Cape Cod Marathon – HappyCapeCod

Is Falmouth Cape Cod?

Welcome indeed! Photo credit: American Security.

by Jeff Shaw, July 22, 2021

This basic question – Is Falmouth Cape Cod?, has been gnawing on me for a while. Silly as it may seem, and equally questionable my posing it considering I rarely visit the Upper Cape, I remain undeterred.

Don’t get me wrong, Falmouth has plenty of going on. It is considered the “gateway” to Martha’s Vineyard thanks to its proximity to the island and requisite ferry service; it is home to the renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, the premier Falmouth Road Race, the iconic Shining Sea Bikeway, and most of its villages have picturesque views of Buzzards Bay or Vineyard Sound. It was the birthplace of Katherine Lee Bates, who wrote “America the Beautiful,” likely inspired by the natural beauty of the land and sea.

It also happens to be the second most populated town. That word “second” is actually what my theory is based upon – Falmouth is second to Barnstable and not happy about it.

As mentioned above, Falmouth is the second most populated Cape Cod town. Guess which town is first? Barnstable of course! Falmouth was settled in 1660 (incorporated in 1686). Guess what year Barnstable was settled? 1637, a whopping two decades before (though Sandwich, Bourne and Yarmouth were settled even earlier).

If you are into baseball, then you may chuckle at this ridiculous fact – Falmouth has the second most runner-up finishes in the Cape Cod Baseball League finals since their last championship – 1980. Adding insult to injury, they also have the longest championship drought of any active franchise since 1980. Ouch.

My point is Falmouth, as solid as its offerings are, seems relegated to “runner-up” status when it comes to Barnstable. Put another way, Falmouth is the sidekick to Barnstable; the Robin to Barnstable’s Batman; the Sundance to the Barnstable’s Butch Cassidy. This beef may go back more than a century.

As marketing professionals would expect (and suggest), a lot of attractions on Cape Cod have the words “Cape Cod” in their name. Well, “duh” you might say. In Barnstable, examples include: Cape Cod Central Railroad (Hyannis Depot), Cape Cod Mall, Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Cape Codder Resort, Cape Cod Beer and plenty more.

As it turns out, Falmouth may have embraced this strategy to make a case for themselves as the center of Cape Cod. Below are some examples:

Cape Cod Fairgrounds logo.

Cape Cod Fairgrounds (East Falmouth), 1884

Perhaps the most ironic name, the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in Falmouth is the home of the Barnstable County Fair. You can NOT make that up. And yes, I know the county Cape Cod resides is Barnstable County. But still, that’s pretty funny. Also the Fair is happening this week!

Notice the entire Cape is featured in the logo.

Cape Cod Country Club (East Falmouth), 1928

As one of the earliest golf courses on the Cape, the Cape Cod Country Club name suggests it is the “center” of golf on Cape Cod. It is located in Falmouth. Interestingly, Barnstable opened a golf course in 1992, named the Old Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course. I can’t find the exact history, but believe an agricultural and livestock fair was hosted by the Barnstable County Agricultural Society in the mid-1800s on some fairgrounds. Still, the fact that Barnstable and Falmouth each have fairgrounds, no other Cape towns have/had them, is worth noting.

My finisher medal and iron-on commemorative t-shirt! Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

Cape Cod Marathon (Falmouth), 1996

Yet again, Barnstable and Falmouth lock horns. There are two marathons hosted on Cape Cod. Guess where they are located? You’re getting the hang of this exercise! Certainly Barnstable (Hyannis Marathon and Half Marathon) and Falmouth (Cape Cod Marathon).

Now I’ve run both races, and have somewhat comical recounts of each. In 2013, I was volunteering at the Hyannis Marathon and Half Expo, ran into a friend who sprained her ankle, who gave me her bib to run in her place. Having not run much over the winter (the event is held annually in February), I was huffing and puffing at mile 5, but for whatever reason, I recall this glorious tail wind that pushed me along the final miles and assisted in a respectable finish time. My friends were cheering me on at the finish line and it was all smiles.

Conversely, in 2014, I completed my first marathon in Falmouth. Hooray, right? However, I assumed the finish line area would be the place to get food and fuel upon finishing. Most races provide water, food, fuel, even a beer ticket, etc., along with medals, at or near the finish line. Not Falmouth; the water, food and fuels was back at the school/Expo, over a half mile away! There were not as many smiles at the Falmouth finish line.

Notice the entire Cape is featured in the logo. Photo credit: Cape Cod Winery.

Cape Cod Winery (East Falmouth), 2014

And finally, some wine. The recently opened Cape Cod Winery, located on a former strawberry farm, is in Falmouth. But the old guard of craft brewing is Cape Cod Beer (opened in 2004). Not only is Cape Cod Beer located in Barnstable, but has a dedicated tap line in almost every Cape Cod restaurant and bar.

Sorry Falmouth, but Barnstable is winning.

Now sure, plenty of businesses, cultural sites, even natural resources on Cape Cod have “Cape Cod” in their name (Cape Cod Rail Trail-Dennis+, Cape Cod Light-Truro, Cape Cod Creamery-Yarmouth+, Cape Cod Lanterns-Chatham; Cape Cod Realty-Orleans, Cape Cod Sea Camps-Brewster, Cape Cod National Seashore-Eastham+, etc.). Some off Cape businesses do too (Cape Cod Café-Raynham+) just to attract the wandering eye.

But Barnstable and Falmouth take the name game to the next level. Just don’t finish second.

Shoulder Seasons are When to Visit Cape Cod

Author’s Note: The autumn equinox on September 23 – as opposed to Labor Day weekend – marks the end of summer. Some parents found this out the hard way this year as many schools cancelled classes because of a lingering heat wave as classes resumed. With cool and crisp days and nights ahead, make a point to visit Cape Cod this autumn.

The Wonderful Shoulder Seasons on Cape Cod

A lone sunfish glides off Ridgevale Beach.

As local and seasonal residents can attest, the “shoulder seasons” on Cape Cod are less crowded, slower-paced and weather still cooperative for outdoor activities. The first shoulder season is the winter/spring change-over around March through Memorial Day, followed by the summer/fall change-over in September and October. Many restaurants remain open through November, some even dropping prices, and almost every community hosts an annual festival or celebration (Exs: Cape Cod Canal Day, Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival, Falmouth hosts the Cape Cod Marathon, Truro Treasures, Wellfleet’s Oysterfest, etc). But the fun doesn’t stop there; many towns and their business community have embraced the winter months to attract visitors with holiday strolls, historic inn tours, and “First Day/Night” Celebrations on New Year’s Eve/Day. It may seem hard to believe, but a winter shoulder season is in the mix too. So come on down, up or over to Cape Cod next shoulder season!

Geography

The Chatham fishing fleet preparing for another bountiful catch.

Living in the northeast puts Cape Cod in comfortable driving distance from any location as far south as New Jersey and as far north as Maine. In the shoulder seasons, you rarely have to fight traffic on Route 3, I-495 or even at the bridges. The weekend train, the Cape Cod Flyer does not run past Labor Day, but this only applies if you are coming from Boston. There are no fees to park at town beaches and you will not back up traffic should you need to make a left turn on Routes 28 or 6A.

History

From the famous pilgrim landing on Plymouth Rock to the invention of the wireless telegraph by Guglielmo Marconi to a premier amateur baseball league to the maritime trades, Cape Cod is loaded with traditions and history. I won’t pretend to be a Cape Cod historian, but know there are many historians that want to share their knowledge as well as direct you to the many historical sites in each town. The shoulder season is a great time to visit art and cultural attractions, especially on cooler autumn days. Too often the rush to the beach, bike trail or clam shack become the priority of the day, but there are plenty of historical sites and charming offerings across the peninsula.

Food

Post brunch smiles outside the 6A Cafe, Sandwich, in 2012.

Whether seared seafood, piping hot clam chowder, hearty baked stuffed lobster, locally roasted coffee, or the simplicity of soft serve ice cream, many popular restaurants remain open through November. Though, if you have your heart set at dining at a specific restaurant, call ahead! I still remember a comical morning over Martin Luther King Jr holiday weekend in 2012 where we drove from Chatham to Yarmouth to have brunch at the Optimist Cafe only to find the restaurant closed. What to do? We continued to drive down 6A to the next open breakfast spot, which happened to be the 6A Cafe….in Sandwich!

Fun

A morning fishing trip on calm waters is the perfect start to a summer day.

While I’m hanging onto my mid-30s, I still get giddy when thinking about the simple joy that comes from playing a round of mini golf, catching a fish, riding a wave on a boogie board, taking in an evening band concerts or baseball games, even playing Uno or attempting to complete a puzzle on a rainy day. While the baseball and band seasons end in early August and Labor Day Weekend, respectively, there are plenty of other activities to fill an afternoon. And if you enjoy shopping, most stores will have sales on most of their merchandise to make room for next season’s line.

Reputation with a Touch of Yesteryear

While Vermont is typically known for The General Store, Wellfleet has one too!

Cape Cod is a special place to many. The protected national seashore, quaint set of seaside villages, maritime culture, fresh seafood, commitment to preservation and roots in early American history. There are iconic restaurants, beaches, drive-in theaters, main streets, historical sites and people. Families and adults have plenty to do. One of the popular radio stations still features radio ad jingles. There is an understandable resistance to big box stores, chain restaurants and over development which threatens the natural landscape that gives Cape Cod its identity. While real challenges exist – increasing beach erosion, warming waters, over fishing, compounding pollution, opioid use, affordable housing and plentiful job opportunities to name a few – the Cape has a lot to offer – to a lot of people – all year long.

Locals

The back of the compass t-shirt is a spitting image of the Cape Cod Canal and Bourne Bridge.

While most people tend to keep to themselves, their friends/family or their phones (ugh!), a cup of coffee and conversation with a local can be a memorable one. Just last month, I met an artist, Vanessa Piche, at the Chatham Festival of the Arts, who’s coastal painting scenes were memorizing. She also screen prints her designs onto t-shirts, sweatshirts and kitchenware. I had to have the t-shirt that captured a perfect day on the Cape Cod Canal with the Bourne Bridge in the distance and totally forgot about my bike ride. Of course, these types of interactions can’t be planned, so just stay on alert. Locals live here, news travels fast, and they know what’s what.

Sunrise, Sunsets & Scenery

The magic of Cape Cod sunsets from our backyard.

“Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you got to do is call, and [the Cape] will be there, you got a friend.” James Taylor’s words are appropriate when it comes to Cape Cod’s sunrises, sunsets and scenery. With many beaches facing east, sunrises are a particularly good view if you don’t mind getting up early!

Return Trip

While other coastal, jungle, mountainous, desert and remote parts of the world compete for our attention, our time and our hard earned dollars, you can always count on that infamous sign along Route 25, Welcome to Cape Cod! Massachusetts 2018 Cape Cod and Islands, like an old friend guiding you back home.

Give the Marathon Sprint Relay a “Tri”

Author’s Note: I never thought this would be the case, but I am a runner. It happened by chance, mostly because of my friend Frank’s family connection to the Ragnar Relay race series. The challenging distances, mildly competitive age groups, team format, focus on fun, quality products, exciting travel and adventure, was a great place to start a running career, albeit a late one.

A random collection of running (and one biking-272) race bibs.

I graduated onto a few marathons (my first being the Cape Cod Marathon; later NYC), a handful of half’s, and a few dozen local 10K and 5Ks. Two years ago, I ditched the headphones and running watch. I use the “training” time to get off the grid and let my mind wander. The motivation for running is more therapeutic than for fitness, the latter being an excellent benefit. I run a few local races each year, a Ragnar or two and add a few other races via same day registration. Otherwise, I keep an eye out for a new race, location, or challenge to keep running fun, fresh and exciting.

That brings me to the Marathon Sprint Relay format. It’s no secret to increase bodies (registrations) at marathons, most races have added – or are in the process of adding – a team relay option. For a few more logistics, race directors can add runners of all abilities to fill the gaps if marathon registrations are low. Most relay formats feature 2-5 runners that each run one “leg” (section) of the marathon route. While it makes a lot of sense to expand race day options with marathon relays generally, I suggest races take it a step further, and make the Marathon Sprint Relay format the norm. At the very least, give it a “tri.”

A “minor” hand-off/exchange area along the Ragnar Adirondacks course.

A marathon “Sprint Relay” is a more “competitively equal” version of the 2-5 person marathon relays already offered at some marathons. This format requires teams of 3 running 3, 3-mile (5K) legs — hence the “tri” references — with, one leg, presumably the last leg being 2.2 miles to build excitement near the final stretch. The runners would “hand-off/exchange” a bracelet or baton every three miles and these designated hand-off/exchange areas would be located at each mile marker already on most marathon courses.

The Marathon Sprint Relay would attract runners of all abilities especially if the same age categories (divisions) as the marathon and half were established. Additionally, the format would attract running teams from high schools (cross country and track teams compete in 5Ks), nearby colleges (cross country and track teams compete in 5Ks), or us middle-aged runners who are looking to change it up and/or for a new challenge.

Here is the proposed format (9 “legs”):

A “major” hand-off/exchange area at Ragnar Adirondacks in 2013.

Runner A runs miles 1-3 (Runner B hand-offs/exchanges at the beginning of mile marker 3)

Runner B runs miles 4-6 (Runner C hand-offs/exchanges at the beginning of mile marker 6)

Runner C runs miles 7-9 (Runner A hand-offs/exchanges at the beginning mile marker 9)

Runner A runs miles 10-12 (Runner B hand-offs/exchanges at the beginning of mile marker 12)

Runner B runs miles 13-15 (Runner C hand-offs/exchanges at the beginning of mile marker 15)

Runner C runs miles 16-18 (Runner A hand-offs/exchanges at the beginning of mile marker 18)

Runner A runs miles 19-21 (Runner B hand-offs/exchanges at the beginning of mile marker 21)

Runner B runs miles 22-24 (Runner C hand-offs/exchanges at the beginning of mile marker 24)

Runner C runs miles 25-26.2

More runners = more spectators cheering them on = more fun had by all! Thanks Team Fox for getting me across the finish line in New York City’s 26.2 in 2015.

I have pitched this idea to a handful of northeast marathon race directors with initial interest. Jack Afarian, Race Director for the Cape Cod Marathon Weekend, said, “your idea does carry some merit,” echoed by Joe Connolly, Director of Race Operations, RunVermont, “you propose an interesting idea, something that has not been on the table in the 18 years I’ve been on the staff and I’m not sure has ever been proposed.” I have to thank Joe again for actually taking the time to run through the scenario at the current Vermont City course during our exchange! Susan Rancourt, Co-Founder/CFO, Rhode Races, also shared, “this is definitely something I am interested in doing and have been debating a relay component for years.” Thank you all for taking the time to respond.

The common challenge each race director shared is the logistics of transporting the “returning” runners to the next designated hand-off/exchange(s) to run their next leg. If a marathon course was being designed today, incorporating this format into the course would be easier.

Unfortunately, it seems most current marathon courses do not have the secondary roads along the course needed to get vehicles (official race vehicles or personal vehicles) to the designated hand-off/exchange areas. A solution to this problem would be to allow, like Ragnar Road Relays, each relay team a “support vehicle” (with official race sticker/bib for race officials to allow in certain “drop off areas”) responsible for getting runners near the hand-off/exchange areas along secondary roads. That way, race officials would not be responsible for figuring out how to transport runners finishing legs at different times to the next location.

A random collection of finisher medals. To this day, I’ve only “showed” (aka, 3rd place) in one running race ever, Ragnar Cape Cod 2017.

Admittedly, those logistics could face resistance from race officials. Also, first-time relay racers may not understand the relay race “flow” at first, but the thousands of runners who have done Ragnar, Peak to Brew, Vermont 100 on 100 would not be deterred. Plus, it would provide those seasoned relay runners a “mini relay” just as competitive to those aforementioned enormous relay events, that do not require as much travel, time off or cost.

One way to determine interest is to pilot test the format with a handful of relay teams. I’m sure local running clubs would be willing to send a few 3-person teams, followed by a focus group after the event to gauge experience and feasibility of opening it up to a larger audience.

I don’t know about you, but I’m up for a new running challenge. Would you be interested in running a Marathon Sprint Relay?

Run the Cod Challenge Part 1

The placemat in the background is one of six from 1984 and one of my favorite items in our home.

Author’s Note: I never thought this would be the case, but I am a runner. It happened by chance, mostly because of my friend Frank’s family connection to the Ragnar Relay races. The challenging distances, mildly competitive divisions, team format and focus on fun, quality and travel, was a great place to start a running career. I graduated onto a few marathons (my first being the Cape Cod Marathon), a handful of halfs, and a bunch of local 10K and 5Ks. I regularly run in three local races each year, otherwise, I keep an eye out for a new race, location, or challenge to keep running fun, fresh and exciting.

All smiles on leg 1 of my first Ragnar Relay Cape Cod. And I made their photo gallery!

My “I’m a runner realization” dawned on me when people started asking questions about running and seeking input on topics from injury prevention, to gear, to training plans, to the race best bling/swag. One running buddy recently told me about a long standing running challenge she was 1/3 of the way through – Run 169 Towns Society. Not long ago, I had no idea what that meant other than knowing there are 169 towns and cities in Connecticut. She quickly filled me in that this particular challenge is to complete a timed running race in every town (169) in Connecticut. My friend is in her 30s and has already run a race in over 1/3 of the towns. Runners join the group before completing the feat, critical to figuring out how to find a race in some of the smaller rural towns where there may only be one race offered. As she explained the upcoming town races, her excitement was contagious. Later that day, I thought more about the concept of completing races in a specific geographic location and then the lightbulb went off, why not do this in my favorite place in the world, Cape Cod!

Run the Cod Challenge Part 1-The Challenge.

All jokes before starting my first marathon – Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth.

Have you ever wanted to visit a Cape Cod town you’ve never been to, but was not sure “what to do” when you arrived? Well, if you are a runner, plan your next visit around the town’s road race. With Run 169 Town Society (CT) roots in mind, this running challenge is similar: run (or walk) a timed road or trail race in all 15 Cape Cod towns, the 2 islands and 1 off-Cape town (can’t forget our friends on the other side of the canal). Only then, have you Run the Cod!

Since the initial “light bulb moment,” I determined there were three pieces of the research puzzle that needed to be assembled. First, I needed to know if any existing local running clubs, athletic groups, or any social media savvy south shoreline runners claimed this feat or promoted a similar series/challenge. I found none. Check. Second, I needed to make sure it was even logistically possible to run a road race in every Cape Cod town. It is. Though, as expected, a few towns only offer two events per year, and many events are so small, registration pages are not set up (since permits are not yet acquired) until shortly before the race. Check. The bottom-line; no one is doing this, yet it can be done. As Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother would say, “[Cod] Challenge accepted!”

Feeling a little tired after finishing the Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth.

The final bit of information needed was to list – and make a calendar of – all the races in each town to get a sense of the schedule. At last count, there are over 70 races on Cape Cod, the Islands as well as plenty off-Cape, particularly in Plymouth. Races are spread through the busy summer tourist season as well as shoulder seasons as part of a local celebration or annual event (Wellfleet Oysterfest hosts a 5K, New Year’s Day celebrations hosts “First Day 5ks,” some pubs host their own timed fun run, etc.), and can be a big economic driver for the host town. Check.

This challenge is a great way for runners and lovers of Cape Cod to better understand each town’s history, community and cultural identity while supporting the economy through lodging, shopping, eating and drinking (fun will be had by all). Additionally, most road races tend to have a local nonprofit partner or charitable program, which benefits from the net proceeds. That’s right, in addition to supporting the business community, you are also supporting a good cause and helping those in need. Even better! And of course, running requires a little motivation and physical activity so on top of it all, you are getting in those steps and burning off those chowder calories. Winning!

Team Monomoy Legs Tired (“Man-are-my-legs-tired was the idea) at the finish line of our first Ragnar Relay Cape Cod in 2013.

So, if you are up for traveling to – or around – Cape Cod, exploring every town, clipping on a running bib, and bringing some friends along, then join me in accepting the Run the Cod Challenge. As Barney Stinson would also say, “It’s gonna be legendary!”

Run the Cod Challenge Part 2 will feature a list of Cape, Islands and off-Cape road races. (Finding and linking all the race websites is proving to be a labor of love!)

Happy Running on Cape Cod!