Main Street Mile

Falmouth, MA, September 11, 2005

Main Street Mile Attracts a Strong Field of Runners of All Ages in Its 25th Year

The Falmouth Track Club's Main Street Mile began promptly at 1 pm on Sunday, September 11 from the Village Green, following the boom of the big brass starting cannon. Runners of all ages, from 2 to 76, enjoyed beautiful weather conditions of the late summer day and a new more scenic route. After the start on Main Street, they turned right onto Walker Street and finished with a view of sparkling Vineyard Sound, in the beach parking lot on Surf Drive. The decision to change the course was based on safety concerns due to recent development and activity on Main Street.

Both winners are local high school cross country and track stars. Jason Lyons, 18, of Barnstable High School, who posted a 4:48.2 was the men's winner and Ali Smircina, 17, from Falmouth High School led all women with a 5:52.8. Since this year's course is new, these times are course records. Another high school running star, Chris Darrah, 17, from Mashpee High School, finished second for the men with a 4:58.0, and rounding out the top three was Steve Faluotico, 37, in 4:58.4. The second female was Rachel Horwitz, 23, in 6:06.1, and third was Karrie Muma, 17, in a time of 6:13.7.

Families are encouraged to participate in the event and some had winners in different generations. The Bunker family from Falmouth went home with three medals, Kristine, 13, placing first in the sub-juniors and sister Sarah, 10, and dad Tom, placing second in their respective divisions. The Clarkin family had multiple generations competing and they also took medals home in several divisions. The last of the 245 runners crossed the line 20 minutes after the start. After the race, entrants and volunteers enjoyed fruit and chips and refreshing drinks as they gathered to hear who were the lucky winners of the many prizes given to random selections drawn from the entry forms. Following the drawing, trophies were awarded to the winners and age group medals distributed.

The Main Street Mile began in 1981 and was founded by mothers of high school cross country runners. The proceeds for the event are dedicated to providing scholarships for Falmouth High School seniors who have participated in the track and cross country teams. The recipients are selected because they have demonstrated hard work, good sportsmanship and team spirit. There are four permanent $500 scholarships, two in memory of Margaret Bradley (a former FHS track and cross country star who died during a training run last year) and two in memory of Paul Phinney (a former FHS and Mashpee HS track coach and FTC member who passed away in 2004), and other awards for $250 each.