New Balance Road Race – August 11, 2013

On February 4, 2013, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) unanimously approved 12,800 to be the maximum number of registered runners for this year’s road race – same as last year.  

On their permit application, Race organizers had sought to increase the number of runners to 14,000 but, possibly because of neighborhood concerns, reduced their request to 12,800 shortly before the meeting began.  Representatives from FHMIA and the Woods Hole Community Association spoke, offering observations that the Town seemed already at capacity in 2010 with a field of 10,000 runners (and the associated number of observers) and recommended a reduction back to that  level.

Although last year’s limit was 12,800, many fewer attended because of poor weather.  If we have better weather this year, the new organizers’ systems will be properly tested.  

In addition to normal plans, DMSE, which also runs the Boston Marathon, has been working with the Falmouth Police and Fire Rescue Departments to assure our safety. 

The BOS suggested that the organizers continue to consult with the “bookend” neighborhoods of Woods Hole and Falmouth Heights. 

See http://www.falmouthroadrace.com/ and http://www.dmsesports.com

See also Falmouth Enterprise articles February 8, 2013 “Falmouth Road Race Gets Green Light For Second Week In August” and April 19, 2013 “Bombing Likely To Have Impact On Road Race”,          pages 1 & 9.