SPECIAL FREE TALK
How many stories start like this? “It all began in a bar a long, long time ago…” Well, this 7-mile road race–which hits especially close to home–started just like that. Since then participation has swelled from 100 runners to 13,000 annually, bringing legendary Olympians and champions to Falmouth for the chance to compete. The history of this fascinating race spans 47 years, and Clerici, an award-winning journalist and freelance writer, will share the behind-the-scenes tales and tidbits he’s culled from hundreds of interviews with runners and supporters connected with Falmouth’s famous 7-miler.

Hear  about the runner who swam across the harbor. Learn how legendary coach Bill Squires and his Greater Boston Track Club athletes ignited the race’s competition and how the race’s inspiration – Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter – came to Falmouth.  Find out why the course distance ranged from 6.9 to 7.5 miles and why 6-time champion Joan Benoit Samuelson nearly missed one year due to her race-morning boat ride.

This compelling story is told through nearly 80 vintage and race-day photographs that span decades, including some which have never been published before. Race founder Tommy Leonard wrote the foreword. The book also includes nearly 100 exclusive interviews with legendary Olympians and champions, such as Bill Rodgers, Frank Shorter, Alberto Salazar, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Jen Rhines, Lynn Jennings, Catherine Ndereba, Craig Blanchette and Tatyana McFadden.

Author Paul Clerici, who has run the Falmouth Road Race several times and the Boston Marathon 23 years in a row, is also the author of the “Boston Marathon History by the Mile” and “History of the Greater Boston Track Club” books. Books will be available for purchase and personalization.