In 1997, longstanding club member Ken Gartner borrowed (and improved on) an idea from the Cape Cod Athletic Club, who had been holding a fun run on Friday evenings in Hyannis, and laid out a 5-mile course starting at Town Hall Square on Main Street in Falmouth. Virtually without exception, every Friday since then, at 5:30 sharp, runners have left Town Hall Square in the Friday Night Five-Miler.
The numbers swell in the summer months as summer visitors join the year-round diehards. There is no fee and the runners time themselves. In the winter the run continues, with reflective clothing being a requirement.
Date and Time: Every Friday, rain, snow, sleet, or shine, year round, 5:30 pm
Race Distance: 5 miles
Walk: There is also a walking route, 2.4 miles
Location: Town Hall Square, Main Street, Falmouth (Cape Cod, Massachusetts). The address is 59 Town Hall Square
Course Description: A mostly flat loop with vistas along Vineyard Sound. The course is marked with yellow arrows and miles marked on the road. Click here for full description and map.
Directions: Town Hall Square is located near the west end of Main Street (Rte. 28), Falmouth, across from the Quarterdeck Restaurant. There is plenty of parking in the town hall parking lot, where the race begins and ends.
Entry Fees: None. Runners are asked to sign in before the run.
Timing: Self-timed; times are recorded on the sign-in sheet.
Other Notes: During the winter, reflective gear is required. Some of the runners recommend carrying a flashlight.
Race Director: Ken Gartner. Email: kj.gartner (at) comcast.net