Officials Release Security, Traffic Details for 2013 Falmouth Road Race

Falmouth officials have released details of road closures and alternative traffic routes in preparation for this year's Falmouth Road Race, which takes place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11. Race organizers have also released details for this year's runners.

Information for Runners

Runners are encouraged to travel light and take the bus to the start of the race in Woods Hole.

Falmouth police, in an effort to boost security, will not allow runners to be dropped off in Woods Hole by private vehicle or by boat.

“Runners safety is our primary concern,” Dave McGillivray, Race Director for Falmouth, said in a statement this week. “These operational changes are necessary to streamline the process and to ensure that all goes smoothly on race day. We want to thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation in advance.”

Race organizers were able to transfer more than 7,500 runners to Woods Hole in a time-efficient manner in 2012, according to a statement from race organizers and Falmouth police.

This year, a goal is in place to transfer all 12, 800 runners out to the start with close to seventy shuttle buses.  

Runners should have family members or friends bring them to the Lawrence School, where a traffic pattern has been established to facilitate dropping off the runners and driving away with a minimum wait time. The shuttle service will start at 6 a.m.

Traffic Information for Attendees

Traffic will be restricted from entering Woods Hole and the Falmouth Heights area, according to police; Woods Hole and other roads along the route of the race will be opened shortly after the final runner as passed the finish line. 

Below is information on traffic routes during the race, from the Falmouth Police Department:

Woods Hole: Water Street in Woods Hole will be closed to vehicle traffic at 6 a.m. the day of the race. Traffic will be allowed to the Steamship Ferry lot until 9:30. Anyone traveling from out of town should be aware that Woods Hole will be closed to all vehicular traffic at approximately 9:30 a.m.  

Those with reservations for the Steamship Authority ferries should be aware of these times since improper planning could result in missing your ferry, and unnecessary travel delays. Boats will be restricted from accessing the Eel Pond Bridge Dock on Water Street and the Commercial Fishing Dock on Albatross Street from 6-11 a.m.

Falmouth Heights: Grand Avenue will be closed from Walden Avenue to Worcester Court at 5 a.m. Falmouth Heights will stay closed long enough for runners to clear the finish line, and for clean up crews to properly police the area.

Meanwhile, police have issued a reminder to attendees that the road race is a non-alcoholic event and officers will be on-hand to enforce all laws governing the possession and consumption of alcohol. 

Personal bags and/or containers will also be prohibited in Woods Hole and the Falmouth Heights area during the event; any containers or bags are subject to search. 

Drivers should take note to park in proper areas; illegally-parked vehicles will be towed.