JENNIFER EDWARDS NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FALMOUTH ROAD RACE
CAPE COD TIMES
FALMOUTH — The chill of winter is here, but news from the Falmouth Road Race is a sign of summer on the horizon, albeit six months away.
Jennifer Edwards, a member of the race management team since 2011 and most recently general manager, was named executive director Tuesday in an announcement by the board of directors of Falmouth Road Race, Inc.
Her expanded responsibilities will include working with the board to fulfill the mission to produce a world-class event, overseeing philanthropic endeavors, supporting local charities and facilitating community partnerships.
FRR Inc. also has taken over direction of Falmouth in the Fall, a classic local road race that has been a staple of the local running scene since 1979.
“As we expand and have increasingly more involvement in the community throughout the year, we knew we needed a strategic thinker to lead the organization,” said Scott Ghelfi, president of the board of directors. “Jennifer has worked with us in many capacities over the past 10 years and we feel she is the right fit for this new role.”
Edwards has been an active member of the running industry. She is hydration station coordinator for the Boston Marathon and former director of special projects for DMSE Sports, the race management company founded by Falmouth race director Dave McGillivary. She is also the director for Falmouth's Holidays by the Sea Jingle Jog.
The 49th Falmouth Road Race is scheduled for Aug. 15, pending developments with the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 forced cancellation of last summer’s in-person race. The 48th edition was instead conducted as an At-Home virtual event held over two weeks and was a resounding success with nearly 10,000 participating by running or walking seven miles in their home neighborhoods.
At-Home Falmouth helped raise $2.3 million through its Numbers for Nonprofits charity runner program for Massachusetts-based organizations. Since 2000 the program has raised almost $45 million.
In the last nine years Falmouth Road Race Inc. has contributed more than $3.69 million to projects that promote the health and wellness of Falmouth and the surrounding area.
“I'm proud to work with such a talented and creative team of professionals and grateful to the board of directors for its ongoing support,” said Edwards. “I consider myself incredibly lucky to be a steward for this iconic event.”
Edwards said the hope is an in-person race will be allowed this summer on the seven-mile course from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights. However, it’s possible COVID-19 protocols would necessitate a reduction in the traditional full field of 12,800 runners so another At-Home virtual event is also being planned.
“There is obviously a lot of uncertainty right now with the pandemic and things beyond our control,” said Edwards. “We’re working closely with the town and all the departments, public safety and health officials, the select board, police and fire, our race medical team. Everything is fluid and COVID is going to dictate what it all looks like.
“My goals are to work with the board on strategic planning and our vision for the future,” said Edwards. “We want to produce a successful event this year and celebrate the race’s history with the 50th running in 2022. We also want to continue to build strong community partnerships and support local nonprofits and our charitable giving initiatives.”
The Falmouth Road Race was established in 1973 and has long been one of the premier events on the sport’s calendar. The race draws an international field of elite and recreational runners and the weekend is one of the most popular of the Cape Cod summer season.