Start times, parking, food: Everything you need to know about the 2023 Falmouth Road Race
Wondering where to eat on race day? Check out our recommendations along the route.
The annual ASICS Falmouth Road Race is back for its 51st running on Sunday.
One of the most anticipated races this weekend will be in the women's Elite field, where Hellen Obiri and Emily Sisson will make their Falmouth Road Race debuts.
Obiri won the Boston Marathon in April, the Boston Athletic Association 10K, was runner-up in the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, and won the Beach to Beacon 10K in Maine. Sisson has the American record for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and she also set the American record in the half-marathon (since broken by Kiera D’Amato) and won the USA Track and Field 15km title for the third consecutive year.
If you are there in person or watching from the comfort of your home, here is everything you need to know prior to the festivities this weekend.
Falmouth Road Race course
The Wheelchair Division will kick things off at 8:40 a.m., followed by the Elite women's start at 8:50 a.m. The Elite men will begin at 9 a.m., and seeded runners and wheelchair duos at 9:03 a.m. The first pulse start for the general field of runners will begin at 9:05 a.m.
Where to park for the Falmouth Road Race
With 20,000 people on site, you can imagine how traffic and parking may be. Please avoid parking on private properties or next to an open business because your chances of getting towed will increase.
Something new this year is that there will be a drop-off only option at Falmouth High School (874 Gifford St.) from 6 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. You must RSVP to access this option.
There are other parking options like the Mullen-Hall and Morse Pond Schools, the Town Hall, the public lot near the library, and the Homeport office complex on Gifford Street. There will be no parking on Worcester Court, according to the Town of Falmouth.
Access to the start area in Woods Hole will be strictly controlled and parking and boat drop-offs will not be available. There is a free bus option from Lawrence School (113 Lakeview Ave.) beginning at 6 a.m. You must be onsite by 7:20 a.m. Please note if you arrive to the school after 7:20 a.m., you may not be guaranteed a ride to the start. Unregistered runners and At-Home Edition participants will not be allowed on the buses.
The Health and Fitness Expo
Although the various races are the main attractions, there are plenty other things to do for all ages leading up to the day of the races.
The Health and Fitness Expo is a three-day event Aug. 17-19 that displays the latest in running, fitness, and unique Cape Cod items. You can purchase official race apparel and the latest athletic shoes at the ASICS booth, have a poster signed by former Olympians and road race legends, attend seminars and much more.
The hours for the expo are below:
Thursday: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Falmouth Track Festival
Another event prior to Sunday is the Falmouth Track Festival on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Falmouth High School James Kalperis Track. This event includes the Tommy Cochary High School Mile, the Elite Wheelchair Mile and the Elite Mile.
The Cochary High School Mile is for high school students who are residents of Massachusetts and currently attend, or are a 2023 graduate of, a Massachusetts high school.
The Falmouth Elite Mile is an invitational mile for elite runners. For the male runners, they must have run a sub-4:00-minute mile, and female runners must have run a sub-4:39-minute mile to be considered for an invitation.
Savings Bank Life Insurance Family Fun Run
On the following morning (Saturday), the 21st annual SBLI Family Fun Run free event will take place at 9 a.m. This includes races for kids ages 2-12, refreshments, a DJ to turn the party up, a photo booth to catch all the memories, glitter tattoos, games, giveaways and more.
Medical tips
On long hot days like this, it is always good to have medical help available on site. There will be medical locations throughout the course. This includes the start line in Woods Hole, three medical stations along the course, a Mobile Medical Team working in between each station, medical staff at the finish line, and in the Finish Line Medical Tent.
There will be thousands of people in attendance so look out for the medical volunteers in royal blue T-shirts with credentials. Keep an eye out for the weather forecast, which is saying that the high be will 78 degrees.
Falmouth Road Race results
If you want to keep track of your family and friends during the race, download the RTRT Falmouth Road Race app on your smartphone.
All final results will be posted by 2 p.m. on the race website at www.FalmouthRoadRace.com and the RTRT Falmouth Road Race app.
Places to eat
After a long day like this, we know most people will be hungry, but have no clue where to grab some food. Don't worry, we have you covered. Here are some places to try over the weekend to fill that hunger. https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/entertainment/dining/2023/08/14/falmouth-road-race-restaurant-eat-food-course-woods-hole-runners/70520479007/
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 2023 Falmouth Road Race: Start times, parking, race results, more
