The small race born that day out of an idea from former Marine and fitness enthusiast Tommy Leonard went on to become a premier event in the running world. With a winning time of 39:16, Michigan native David Duba, a college student, won the first of 49 races. We say 49 because, as of this writing, that’s how many races have traversed the seven- plus miles it takes to make it from the Captain Kidd to Central Park in Falmouth Heights. Shortly after this magazine finds its way into the hands of readers, that number will be 50.

We who live and vacation here in Falmouth are biased, so it’s no surprise when we state, with confidence, that the Falmouth Road Race is one of the most beautiful races to run—from Woods Hole still wrapped in its maritime past to the lighthouse high up over the sound and along Surf Drive, that baking straightaway that tests you mid-route, and then around the harbor and finally you’re greeted by the last hill into The Heights. Woe to the runners who give it the rest of their energy too early. It’s deceptive. There is a false summit and no shortage of races where experience wins out.

Professional runners, athletes all, have been participating in the Falmouth Road Race since shortly after its inception. In fact, the elite fields have been known to dwindle in years when the Olympics call all marathoners. Its length is daunting to the amateur, but doable if you train. – amateur, but doable if you train. 

– John H. Hough, Editor.