Going to the Falmouth Road Race 2022? Here's what you should know

WOODS HOLE — The annual ASICS Falmouth Road Race launches its 50th edition  Sunday. The annual seven-mile race runs along the beach from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights.

Since 1973, the race has been a popular summer event for runners and athletes. After hosting a 2020 at-home edition, the road race was back in-person last year, with a limited number of spectators. This year, all the events are making a comeback, including the wheelchair mile — back after almost a decade.

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The pre-designated elite athletes and several non-elites – will be competing for the title.

Among the highlights are the Falmouth Track Festival on Saturday and the Health & Fitness Expo today.

For those planning to watch the race or participate, here’s everything you need to know.

Falmouth Road Race course

The race will start with the wheelchair division at 8:40 a.m., followed by the elite women’s start at 8:50 a.m.; the elite men’s mile starts at 9 a.m., and the first wave of non-elite runners will leave at 9:03 a.m.

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The race route runs from Woods Hole by the Great Harbor, then heads southeast toward Nobska Lighthouse. From there, it’s a northeastern journey along the ocean, passing Oyster and Salt ponds. The final two miles take runners around Falmouth Harbor. The finish line is at Falmouth Heights Ball Park.

Where to park (spectators and participants)

There are no specific parking sites reserved for the spectators or participants. However, Mullen-Hall and Morse Pond schools, Town Hall, the public lot near the library and Homeport office complex on Gifford Street have parking available. Spectators and participants are not allowed to park on private property or close to any open businesses.

There will be no parking on Worcester Court per the Town of Falmouth.

Access to the start area in Woods Hole will be strictly controlled by public safety and there will not be any parking or boat drop-offs available at Woods Hole. Only official vehicles will be allowed to drive to Woods Hole.

How do I get to the start? (participants)

Traffic will be heavy on race day and the runners are encouraged to use the free bus system from Lawrence School (113 Lakeview Ave.) which begins at 6 a.m., on race day. Everyone must arrive at the school between 5:45-7:15 a.m. The last bus to the start area is at 7:30 a.m.. Arriving after 7:15 a.m.does not guarantee a spot.

Falmouth Track Festival at high school

The traditional Track Festival will be Saturday at the Falmouth High School James Kalperis Track, presented by ASICS. Professional athletes from around the country as well as some of the best high school milers in Massachusetts, will be participating in the festival this year.

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The events include SBLI Family Fun Run, Tommy Cochary High School Mile and Falmouth Elite Mile.

The Tommy Cochary High School mile will begin at 3 p.m. and feature 10 of the top boys and girls track and field athletes from around the state, followed by the Falmouth Elite Mile. Several Olympians are in line to participate in this year’s Men and Women’s Elite Mile.

Health & Fitness Expo marks race's 50th anniversary

This year the ASICS Falmouth Road Race Health & Fitness Expo is launching prior to the race day on Thursday at 4 p.m. The three-day expo will be located at the Falmouth High School Field House, at 874 Gifford Street.

This year’s expo features 36 vendors including ASICS, Yasso and Cape Cod Coffee.

There will be a special exhibit celebrating 50 years of the Falmouth Road Race. The ASICS Sand Sculptures are making a comeback this year, located outside the Expo. The Expo will be hosting several seminars Saturday, starting from 11 a.m.

Runners are expected to pick up their race bibs during expo hours, prior to the race day. Expo hours are 4-7 p.m., Thursday; noon –7 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Saturday.

Track the Falmouth Road Race runners

Anyone interested to track a specific runner, check out: https://track.rtrt.me/e/FRR-FALMOUTH-2022#/tracker. The RTRT app is also available for download at https://rtrt.me/

For any more information, visit the official website: https://falmouthroadrace.com/

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Falmouth Road Race 50th edition: Where to park, the course, runners