After marking the 52nd running of the ASICS Falmouth Road Race a few weeks ago, Falmouth Road Race Inc has unveiled the local impacts of its signature event. This year, the race’s Numbers for Nonprofits Program generated over US$7.8 million, the highest total for a single year to date.
More than 4,300 runners participated in the program and raised money for over 200 official charity teams. Through the Numbers for Nonprofits Program, the race has helped raise over US$71 million for charities and organizations based in Massachusetts since the program’s inception in 2000.
“Our Numbers For Nonprofits team captains and participants never fail to amaze me,” said Program Manager Andrea Norris.
“Their enthusiasm and dedication make this entire initiative a success year after year. Charitable giving has always been a part of the Falmouth Road Race, and these runners carry on a beautiful tradition that makes a difference.”
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund partnered with the event again to present the Numbers for Nonprofits Program. Charitable giving has been a part of the Falmouth Road Race organization since its inception when money was raised for the Falmouth High School girl’s track team at the event’s inaugural running in 1973.
Since 2012, Falmouth Road Race, Inc, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, has given back over US$5.4 million to the community in the form of scholarships to graduating high school seniors, grant awards, donations to volunteer groups who support the race, sponsorships of local events, and the completion of various large projects to benefit the town.
The race also celebrated top finishers in their divisions at an awards ceremony held on September 18. They include the Margaret Bradley Award, which honours the fastest male and female finishers who live in Falmouth year-round. This year’s winners were Silas Gartner with a time of 36:46 and Katie Barrett, a two-time recipient, with a time of 45:32.
The award was created 20 years ago when Margaret Bradley, a local runner and Falmouth Road Race participant, died while running in the Grand Canyon on July 10, 2004, at the age of 24. This award continues to honour her and her impact on the community two decades later.
“Unique traditions like the Margaret Bradley Award honour the roots of the ASICS Falmouth Road Race,” said Executive Director Jennifer Edwards. “While people do travel from all over the nation and the world to run with us, it is our small community here in Falmouth and their unwavering support that make this event such an authentic and rich experience. We offer our sincere gratitude and a huge congratulations to this year’s winners.”
With over 11,000 participants, the 2024 ASICS Falmouth Road Race continued its tradition of bringing together athletes of all levels.
Celebrating his 52nd finish was Brian Salzberg, the only person to have run each Falmouth Road Race since the inaugural race in 1973. The female with the most consecutive finishes is Falmouth resident Kris Tholke with 37 this year.
