on Crescent Ave, at the back of the ball park, OVERNIGHT! I reported the vehicle to the Falmouth Police at approximately 8:00pm Sunday, as darkness began to set in, but it was not removed until 8:00am the next day.