The Falmouth Public Schools have played an integral part in the Falmouth Road Race since its humble beginnings in 1973. The late, great founder, Tommy Leonard wanted to create an event that would attract Olympian Frank Shorter to compete in Falmouth. However, he was also paying attention to the local running scene, in particular, the female athletes from Falmouth High School competing on behalf of the Falmouth Track Club, making their mark in Massachusetts and beyond.
Mr. Leonard brought his vision to then FTC coach, John Carroll. Mr. Carroll agreed to assist with organizing the inaugural race, and to provide a team of student volunteers, and Mr. Leonard offered to donate all proceeds to the club. The financial assistance enabled them to compete in prestigious qualifying events all over the country, no longer relying solely on door-to-door raffle sales and grassroots fundraising efforts.
That connection between community and volunteerism has grown, along with the Falmouth Road Race, over the past five decades.
A group of volunteers from Falmouth Band Parents, led by president Niisa Morton and Vice President Lara Baldasaro, was stationed in two high-traffic areas during the post-race celebration for the 50th Running on August 21 - the food tent and the hot dog tent. Founded more than fifty years ago, FBP is a volunteer nonprofit organization which supports all instrumental music programs in Falmouth Public Schools. The race is one of many events for which students can volunteer to earn points to help offset travel expenses for band trips. Points are also awarded for every volunteer each student recruits. Additionally, FBP receives a donation from the FRR, Inc. for their collective efforts on race day.
Gina Palanza first became involved with FBP when her son, Dante Colpus (FHS ’20) was an eighth-grader. This will be her last year with the organization, as her daughter, Elmira Colpus, is a senior at FHS.
Road Race Sunday is one of Ms. Palanza’s favorite events as a band parent.
“Volunteering for the race is such a great way to kick off the school year, because it brings the kids and parents together again. It’s like a social event,” she said. “But it’s also incredibly eye-opening to see all the logistics and moving parts behind the scenes, and the countless people coming together to make it happen. I think it’s really important for kids to witness the teamwork of this amazing event, right in our own community.”
Sara Giguere is a member of the Falmouth Outdoor Learning Committee, a sub-committee of the Rotary Club of Falmouth, led by Amy Leonardi. Sara and her husband, Caleb Giguere, moved to her hometown of Falmouth with their four children last September. Although they have participated in the past, they didn’t have numbers for the 50th Running, so when they were invited to join the Rotary’s Numbers for Nonprofits fundraising team, they eagerly accepted.
“Caleb and I are both passionate about getting kids outside, for many reasons. Fresh air is so important, and it’s a different stimulus than being in a classroom,” she said. “There are so many opportunities for learning, from plants and nature to weather patterns to moon cycles.”
To that end, FOLC has partnered with The 300 Committee, Falmouth’s land trust, to promote its protected spaces as outdoor learning spaces for all ages.
The Gigueres raised a combined total of nearly $2,200 to benefit FOLC. Helping to give back to their own community made the experience even more memorable.
“We were thrilled to be able to run on a charity team. As I ran down the hill in Falmouth Heights to the finish line, and saw the American flag waving, it felt incredibly rewarding to know the money we raised will stay right here in Falmouth,” she said.
Falmouth Education Foundation (FEF) participated in the Numbers for Nonprofits program for the first time this year. Board member Traci Bushy was part of a 10-member team that raised over $9, 200 for FEF, a volunteer nonprofit that supports innovative learning throughout Falmouth Public Schools with grant-funded projects and opportunities.
Mrs. Bushy has been involved with the organization for the past decade, and currently serves as chair of the development committee and co-chair of the annual gala, FEF’s main fundraising event. She was grateful for the chance to run for a cause to which she is so committed. She and her husband, Lawrence School Principal Tom Bushy, are the parents of four students in the district.
“Falmouth Education Foundation does so much good for this town. I see it with my own children, and how they benefit from FEF’s mission,” she said. “It was also a nice opportunity to be on the other side of the fundraising aspect, and to help give back to an organization that is so near and dear to my heart.”
Although Alan Harris and his wife, Katrina are new to the Falmouth community, they have already experienced one of the town’s most iconic events, having both crossed the finish line of the Falmouth Road Race. Dr. Harris was appointed Falmouth High School Principal last May by Superintendent of Schools Lori S. Duerr, and Mrs. Harris joins the staff at Morse Pond School as a new sixth-grade teacher. The couple relocated from Fresno, California in July, but Dr. Harris, a fan of the race since his youth, inquired about resident registration shortly after he accepted his position last spring. He was pleasantly surprised by the prompt response from FRR Executive Director Jennifer Edwards.
“It’s an example of how well-received Katrina and I have been, every step along the way. The pandemic slowed our running and racing, so this was the first race we’ve participated in since 2019, and we had a wonderful time,” he said.
“Having run races around the country on both coasts, the Falmouth Road Race is like no other. The community spirit and love for the race are like nothing we’ve experienced. We’re so honored to be here to have had the opportunity to run in the 50th. It’s a memory we’ll cherish forever.”