Depth of Falmouth Men's top 20 awful!

1970s US Road Hack wrote:

10th place at Falmouth yesterday 35:16 - 5:00 pace. This run would have barely cracked top 40 '80-'82. Where the hell are the road runners? Seems like fewer and fewer good US Distance men are running the complete road circuit as they did '78-'88 window when the roads were the path to a living.

We were talking about this same thing with our local races. A guy pointed out that in the 80's he ran a 16:30something and took 39th in a local 5k. Now- that would win most and people would think he's a God.

I agree that fewer good Americans are doing the road circuit. They complain about not making enough money but aren't racing.

The road circuit used to be full of top American runners AND they were household names because they were visible- to the runners at the race and to the TV audience.

Yes, road races were televised because Americans were competitive.

The need to register months in advance with big bucks is also a deterrent for many larger races. Back when, a runner could wait until the week of a race to assess the weather and be sure that he/she was healthy before making the investment in travel, registration and time.

Another example of the dilution of the field; I ran the Cleveland Marathon in the early eighties and finished in about 450th place.

I ran the same time 25 years later in the same race with about the same size field and finished in about 40th place.

I'd be happy to do without the food, medals and shirts to be able to race more often and racing gets really expensive if three or four family members want to run the same event.

broken arrow wrote:

In the 60s, 70s, and 80s there were a lot more serious runners (people with 40 hour per week jobs) who trained and raced for fun and the love of running.

Women in western societies generally did the housework and raised the children back in the 60s and 70s. Look at the way Al Pacino behaves towards his girlfriend in the 70s movie Serpico for example. Today in western societies men have to do much more of that stuff which makes it harder to find the time to train at a high level and/or recover properly at home. Employment is also more stressful today that it was in the 1960s and 1970s.

Interestingly women's distance running is at a much higher level today than it was in the 1960s or 1970s probably partly because they are not expected to do the housework or raise their children on their own any more so they have more spare time to take part in leisure pursuits.

"kids these days... grump grump grump"

Several factors are at play here:

- There are more competitive/money road races than in the 1970s, drawing runners away from legacy races like Falmouth

- Inflation-adjusted prize money at Falmouth is not as good as it once was

- Course is longer than in the 1970s (see Blake's post)

- Weather varies dramatically from year to year, particularly in terms of humidity and wind speed/direction

- Kenyans and Kenyan-Americans have dominated in recent years, which could turn some of the "depth runners" away from this race and toward more winnable races

runn wrote:

We were talking about this same thing with our local races. A guy pointed out that in the 80's he ran a 16:30something and took 39th in a local 5k. Now- that would win most and people would think he's a God.

This has a lot more to do with the huge number of races today. I'd guess that 16:30 wins most 5ks in the country, but only because there are so many 5ks. But there are still competitive races in every region. You have to look at historical results to see where the fast guys go. There are usually a few big races per season in major metro areas where there will a large number of sub-15 and sub-16 runners.

As for Falmouth, I looked into doing it and concluded that there's no way I'd ever bother. It's a logistical nightmare, and no serious runner wants to commit to a race so far out unless it's their major goal for the season. Races like Cherry Blossom do a much better job of catering to competitive amateurs by giving them guaranteed entry without a lottery and a late registration date.

As for the elites, I basically agree that the top Americans are running on the roads less and less. I'm not entirely sure why that is. It may be that under-the-table payments were a big inducement in the early days when runners had trouble making a dime from the sport. (I realize most runners are still not making much, but it's better than it was when running was supposedly amateur.) There's also the prevalence of African runners on the US circuit. It's possible that US runners just don't want to lose to them. Finally, because a lot of these historic races are run in warm conditions, there's no opportunity to run a resume-burnishing time, and winning or placing well doesn't matter as much anymore because the general public has lost interest in elite road racing.

The course may be longer the 1973 version, but it is the same as the late 70's and on version. Stop the excuses.

The field is weak, there is no depth, the fields are weak in every road race in New England. Used to to be that the mom and pop 5 mile races races were won in sub 25:00, now they are 27:high, it is horrible. There were few 5k's anyways, you had to run to race.

The most competitive Falmouth was maybe 1995 when Chris Fox was 10th and top American in 32:26. Compare that to last weekend.

1970s US Road Hack wrote:

10th place at Falmouth yesterday 35:16 - 5:00 pace. This run would have barely cracked top 40 '80-'82. Where the hell are the road runners? Seems like fewer and fewer good US Distance men are running the complete road circuit as they did '78-'88 window when the roads were the path to a living.

The prestige of Falmouth has pivoted to full Hobby status. All the excuses maybe apply, but the Bolder Boulder has not seen a drop off in times, elites, sub elites. The race still makes room for the costume croud and pure hobby participants, but Boulder is prestigious and doesn't cater to nonsensical participants. Even most Boulder hobbyist would Crack the top ten in Cape Cod. Falmouth has become a joke.

Just my opinion but America has lost the sub-elites and elites it once had due to road racing among other reasons.

Back in the 70's and 80's there were less races but they had more quality American runners. Americans were more competitive and thought they had a chance to compete. Most of the runners seen Bill Rogers and said if I just train harder I might be able to get there.

Around the mid to late 80's the major regional races started importing more foreigners to run in these races. Most of the top races had foreign winners with times unreachable by the average sub-elite. Not many Americans associate themselves with the foreign runners. Eventually many American runners decided to say "screw it I'll never be that good" and joined the hobby jogger social runner ranks.

Title 9 started in 1972 which basically cut the American mans opportunities for scholarships. This probably has a lot larger effect than many would guess. The effects would probably not start showing up until the early 80's. People often wonder why American women are competing better than the men.

Now there are probably 5 times more races but only half the elite and sub-elite Americans there once were.

Wrong. There were more competitive races available in the 70s/80s. Prize money wasn't published, but all the players knew what the score was. Appearance money was better.

True. But this happened after the new management took over. They flat out suck.

It's been the same course since 1975

Not true. Generally Falmouth is hot. Fairly hot, hot, or wicked hot. Cool days are the exception. The wind direction is always a tailwind, so when it's hot there's not a lot of cooling going on. Only the first and final two miles are shaded. The rest is exposed to the Sun.

Yet the times on the course stable for 4 decades.

This year they changed the traditional 10am start to 9am, which was ostensibly a move to improve everyone's experience from front to back. Even with the early start it was one of the hottest Falmouths ever. 9am the Sun was searing and bright, So bad that most people left immediatly after the race to seek shade and cool off.

"Races like Cherry Blossom do a much better job of catering to competitive amateurs by giving them guaranteed entry without a lottery and a late registration date."

THIS!

Falmouth no longer caters to top runners: international, national, regional, or even local. It is now a money making business when in the past it was about the top runners! I don't know why they no longer even try in the least little bit to allow for a better up front field, except for the fact that it earns more money to cater to the people who make Falmouth their one "long run" of the year. The mile is more competitive and fun to watch!

2014

MEN

1 31.46 Stephen Sambu 26 Kenya

2 32.31 Micah Kogo 28 Kenya

3 33.01 Emmanual Bett 29 Kenya

4 33.21 Ben Bruce 31 Flagstaff AZ

5 33.27 Andrew Colley 23 Williamsburg VA

6 33.47 McNamara Jordan 27 Eugene OR

7 33.54 Zachary Hine 26 Boulder CO

8 34.04 Craig Leon 29 Eugene OR

9 34.15 Robert Molke 23 New York NY

10 34.20 Will Leer 29 Santa Monica CA

WOMEN

1 35.56 Betsy Saina 26 Kenya

2 36.03 Gemma Steel 28 UK

3 36.15 Molly Huddle 29 Providence RI

4 36.17 Diane Nukuri-Johnson 29 Burundi

5 36.59 Mary Wacera 25 Kenya

6 37.08 Emily Infeld 24 Portland OR

7 37.22 Risper Gesabwa 25 Kenya

8 37.50 Rachel Ward 24 Charlotsville VA

9 37.51 Katie Matthews 23 Allston MA

10 38.04 Erdman Tara 25 Portland OR

2013

MEN

1 32.10 Micah Kogo 27 Kenya

2 32.12 Ben True 27 Hanover NH

3 32.20 Emmanuel Mutai 28 Kenya

4 32.29 Abdi Abdirahman 36 Tucson AZ

5 32.44 Ben Bruce 30 Flagstaff AZ

6 33.15 Shadrack Biwott 28 Eugene OR

7 33.19 Zachary Hine 25 Boulder CO

8 33.19 Harbert Okuti 27 Uganda

9 33.24 Timothy Ritchie 26 Brighton MA

10 33.44 Dino Sefir Kemal 25 Ethiopia

WOMEN

1 36.43 Joyce Chepkirui 24 Kenya

2 37.06 Gemma Steel 27 Great Britain

3 37.07 Linet Masai 23 Kenya

4 37.16 Diane Nukuri Johnson 28 Burundi

5 37.21 Adrienne Herzog 27 Netherlands

6 37.32 Alexi Pappas 23 Eugene OR

7 37.50 Katie Matthews 22 Rocky Hill CT

8 37.58 Jane Murage 26 Kenya

9 38.07 Frances Koons 27 Bryn Mawr PA

10 38.23 Laura Nagel 21 Providence RI

2012

MEN

1 31.59 Stanley Biwott 26 Kenya

2 32.01 Lucas Rotich 22 Kenya

3 32.10 Stephen Kipkosgei-Kibet 25 Kenya

4 32.21 Kiplimo Kumatai 30 Kenya

5 32.30 Silas Kipruto 27 Kenya

6 32.32 Allan Kiprono 22 Kenya

7 32.53 Gebretsadik Abraha 20 Ethiopia

8 33.04 Harbert Okuti 26 Uganda

9 33.08 Sammy Chelanga 27 Kenya

10 33.09 Lani Rutto 23 Kenya

WOMEN

1 36.54 Margaret Wangari 26 Kenya

2 36.57 Emily Chebet 26 Kenya

3 36.58 Wude Ayalew 25 Ethiopia

4 37.08 Rita Jeptoo 31 Kenya

5 37.16 Lineth Chepkurui 24 Kenya

6 37.24 Stephanie Rothstein 28 Flagstaff, AZ

7 37.30 Pauline Njeri Kahenya 27 Kenya

8 37.43 Jelliah Tinega 26 Kenya

9 37.43 Renee Baillie 30 Boulder, CO

10 37.50 Alice Kimutai 19 Kenya

2011

MEN

1 31.37 Lucas Rotich 27 M Kenya

2 31.41 Micah Kogo 25 M Kenya

3 32.02 Edward Muge 28 M Kenya

4 32.16 Brian Olinger 25 M Columbus OH

5 32.43 Abdi Abdirahman 34 M Tuscon AZ

6 32.48 Ben YES 25 M North Yarmouth ME

6 32.48 Ben True 25 M North Yarmouth ME

7 32.49 Samuel Ndereba 34 M Kenya

8 32.50 Ed Moran 30 M Williamsburg VA

9 32.51 Sean Quigley 27 M Philadelphia PA

10 32.53 Brett Gotcher 26 M Watsonville CA

WOMEN

1 36.58 Magdalena Lewy Boulet 38 Oakland CA

2 37.13 Diane Nukuri- Johnson 26 Burundi

3 37.24 Catherine Ndereba 38 Kenya

4 37.37 Janet Cherobon- Bawcom 32 Rome GA

5 37.47 Kim Conley 26 Sacramento CA

6 37.49 Emily Brown 26 Minnetonka MN

7 38.01 Jeanette Faber 29 Portland OR

8 38.02 Blake Russell 33 Oceanside CA

9 38.03 Kathy Newberry 32 Ann Arbor MI

10 38.18 Clara Grandt 24 Morgantown WV

2010

MEN

1 32.20 Gebre Gebremariam Ethiopia

2 32.21 Wilson Kwambai Chebet Kenya

3 32.37 Martin Lel Kenya

4 32.40 Ed Moran Williamsburg VA

5 32.40 Edward Muge Kenya

6 32.50 Peter Kirui Kenya

7 32.50 Stephen Kosgei Kibet Kenya

8 32.53 Antonio Vega St. Paul MN

9 32.58 Sean Quigley Philadelphia PA

10 33.05 Allan Kiprono Kenya

WOMEN

1 35.46 Wude Yimer 23 Ethiopia

2 35.50 Lineth Chepkurui 22 Kenya

3 36.31 Edna Kiplagat 30 Kenya

4 38.06 Catherine Ndereba 38 Kenya

5 38.10 Colleen De Reuck 46 Boulder CO

6 38.26 Fiona Docherty 34 New Zealand

7 38.33 Amy Hastings 26 Mammoth Lakes CA

8 38.59 Irene Limika 30 Kenya

9 39.01 Jeannette Seckinger 28 Somerville MA

10 39.10 Kathy Newberry 31 Williamsburg VA

2009

MEN

1 31.41 Tilahun Regassa 19 Ethiopia

2 32.03 Ridouane Harroufi 28 Morocco

2 32.03 Ridouane Harroufi 28 Morocco

3 32.10 Edward Muge 26 Kenya

4 32.11 Boaz Cheboiywo 31 Kenya

5 32.12 Mebrahtom Keflezighi 34 Mammoth Lakes CA

6 32.29 Samuel Ndereba 32 Kenya

7 32.35 Hendrick Ramaala 37 South Africa

8 32.36 Hosea Rotich 30 Kenya

9 32.41 Richard Limo 28 Kenya

10 32.57 Ibrahim Gashu 19 Ethiopia

WOMEN

1 36.23 Mamitu Daska 25 Ethiopia

2 37.14 Rebecca Donaghue 33 State College PA

3 37.34 Edna Kiplagat 29 Kenya

4 37.37 Neriah Asiba 28 Kenya

5 37.40 Colleen De Reuck 45 Boulder CO

6 37.56 Renee Metivier Baillie 27 Flagstaff AZ

7 37.58 Sally Meyerhoff 25 Eugene OR

8 38.02 Edith Masai 42 Kenya

9 38.08 Sara Hall 26 Mammoth Lakes CA

10 38.08 Aheza Kiros 23 Ethiopia

2008

MEN

1 32.01 Tadese Tola 20 Ethiopia

2 32.09 Mebrahtom Keflezighi 33 Mammoth Lakes CA

3 32.12 Boaz Cheboiywo 30 Kenya

4 32.25 Samuel Ndereba 31 Kenya

5 32.32 Dereje Tadesse 21 Ethiopia

6 32.33 James Carney 30 Longmont CO

7 32.35 Lishan Yigezu 22 Ethiopia

8 32.45 Girma Tolla 32 Ethiopia

9 32.57 Ed Moran 27 Williamsburg VA

10 32.58 Hosea Rotich 29 Kenya

WOMEN

1 37.02 Edith Masai 41 Kenya

2 37.05 Lyudmila Biktasheva 34 Russia

3 37.07 Angelina Mutuku 25 Kenya

4 37.15 Mamitu Daska 24 Ethiopia

5 37.30 Renee Metivier Baillie 26 Flagstaff AZ

6 37.34 Amy Rudolph 34 Providence RI

7 37.36 Aziza Ayilu 22 Ethiopia

8 37.40 Jane Gakunyi 29 Kenya

9 37.45 Elva Dryer 36 Gunnison CO

10 37.49 Rebecca Donaghue 32 State College PA

2007

MEN

1 31:53 Micah Kogo 21 Kenya

2 32:13 Mebrahtom Keflezighi 32 Mammouth Lakes CA

3 32:21 Nelson Kiplagat 27 Kenya

4 32:33 Nicholas Kamakya 22 Kenya

5 32:36 William Chebon Chebor 24 Kenya

6 32:39 Tom Nyariki 35 Kenya

7 32:45 James Carney 29 Longmont CO

8 32:58 Karim El Mabchour 25 Morocco

9 33:01 John Itati 33 Kenya

10 33:12 Linus Maiyo 24 Kenya

WOMEN

1 36:31 Catherine Ndereba 35 Kenya

2 36:40 Luminita Talpos 34 Romania

3 36:52 Kate O'Neill 27 Mammouth Lakes CA

4 37:23 Nataliya Berkut 32 Ukraine

5 37:28 Alicia Shay 25 Flagstaff AZ

6 37:33 Sara Slattery 25 Boulder CO

7 37:39 Angelina Mutuku 24 Kenya

8 38:04 Galina Aleksandrova 31 Russia

9 38:14 Melissa Cook 27 Denton TX

10 38:41 Maryna Dubrova 28 Ukraine

2006

MEN

1 31:53 Gilbert Okari Kenya

2 32:03 Tom Nyariki Kenya

3 32:39 John Korir Kenya

4 32:44 William Chebon Chebor Kenya

5 32:47 James Koskei Kenya

6 33:05 Charles Kiama Kenya

7 33:15 Samuel Ndereba Kenya

8 33:20 Michael Aish New Zealand

9 33:26 Mohamed Fadil Morocco

10 33:27 Edwardo Torres Boulder CO

WOMEN

1 35:43 Alevtina Ivanova Russia

2 36:30 Catherine Ndereba Kenya

3 36:51 Edna Kiplagat Kenya

4 36:57 Luminita Talpos Romania

5 37:02 Amy Rudolph Providence RI

6 37:24 Lyudmila Biktasheva Russia

7 37:31 Victoria Jackson Lake Bluffs IL

8 37:52 Elva Dryer Albuquerque NM

9 37:59 Colleen De Reuck Boulder CO

10 38:23 Galina Alexandrova Russia

2005

MEN

1 31:59 Gilbert Okari 27 Kenya

2 32:15 Wilson Kiprotich 25 Kenya

3 32:35 John Korir 29 Kenya

4 32:44 Meshack Sang 25 Kenya

5 32:48 Jon Brown 34 England

6 32:51 William Chebon Chebor 22 Kenya

7 33:17 James Koskei 36 Kenya

8 33:22 Mbarak Hussein 40 Albuquerque NM

9 33:26 Luke Kipkosgei 29 Kenya

10 33:26 Ryan Shay 26 East Jordan MI

WOMEN

1 36:09 Lornah Kiplagat 31 Netherlands

2 36:28 Alevtina Ivanona 30 Russia

3 36:48 Deena Kastor 32 Mammoth Lakes CA

4 37:26 Olga Romanova 25 Russia

5 37:30 Miho Ichikawa 32 Japan

6 37:30 Luminita Talpos 32 Romania

7 37:50 Colleen De Reuck 41 Boulder CO

8 38:02 Laura O'Neill 25 New Haven CT

9 38:03 Bruna Genovese 28 Italy

10 38:09 Sylvia Mosqueda 39 Los Angeles CA

2004

Men

1. 31:08 Gilbert Okari 26 Kenya

2. 31:37 Robert Cheruiyot 25 Kenya

3. 31:43 John Korir 28 Kenya

4. 31:48 Linus Maiyo 21 Kenya

5. 31:56 Luke Kipkosgei 29 Kenya

6. 31:59 Ben Maiyo 25 Kenya

7. 32:17 Wilson Kigen Kipkemboi 24 Kenya

8. 32:20 Wilson Kiportich Kebenei 24 Kenya

9. 32:26 Khalid Khannouchi 33 Ossining NY

10. 32:28 Thomas Kiplitan 21 Kenya

11. 32:28 Matt Lane 26 Portland ME

12. 33:02 Chris Graff 28 Palo Alto CA

WOMEN

1 36:13 Alevtina Ivanova 29 Russia

2 36:26 Kate O’Neill 24 New Haven CT

3 36:43 Elva Dryer 32 Albequerque NM

4 36:49 Tatyana Petrova 21 Russia

5 37:31 Laura O'Neill 24 New Haven CT

6 37:56 Nicole Aish 28 Denver CO

7 38:11 Tatyana Chulakh 22 Russia

8 38:34 Gladys Asiba 27 Kenya

9 38:35 Tatyana Pozdnyakova 49 Ukraine

10 38:42 Teresa Wanjiku 30 Kenya

2003

MEN

1. John Korir, Kenya 31:59

2. Paul Keoch, Kenya 32:11

3. James Koskei, Kenya 32:41

4. Wilson Kigen Kipkemboi, Kenya 32:49

5. Augustus Kavutu, Kenya 33:17

6. Abdihakim Abdirahman, Arizona 33:22

7. John Itati, Kenya 33:24

8. Jackson Kipng'ok, Kenya 33:31

9. David Korir, Kenya 33:36

10. Phillamon Hanneck, Orgeon 33:45

WOMEN

1. Lornah Kiplagat, Kenya 35:13

2. Catherine Ndereba, Kenya 36:00

3. Milena Glusac, California 36:35

4. Colleen De Reuck, Colorado 37:25

5. Kim Fitchen, California 37:27

6. Esther Kiplagat, Kenya 37:39

7. Blake Russell, Massachusetts 38:15

8. Libbie Hickman, Colorado 38:19

9. Carrie Tollefson, Massachusetts 38:23

10. Katie McGregor, Massachusetts 38:44

2002

MEN

1. James Koskei, Kenya 32:10

2. John Korir, Kenya 32:13

3. Khalid Khannouchi, New York 32:14

4. William Kiptum, Kenya 32:16

5. Hendrick Ramaala, South Africa 32:27

6. Christopher Cheboiboch, Kenya 32:28

7. Benjamin Kimutai Kosgei, Kenya 32:31

8. John Itati, Kenya 32:36

9. Gilbert Koech, Kenya 32:39

10. Ronald Mogaka, Kenya 32:41

WOMEN

1. Lornah Kiplagat, Kenya 35:13

2. Catherine Ndereba, Kenya 36:00

3. Milena Glusac, California 36:35

4. Colleen De Reuck, Colorado 37:25

5. Kim Fitchen, California 37:27

6. Esther Kiplagat, Kenya 37:39

7. Blake Russell, Massachusetts 38:15

8. Libbie Hickman, Colorado 38:19

9. Carrie Tollefson, Massachusetts 38:23

10. Katie McGregor, Massachusetts 38:44

2001

MEN

1. John Korir, Kenya 32:26

2. Shadrack Hoff, South Africa 32:27

3. Gilbert Keoch, Kenya 32:30

4. David Makori, Kenya 32:35

5. Gilbert Okari, Kenya 32:41

6. Evans Rutto, Kenya 32:45

7. John Gwako, Kenya 32:47

8. Joseph Kimani, Kenya 32:48

9. Ronald Mogaka, Kenya 32:51

10. Enock Mitei, Kenya 32:57

WOMEN

1. Lornah Kiplagat, Kenya 36:26

2. Catherine Ndereba, Kenya 36:34

3. Elana Meyer, South Africa 36:54

4. Margaret Okayo, Kenya 37:03

5. Irene Kwambai, Kenya 37:22

6. Esther Kiplagat, Kenya 37:44

7. Gladys Asiba, Kenya 37:58

8. Kristin Chisum, Massachusetts 38:11

9. Uta Pippig, Colorado 38:16

10. Blake Russell, Massachusetts 38:21

2000

MEN

1. Mark Yatich, 31:43

2. Joseph Kimani, 31:46

3. Khalid Khannouchi, New York 31:47

4. William Kiptum, 31:54

5. John Korir, Kenya 32:00

6. Titus Munji, Massachusetts 32:04

7. Charles Kamathi, Pennsylvania 32:09

8. Peter Githuka, 32:10

9. Lazarus Nyakeraka, Texas 32:19

10. Hezron Otwori, 32:22

WOMEN

1. Lornah Kiplagat, Kenya 35:02

2. Catherine Ndereba, Kenya 35:57

3. Hellen Kimaiyo-Kipkoskei, Kenya 35:58

4. Ludmila Petrova, 36:38

5. Jane Ngotho, 36:55

6. Natalie Nalepa, Texas 36:56

7. Svetlana Zakharova, Maryland 37:20

8. Annette Peters, Oregaon 37:34

9. Naomi Wangui, Pennsylvania 38:03

10. Judi St. Hilaire, Massachusetts 38:04

1997

MEN

1. Khalid Khannouchi, Morocco 31:58

2. Thomas Osano, Kenya 32:07

3. Peter Githuka, Kenya 32:22

4. Lazarus Nyakeraka, Kenya 32:28

5. James Bungei, Kenya 32:31

6. Simon Chemoiywo, Kenya 32:36

7. Hezron Otwori, Kenya 32:36

8. Joseph Kariuki, Kenya 32:39

9. Brahim Lahlafi, Morocco 32:40

10. John Kariuki, Kenya 33:05

WOMEN

1. Colleen De Reuck, South Africa 36:19

2. Delillah Asiago, Kenya 36:25

3. Jane Omoro, Kenya 36:46

4. Hellen Kimaiyo-Kipkoskei, Kenya 36:50

5. Yelena Viazova, Ukraine 37:36

6. Laurie Henes, North Carolina 37:40

7. Cheri Goddard, Virginia 38:01

8. Tina Connelly, Canada 38:04

9. Shelly Steely, New Mexico 38:08

10. Melody Fairchild, Colorado 38:16

1996

MEN

1. Joseph Kimani, Kenya 31:36

2. Peter Githuka, Kenya 31:41

3. Joseph Kamau, Kenya 31:45

4. Hezron Otwori, Kenya 31:56

5. Lazarus Nyakeraka, Kenya 32:12

6. Gideon Mutisya, Kenya 32:14

7. Phillimon Hanneck, Zimbabwe 32:21

8. Alphonce Muindi, Kenya 32:22

9. Thomas Osano, Kenya 32:25

10. Daniel Kihara, Kenya 32:33

WOMEN

1. Catherine Ndereba, Kenya 35:37

2. Colleen De Reuck, South Africa 36:05

3. Delilah Asiago, Kenya 36:48

4. Libbie Johnson, Colorado 36:56

5. Hellen Kimaiyo, Kenya 37:00

6. Gladys Ondeyo, Kenya 37:28

7. Lorraine Moller, New Zealand 37:33

8. Nnenna Lynch, Washington, D.C. 37:42

9. Olga Markova, Russia 37:52

10. Wilma van Onna, Netherlands 38:01

1995

MEN

1. Joseph Kamau, Kenya 32:10

2. Ibrahim Kinuthia, Kenya 32:11

3. Simon Morolong, South Africa 32:14

4. Benson Masya, Kenya 32:16

5. Hezron Otwori, Kenya 32:17

6. John Kariuki, Kenya 32:21

7. Simon Karori, Kenya 32:25

8. Jimmy Muindi, Kenya 32:26

9. Lazarus Nyakeraka, Kenya 32:26

10. Chris Fox, Maryland 32:26

WOMEN

1. Delillah Asiago, Kenya 36:23

2. Colleen De Reuck, South Africa 36:57

3. Laura Mykytok, North Carolina 37:07

4. Veronica Kanga, Kenya 37:10

5. Maria Luisa Servin, Mexico 37:11

6. Carol Zajac, Pennsylvania 37:21

7. Catherine Ndereba, Kenya 37:23

8. Jill Hunter, England 37:31

9. Anne Hare, New Zealand 37:36

10. Kamila Gradus, Poland 37:45

1994

MEN

1. Benson Masya, Kenya 31:59

2. Arturo Barrios, Mexico 32:06

3. Ronaldo DaCosta, Brazil 32:33

4. Simon Karori, Kenya 32:33

5. Lazarus Nyakeraka, Kenya 32:38

6. Stanley Kimutai, Kenya 32:46

7. John Kipkoskei, Kenya 32:47

8. Jorge Marquez, Mexico 32:56

9. Thomas Osano, Kenya 32:58

10. Sammy Lelei, Kenya 32:59

WOMEN

1. Laura Mykytok, Pennsylvania 37:01

2. Yelena Viazova, Ukraine 37:03

3. Anne Marie Letko, Georgia 37:04

4. Delillah Asiago, Kenya 37:11

5. Carol Zajac, Pennsylvania 37:15

6. Gwyn Coogan, Colorado 37:48

7. Rosanna Munerotto, Italy 38:13

8. Jody Hawkins, California 38:21

9. Viktorija Neneschova, Russia 38:33

10. Louise Watson, England 38:47

1993

MEN

1. Simon Karori, Kenya 32:30

2. Dominic Kirui, Kenya 32:35

3. Khalid Kairouani, Morocco 32:41

4. Keith Brantley, Florida 32:41

5. John Treacy, Ireland 32:44

6. Michael Bilyue, Oregon 32:47

7. Ronaldo DaCosta, Brazil 33:06

8. Gideon Mutisya, Kenya 33:08

9. Thomas Osano, Kenya 33:15

10. Salvatore Bettiol, Italy 33:15

WOMEN

1. Colleen De Reuck, South Africa 36:42

2. Yelena Viazova, Ukraine 37:13

3. Rosanna Munerotto, Italy 37:26

4. Wilma van Onna, Netherlands 37:42

5. Jody Hawkins, Texas 37:46

6. Gordon Bakoulis, New York 38:24

7. Kristy Johnston, Oregon 38:25

8. Lisa Weidenbach, Washington 38:31

9. Lesley Lehane, Massachusetts 38:44

10. Albina Galliamova, Russia 38:44

1992

MEN

1. Benson Masya, Kenya 31:52

2. Simon Karori, Kenya 32:05

3. Keith Brantley, Florida 32:15

4. Alejandro Cruz, Mexico 32:16

5. Carlos Patricio, Portugal 32:24

6. Lameck Aguta, Kenya 32:28

7. Faustino Hernandez, Mexico 32:42

8. Gideon Mutisya, Kenya 32:47

9. Mark Plaatjes, Colorado 32:56

10. Antonio Rodriguez, Portugal 33:01

WOMEN

1. Lynn Jennings, New Hampshire 36:13

2. Wilma van Onna, Netherlands 36:33

3. Olga Markova, Russia 36:34

4. Judi St. Hilaire, Massachusetts 36:36

5. Anne Marie Letko, New Jersey 36:38

6. Ilina Nadeida, Russia 37:24

7. Dorthe Rasmussen, Denmark 37:27

8. Joan Nesbitt, North Carolina 37:30

9. Kathleen Bowman, California 37:59

10. Sabrina Dornhoefer, Minnesota 37:59

1991

MEN

1. Steve Kogo, Kenya 32:14

2. Dionicio Ceron, Mexico 32:52

3. Tom Ansberry, Arizona 33:04

4. Jeff Jacobs, Illinois 33:06

5. John Treacy, Ireland 33:10

6. Rolando Vera, Equador 33:18

7. Are Nakkim, Norway 33:23

8. Salvador Garcia, Mexico 33:29

9. Richard O'Flynn, Ireland 33:30

10. Ken Martin, New Mexico 33:38

WOMEN

1. Sabrina Dornhoefer, Minnesota 37:32

2. Felicidade Sena, Portugal 37:48

3. Gwyn Coogan, Massachusetts 38:13

4. Lesley Lehane, Massachusetts 38:15

5. Joan Samuelson, Maine 38:23

6. Lidia Camberg, Poland 38:52

7. Tina Ljungberg, Sweden 38:52

8. Rosa Guitierrez, California 39:06

9. Silvana Pereira, Brazil 39:09

10. Leslie Seymour, Minnesota 39:19

1990

MEN

1. Salvatore Bettiol, Italy 32:55

2. Ed Eyestone, Utah 32:56

3. Ashley Johnson, Kentucky 33:05

4. John Campbell (40) N.Z. 33:07 (MCR)

5. Salvador Garcia, Mexico 33:18

6. Jeff Jacobs, Illinois 33:20

7. Martin Pitayo, Mexico 33:24

8. Keith Brantley, Florida 33:27

9. Peter Tootell, Great Britain 33:28

10. Tom Paskus, Connecticut 33:30

WOMEN

1. Aurora Cunha, Portugal 36:39

2. Cathy O'Brien, New Hampshire 36:55

3. Maria Luisa Servin, Mexico 37:36

4. Uta Pippig, Germany 37:54

5. Anne Marie Letko, New Jersey 37:57

6. Joan Samuelson, Maine 37:58

7. Lesley Lehane, Massachusetts 38:24

8. Michelle Bush-Cuke, New York 38:35

9. Cindy James, Illinois 38:39

10. Ann Henderson, Colorado 39:08

1989

MEN

1. Salvatore Bettiol Italy 32:14

2. Salvador Garcia Mexico 32:27

3. Rob De Castella Austrailia 32:33

4. Dionicio Ceron Mexico 32:39

5. Steve Spence Colorado 32:50

6. Leonardo Reyes Mexico 32:58

7. Martin Pitayo Mexico 33:03

8. Marcos Barreto Mexico 33:06

9. Ashley Johnson England 33:08

10. Joseph Nzau Kenya 33:13

WOMEN

1. Aurora Cunha Portugal 36:21

2. Lisa Weidenbach Washington 36:39

3. Judy St. Hilaire Hingham, MA 36:44

4. Tina Ljundberg Sweden 36:54

5. Anne Audain New Zealand 37:05

6. Anne Hannam New Zealand 37:31

7. Joan Nesbit No. Carolina 37:39

8. Barbara Moore New Zealand 37:57

9. Patty Murray Illinois 38:01

10. Ria Van Landegham Belguim 38:20

1988

MEN

1. Mark Curp Lees Summit, MO 32:22

2. Steve Spence Penn. 32:27

3. Keith Brantly Florida 32:44

4. Geraldo Alcala Mexico 32:44

5. Steve Jones Wales 32:48

6. Kevin Foster England 33:06

7. Bill Reifsnyder Penn. 33:10

8. Paul Gompers Illinois 33:11

9. Don Norman Penn. 33:12

10. Pete Pfitzinger Wellesley, MA 33:20

WOMEN

1. Anne Hannam New Zealand 36:36

2. Betty-Jo Geiger No. Carolina 36:40

3. Nancy Tinari Canada 36:57

4. Joan Samuelson Freeport, ME 37:13

5. Kellie Cathey Colorado 37:17

6. Patty Murray Illinois 37:19

7. Eleanor Simonsick Maryland 37:54

8. Kim Jones Washington 37:57

9. Teresa Ornduff Virginia 38:01

10. Annie Schweitzer Texas 38:16

1987

MEN

1. Rolando Vera Ecuador 32:29

2. Keith Brantly Gainesville, FL 32:47

3. Salvador Garcia Mexico 32:54

4. Joaquim Silva Portugal 33:02

5. Gianni DeMadonna Italy 33:04

6. Ibrahim Hussein Kenya 33:05

7. Jean-Pierre Ndayisenga Belguim 33:07

8. Carlos Reitz Mexico 33:09

9. Mark Roberts Arizona 33:18

10. Rex Wilson Wellesley, MA 33:22

WOMEN

1. Aurora Cunha Portugal 36:59

2. Teresa Ornduff Virgina 37:07

3. Lorraine Moller New Zealand 37:25

4. Cindy Welte Ohio 37:49

5. Joan Nesbit No. Carolina 38:23

6. Susan Berrenda Canada 38:30

7. Lea Hayer Greenfield, MA 38:32

8. Cathy Schiro Boston, MA 38:33

9. Nancy Ditz Calif. 38:51

10. Judy Chamberlin Colorado 38:56

1986

MEN

1. Arturo Barrios Mexico 32:17

2. Barry Smith England 32:31

3. Mike Musyoki Kenya 32:33

4. Ed Eyestone Utah 32:34

5. Peter Tootell England 32:38

6. John Doherty England 32:42

7. Joseph Kipsang Kenya 32:48

8. Bruce Bickford Wellesley, MA 32:50

9. Mark Scrutton England 32:52

10. Mark Curp Missouri 32:56

WOMEN

1. Lorriane Moller New Zealand 36:54

2. Marty Cooksey Missouri 37:01

3. Leslie Welsh Newton, MA 37:13

4. Joan Samuelson Maine 38:01

5. Teresa Ornduff Virginia 38:13

6. Brenda Webb Tennessee 38:14

7. Kellie Cathy Colorado 38:27

8. Judy McCreay Colorado 38:28

9. Joan Nesbit No. Carolina 38:49

10. Sue Schnedier Minnesota 38:54

1985

MEN

1. David Murphy England 32:02

2. Steve Jones Wales 32:06

3. Rob de Castella Austraila 32:09

4. Mike Musyoki Kenya 32:19

5. Barry Smith England 32:33

6. Simeon Kigen Kenya 32:34

7. Mark Curp Missouri 32:37

8. Adrian Leek Wales 32:43

9. Don Norman Penn. 32:46

10. Greg Meyer Holliston, MA 32:48

WOMEN

1. Joan Benoit Cape Eliz., ME 36:17 CR

2. Leslie Welsh N. Reading, MA 36:52

3. Judi St. Hilaire Brighton, MA 37:12

4. Dianne Rodger New Zealand 37:37

5. Francie Larrieu-Smith Denton, TX 37:59

6. Ellen Reynolds Washington 38:01

7. Gail Kigma Washington 38:01

8. Katie Ishmael Wisconsin 38:18

9. Anne Ford England 38:27

10. Marty Cooksey Missouri 38:29

1984

MEN

1. David Murphy England 32:17

2. Mark Curp Missouri 32:19

3. Adrian Leek Wales 32:26

4. Mike McLeod England 32:34

5. Jim Hill Oregon 32:55

6. Sosthenes Bitok Kenya 32:38

7. John Glidewell Missouri 32:44

8. Terry Baker Maryland 32:47

9. Charles Bevier NY 32:49

10. Jonathan Richards England 33:07

WOMEN

1. Joan Nesbit Georgia 37:00

2. Lorraine Moller New Zealand 37:23

3. Mary Cooksey Oregon 37:26

4. Judi St. Hilaire Brighton, MA 37:28

5. Louise McGrillen Ireland 38:00

6. Anne Hird R.I. 38:28

7. Shelly Steeley Penn. 38:28

8. Jan Merrill Conn. 38:53

9. Susan Schneider Minn. 38:59

10. Kellie Cathey Arizona 39:31

1983

MEN

1. Joseph Nzau Kenya 32:20

2. Simon Kigen Kenya 32:27

3. Marc Curp Missouri 32:29

4. Paul Cummings Utah 32:42

5. John Gregorek NY 32:48

6. Bruce Bickford Maine 32:51

7. Gabriel Kamau Kenya 32:54

8. Matt Centrowitz Brooklyn 32:56

9. Geoff Smith England 33:10

10. Bob Hodge Lowell 33:12

WOMEN

1. Joan Benoit Cape Eliz., ME 36:21 CR

2. Nancy Rooks Canada 36:47

3. Lorriane Moller New Zealand 37:23

4. Linda McLennon Florida 37:43

5. Judi St. Hilaire Brighton, MA 37:52

6. Lisa Martin Austraila 37:56

7. Eleanor Simonsick Maryland 38:09

8. Anne Marie Malone Canada 38:21

9. Jan Merrill New London, CT 38:23

10. Kelley Cathey NY 38:42

1982

MEN

1. Alberto Salazar Oregon 31:53 CR

2. Craig Virgin Illinois 32:12

3. Rod Dixon New Zealand 32:16

4. Mike Musyoki Kenya 32:17

5. Marc Curp Missouri 32:46

6. Dan Schlesinger No. Carolina 32:53

7. Sosthenes Bitok Kenya 33:06

8. George Malley Newton, MA 33:10

9. Bob Hodge GBTC 33:12

10. Gary Fanelli Penn. 33:13

WOMEN

1. Joan Benoit Cape Elizabeth, ME 36:33 CR

2. Dianne Rodger New Zealand 37:41

3. Debbie Eide Oregon 38:03

4. Sue Schneider Minn. 38:36

5. Jackie Gareau Quebec 38:46

6. Laurie Binder Cal. 38:49

7. Nancy Conz Easthampton, MA 38:56

8. Linda McLennon Georgia 38:58

9. Suzanne Girard New York 39:02

10. Meredith Bean-Simmons, Bermuda 39:05

1981

MEN

1. Alberto Salazar Oregon 31:55 CR

2. Rod Dixon New Zealand 32:15

3. Mike McLeod England 32:32

4. Kirk Pfeffer Colorado 32:42

5. Craig Virgin Illinois 32:50

6. Herb Lindsey Colorado 33:00

7. Terry Baker Maryland 33:01

8. Robbie Perkins No. Carolina 33:03

9. Charlie Spedding Newton, MA 33:07

10. Ric Rojas Colorado 33:13

WOMEN

1. Joan Benoit Cape Elizabeth, ME 38:15

2. Judy St. Hilaire Vermont 38:37

3. Jan Yerkes Penn. 39:07

4. Beth Sheridan Ohio 39:10

5. Linda McLennon Alabama 39:17

6. Pia Palladino New York 39:46

7. Kiki Sweigart Conn. 40:04

8. Shirley Durtschi Oregon 40:12

9. Susanne Girard N. Carolina 40:13

10. Sarah Linsley Wellesley, MA 40:35

1980

MEN

1. Rod Dixon New Zealand 32:20

2. Herb Lindsey Boulder, CO 32:32

3. Ric Rojas Boulder, CO 32:34

4. Bob Hodge GBTC 32:38

5. Greg Meyer GBTC 32:49

6. Terry Baker Wash. DC 32:58

7. Randy Thomas GBTC 33:03

8. Kyle Heffner Boulder, CO 33:07

9. Benji Durden Georgia 33:09

10. Stan Vernon Oklahoma 33:19

WOMEN

1. Grete Waitz Norway 37:12 CR

2. Jan Merrill New London, CT 37:56

3. Judy St. Hilaire Burlington, VT 38:04

4. Joan Benoit Cape Elizabeth, ME 38:21

5. Lorriane Moller New Zealand 38:46

6. Jackie Gareau Montreal, CAN 39:05

7. Nancy Conz Easthampton, MA 39:22

8. Beth Sheridan Ohio 39:42

9. Kiki Sweigart CT 39:56

10. Gayle Olenick Florida 40:31

1979

MEN

1. Craig Virgin West Lebanon, IL 32:19

2. Herb Lindsay Michigan 32:27

3. Bill Rodgers GBTC 32:29

4. Jon Sinclair Colorado 32:36

5. Frank Shorter Colorado 32:42

6. Rick Rojas Colorado 32:44

7. John Flora Northeastern TC 32:45

8. Mike Roche New Jersey 32:51

9. Robbie Perkins unat. 33:03

10. Benji Durden Georgia 33:21

WOMEN

1. Ellison Goodall North Carolina 38:15

2. Cathy Twomey Michigan 38:49

3. Margaret Groos Tennessee 39:11

4. Kim Merritt Wisconsin 39:13

5. Dana Slater unat. 39:27

6. Lynn Jennings Harvard, MA 39:42

7. Jan Oehn Winchester, MA 39:43

8. Carrie Craven Ohio 39:52

9. Anne Sullivan RI 40:02

10. Gayle Olenick FL. 40:21

1978

MEN

1. Bill Rodgers GBTC 32:31 CR

2. Mike Roche New Jersey 32:37

3. Craig Virgin Athletics West 32:53

4. Mike Slack Minn, MN 33:02

5. Greg Fredericks State College, PA 33:04

6. Hillary Tuwei U. Richmond (KEN) 33:07

7. Bruce Bickford Northestern TC 33:10

8. Bob Hodge GBTC 33:12

9. Greg Meyer GBTC 33:18

10. Alberto Salazar GBTC 33:20

WOMEN

1. Joan Benoit Cape Elizabeth, ME 39:07 CR

2. Patty Lyons BAA 39:32

3. Julie Brown L.A. Naturite TC 39:44

4. Martha Whilte State College, PA 39:50

5. Marge Rosasco Fallston, MD 41:03

6. Gayle Barron Atlanta, GA 41:10

7. Nancy Shafer Florida TC 42:04

8. Jane Killion NYC

9. Lisa Berry W. Hartford, CT

10. Susan Richardson Connecticut

1977

MEN

1. Bill Rodgers Melrose, MA 32:23 CR

2. Alberto Salazar Oregon 32:40

3. Greg Fredericks Penn. 33:12

4. Mike Roach New Jersey 33:19

5. Frank Shorter Colorado 33:24

6. Hillary Tuwei Kenya 33:42

7. Steve Flanagan Michigan 33:42

8. Charles McGuire Penn. 34:08

9. Dick Mahoney GBTC 34:15

10. Mike Buckley Lawrence, MA 34:20

WOMEN

1. Kim Merritt Racine, WI 38:40

2. Charlotte Lettis Amherst, MA 40:00

3. Katy Schilly New York 40:14

4. Anne Sullivan R.I. 40:29

5. Joan Beniot Maine 40:49

6. Cindy Wadsworth Conn. 42:07

7. Cheryl Flanagan Michigan 42:29

8. Debbie Richie Concord, MA 42:32

9. Nina Kuscick NY 43:05

10. Lisa Berry Conn. 44:09

1976

MEN

1. Frank Shorter Boulder, CO 33:13 CR

2. Bill Rodgers GBTC 33:36

3. Randy Thomas GBTC 34:10

4. George Reed Manchester, NM 34:16

5. Alberto Salazar GBTC 34:22

6. Amby Burfoot Middletown, CT 34:31

7. Bob Hodge GBTC 34:32

8. Mike Buckley Lawrence,MA 34:51

9. Bob Anastasio NYAC 34:51

10. Mark Duggan GBTC 35:00

WOMEN

1. Joan Benoit Cape Elizabeth, ME 43:08 CR

2. Elenora Mendonca Brazil

3. Marilyn Fernandez Somerset, MA

4. Del Flaherty Cummaquid, MA

5. Tina Francario Brockton, MA

1975

MEN

1. Frank Shorter Florida TC 33:24 CR

2. Bill Rodgers GBTC 33:39

3. Scott Graham GBTC 35:26

4. Larry Olsen No. Medford 35:32

5. Bob Hodge GBTC 35:51

6. Vin Fleming GBTC 35:54

7. Russ Pate Columbia, SC 36:03

8. Arthur Dulong GBTC 36:16

9. Chirs Chambers unatt. 36:32

10. George Conefrey Brockton, MA 36:43

WOMEN

1. Jenny Tuthill CSU 44:21 CR

2. Tina Francario Brockton, MA 48:03

3. Del Flaherty Cummaquid, MA 51:23

4. H. Ford Sargent Dover, MA 52:04

5. Joy Koch Brookline, MA 52:20

1974

MEN

1. Bill Rodgers GBTC 34:16 CR

2. Marty Liquori NYAC 35:25

3. Charles Diehl GBTC 35:44

4. Hamilton Amer Somerville, MA 35:57

5. Scott Graham GBTC 36:06

6. Ken Mueller BAA 36:21

7. Pat Doherty Everett, MA 36:23

8. Bob Sevene GBTC 36:34

9. John Goodwin Hyde Park, MA 36:41

10. Vim Fleming GBTC 36:51

WOMEN

1. Debbie Ritchie Concord, MA 44:31

2. J. Hass Charlottsville, VA 47:14

3. Debbie Mueller Bellingham, MA 48:31

4. Tina Francario Brockton, MA 52:48

5. Stephanie Nicolas Ashland,MA 53:16

6. Johanna Forman Falmouth TC 53:46

7. Cindy Shephard Falmouth TC 53:47

8. Claire Garrity Hingham,MA 56:45

9. Rosie Grady Falmouth TC 59:06

10. Debbie Mendeson Famouth TC 59:07

1973

MEN

1. David Duba Central Michigan 39:16

2. Pat Doherty Boston State 39:33

3. Steve Hamel Northeastern TC 40:49

4. Bruce Jillson Sandwich, MA 41:31

5. Tom Doherty CSU-Everett 41:57

6. Fred Hintlian Falmouth TC 42:03

7. Gary Souza Osterville, MA 42:44

8. Chris Devlin Berry College, GA 42:26

9. Tom Johnston Falmouth TC 44:02

10. Larry Newman Northestern TC 44:20

WOMEN

1. Jenny Tuthill C.S.U. 47:23

2. Birgit Lowestein Woods Hole,MA 54:07

3. Elizabeth Morris W. Falmouth, MA 55:39

4. Gail MacKinnon Brockton, MA 64:30

5. Kim McClees Elm City, NC 65:24

TDF wrote:

"Races like Cherry Blossom do a much better job of catering to competitive amateurs by giving them guaranteed entry without a lottery and a late registration date."

THIS!

Falmouth no longer caters to top runners: international, national, regional, or even local. It is now a money making business when in the past it was about the top runners! I don't know why they no longer even try in the least little bit to allow for a better up front field, except for the fact that it earns more money to cater to the people who make Falmouth their one "long run" of the year. The mile is more competitive and fun to watch!

The Boston Marathon is still has an elite international field but essentially ignores the serious hackers in favor of promoting aging runners esp. females who will pump cash into the local economies and fake charities that expend most of their budgets on the salaries and benefits of folks who don't want to get real jobs. Why should we expect more in Falmouth?

I came in top 100, hitting about 5:53 a mile or so on a really hot and somewhat humid day. I was hoping to go about 60-90 seconds faster, but the combo of the heat and just having an off day sapped my hopes of going under 40:00.

Think a lot has already been covered. I had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the beautiful course, the high energy, the sense of tradition and history of it all.

But I agree that Falmouth should take a page or two out of the Cherry Blossom's playbook. I didn't expect to get into the race when I signed up for the lottery, but was happily surprised to get to do it. There's some heavy lifting involved in getting up to the Cape and finding lodging (for a reasonable price).

The biggest annoyance for me was the start. My bib was in the 600s, which allowed me to get kiiiiinda close to the start, but I was hoping to avoid frying myself to death for a good 45 minutes before the start and so hung out in a shaded area until about 25 minutes to go. By the time I entered the corrals, I was a good 30 or 40 rows back of tightly bunched up bodies. This would normally be fine, except lots of these people that crammed this very narrow starting area had NO BUSINESS being in there -- a fact that became readily apparent when we got to the actual start line.

I'm not trying to be disrespectful in this, but it's frustrating to spend the first half mile trying to weave in and out of people with bib numbers higher than 6,000 who have phones strapped to their arms, are wearing yoga pants, etc.

To me, this is in tune with the general consensus that seems to be forming here that Falmouth could do better job of encouraging the serious runner who's certainly not "elite" (or whatever sub-elite is) but who trains hard, takes the sport seriously (while finding it super fun) and gets amped up for race day and achieving tough goal times (in my case, someone who's shooting for sub 40 this year and hopes a year from now to be shooting for the 38s, but may never get faster than that).

I still consider Falmouth one of my favorite races. It's such an awesome course and the fans are great and beers at the British Beer Company post-race is hard to beat.

But I think there should be automatic entry for people with decent qualifying times (not saying my times should meet this standard, but I'd certainly be in favor of that...).

I think the race lost some of its luster when the guys from GBTC and Joanie Benoit started aging .

It was exciting to cheer and run with these local celebrities .

And they would draw the international and the US

competition .(Probably with the help of a some cash too).

Sadly local youth did not replace the likes of Rodgers , Hodge , Salazar, Meyer , Benoit .

No one's fault - it just happened .

Malmo,

Would you tell us how much you made for your 8th place in the 1982 race?

Advertised prize plus any other perks like transportation allowance,. room and board/ per diem, promotional fees for appearances tied to the race and any time bonus. Anyothetype reward

Did you get any bonuses from your own sponsorship for your performance at that race?

Thanks

And this wrote:

The need to register months in advance with big bucks is also a deterrent for many larger races. Back when, a runner could wait until the week of a race to assess the weather and be sure that he/she was healthy before making the investment in travel, registration and time.

Another example of the dilution of the field; I ran the Cleveland Marathon in the early eighties and finished in about 450th place.

I ran the same time 25 years later in the same race with about the same size field and finished in about 40th place.

I'd be happy to do without the food, medals and shirts to be able to race more often and racing gets really expensive if three or four family members want to run the same event.

That last paragraph is interesting, but it seems the market disagrees with you as races have grown (although there appears to be some contraction). Maybe a return to low frills races will make a come back when only "serious" runners are signing up.

I wouldn't consider myself "good" in terms of elite running, but I'm a 14:15/30:00 minute 5k/10k guy who is trying to get into the road scene post-college (66 minute half, shooting for a solid run at Houston). I tried to get into Falmouth this year and they only offered me entry.

Why would I fly across the country and spend $400 on airfare, $200 on lodging and whatever I can find on food just to run a non-championship 7 miler, probably finish outside of the travel reimbursement (top 5), and maybe (probably not) make back what I paid for in food/$hitty motel? I can run a few trail races and make $500 in a month pretty easily. If you want depth, you have to create an incentive for the pack fillers to show up. The sub 29/63 10k/ half-marathon guys are already sponsored. They don't need reimbursement because it's paid for already.

The reason you see a lot of mid-packers like me running the USATF series is because USATF always gives a food stipend if you're competing in the elite race and has grants you can apply for as well as travel discounts through various airlines.

Last year there were 40 US men under 29:00 for 10,000m and I don't know how many ran sub 29 for 10Km on the roads.

How deep does the sub-elite category go?

I agree that this is a frustration for many decent runners. Falmouth used to allow me upfront with the top 500 numbers. IT was so much easier to get a quality race in when you are not crammed in and can warm up properly. This is an easy solution to getting top runners involved, but I know that the are very stingy about doing that these days. They need to reserve spots for quality runners and welcome them back to the race with a few perks-first of these is being allowed to start up front. I have been a fan of Falmouth since first running it in 1975 (Malmo posted my old blog under my last post here). This year's race was the first time I was not excited about the top runners. There were only a few running.I had to look for which milers were running to see if I recognized anyone decent after the first few elites. It used to be fun seeing so many top runners competing together.