Cape Cod Marathon facts for kids

The Cape Cod Marathon is a long-distance running race held every year in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Falmouth is a town located on Cape Cod, a famous peninsula in Massachusetts. This exciting event usually takes place in late October.

About the Marathon

The Cape Cod Marathon has a rich history. It first started in 1978. For the first few years, from 1978 to 1983, the race was held at the Otis Air Force Base and Camp Edwards in a nearby town called Bourne, Massachusetts.

Since 1984, the marathon has been organized by the Falmouth Track Club. It has been held in Falmouth ever since.

Is the Cape Cod Marathon a Qualifier?

Yes, the Cape Cod Marathon is a special race! It is officially approved by USA Track and Field (USATF) New England. This means it meets high standards for races.

Even better, it's a qualifying event for the famous Boston Marathon. Many runners hope to run the Boston Marathon, and finishing the Cape Cod Marathon can help them get there.

Why is the Cape Cod Marathon Special?

Runner's World Magazine is a very popular magazine for runners. They once named the Cape Cod Marathon as one of the top ten most beautiful marathons in North America. This is because of its amazing views!

The Marathon Course

The Cape Cod Marathon course got a big update in 2019. The new route is designed to be faster and flatter. It also offers even more beautiful ocean views for runners.

Where Does the Race Start and Finish?

The race begins and ends in the same spot. This is next to the Falmouth Village Green. This area is about 20 feet above sea level. This means the race starts and finishes at the same height, making it a net elevation gain/loss of zero. The total uphill climbing over the whole course is about 390 feet.

What is the Course Like?

For most of the race, about the first 19.4 miles, the course is very flat. There are only small changes in height.

There is one short hill around the 3.4-mile mark. It goes up to about 30 feet high. Runners will see this same hill again at 14.2 miles. This is because part of the course is an "out-and-back" section.

At 19.4 miles, runners reach the highest point of the course, which is about 50 feet high. From there to mile 22, the course has a mix of flat parts and gentle rolling hills. This section follows part of the famous Falmouth Road Race course, but in reverse. Along this part, runners will pass the iconic Nobska Lighthouse.

After mile 22, the course becomes flat again. Runners can enjoy a smooth stretch all the way back to the finish line at the Falmouth Village Green. Then, they are done!

Who Holds the Course Records?

The fastest time for men was set by Randy Thomas from Medway, Massachusetts. He finished the race in two hours, 17 minutes, and 35 seconds (2:17:35) in 1986. Randy Thomas was known for setting many world and American records in distance running.

The fastest time for women was set by Cathy Schiro, now known as Cathy Schiro-O'Brien, from Dover, New Hampshire. She completed the marathon in two hours, 37 minutes, and six seconds (2:37:06) in 1987. Cathy Schiro-O'Brien was an Olympic marathon runner in the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Race Sponsors

The Cape Cod Marathon gets a lot of help from many sponsors. Most of these are local businesses from Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the surrounding areas. These businesses help make the race possible.

Dunkin' Donuts, a well-known company based in Canton, Massachusetts, has been a main sponsor for the race in recent years.

Race Cancellations

Sometimes, races have to be canceled for important reasons.

In 2020, the Cape Cod Marathon was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was done to keep everyone safe and healthy.

In 2021, the race was canceled again. This time, it was due to the strong effects of a nor'easter. A nor'easter is a powerful storm that brings heavy rain and strong winds.