byLarry EderThe Falmouth Road Race is one of the signs that summer road racing is in full bloom. I raced there twice in the 80s and loved it: the experience of the race, the course, and the fun the ensued. RBR heartily encourages sponsors to consider this rite of summer road racing!
Falmouth, Mass.
– The Falmouth Road Race will be seeking a new title
sponsor for the 39th running of the race that is scheduled for Sunday, Aug 14,
2011.
CIGNA,
a Philadelphia-based global health services company and the title sponsor since
2006, informed race directors this week that they would not be
returning.
The race
directors will immediately begin the search, with an eye toward the 40th
celebration in 2012 of what has been called “The Great American Road
Race.”
“Working with the professional people
who put together the Falmouth Road Race and being involved in this world-class
event has been a positive and rewarding experience. It is a well-run
event with a rich history, and we are very proud to have been a part of this
tradition,” said Patricia Caballero, Director, Events and Sponsorship for
CIGNA.
Dr. Richard C. Adams, president of the race’s board of directors, said
“CIGNA has been a terrific partner for the race since they joined us in 2006,
and we will miss working with them. But the race will move on and begin a
vigorous search for a new sponsor.”
The Falmouth Road Race is one of the top non-marathon events on the
international circuit and past champions have included Hall-of-Famers and
Olympians such as Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Joan Samuelson, Lynn Jennings,
Colleen De Reuck, Lornah Kiplagat and Catherine Ndereba.
The race was founded in 1973 and was named “Best USA Road Race” by
Runner’s World magazine. It has also been featured in Life Magazine, Sports
Illustrated and Fitness magazine, as well as on CBS television and ESPN. In
2005, it was named in Sports Illustrated “One of the 25 essential things to do
in the summer.” It was the only road race listed.
The seven-mile race from the drawbridge in Woods Hole to the finish line
by the beach in Falmouth Heights is one of the highlights of summer on Cape Cod.
Along with the world’s elite, 10,000 runners complete the scenic course with an
estimated 50,000 spectators lining the route. More than 15,000 apply to enter
the race, and a lottery is held to fill the field.
Proceeds from
the race benefit Falmouth school programs and sports teams, youth organizations
and Cape-based community groups. The Numbers-for-Nonprofits program supports 72
charities. Over 1,000 runners raised more than $1.5 million at the race last
Sunday.
For further
information contact Rich Sherman, co-director –
1-508-737-7872
