CCB MEDIA FILE PHOTO
Runners in the middle of the pack along Surf Drive at the Falmouth Road Race in 2014.
FALMOUTH – Falmouth’s busiest weekend of the year is underway.
An estimated 12,800 runners will hit the road tomorrow morning in Woods Hole for the 43rd running of the Falmouth Road Race.
Among those runners will be Maura Aldrich, vice president of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce.
Aldrich said she has run the race before but not in four years, so she has been training.
She said the race itself is a huge boost for the town.
“I really think it creates an amazing opportunity for Falmouth. People come in from all over the world and we showcase our beautiful town. I think the restaurants and the accommodations do extremely well. It’s a real benefit to have this race,” she said.
About 75,000 spectators are expected to line the seven-mile course to watch the runners from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights.
The number of people and the variety of events around the race, like the Falmouth Walk, the health expo, the family fun run and the high school mile races combine to create a festive atmosphere.
“I really do believe that you feel it,” Aldrich said. “I believe it brings a positive and healthy vibe to Falmouth. I think you can feel the excitement.”
Aldrich said, lodging establishments in town have been booked solid for several weeks in advance of the race and those planning to visit local restaurants should make reservations if possible.
But Aldrich said Falmouth businesses are prepared for the influx of visitors.
“Most of the businesses have fortunately been here for a long time. It’s the 43rd running of the race. I think they understand what’s coming their way and look forward to it,” she said.
The chamber is expecting its highest visitor counts this weekend, as people walk in for maps and advice or even just to use the bathroom.
“It is a very, very busy time for the chamber,” Aldrich said.
Along with fourth of July weekend, Aldrich said road race weekend brings the highest numbers of walk-in visitors to the chamber office on Academy Lane, just off Main Street.
On a busy day, upwards of 175 people come in to the chamber offices.
“We’ll definitely peak on a weekend like this,” Aldrich said.
But with plenty of volunteers helping out, Aldrich said the chamber welcomes the extra guests.
“We love meeting the people from all over the world who come in for this weekend, whether they’re running the race or watching the race,” she said.
By LAURA M. RECKFORD, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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