For most runners, the race bib and gift bag pickup is the most important part of the New Balance Falmouth Road Race Health & Fitness Expo. Runners must pick up their bib at the expo as numbers are not mailed and there is no race day pickup. In addition to the race essentials, you’ll find seminars and talks from local and national running legends, vendor booths and official race gear for sale.
2019 Health & Fitness Expo Hours
Located at the Falmouth High School Field House, 874 Gifford Street Falmouth, MA.
- Thursday, August 15, 2019, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 16, 2019, Noon to 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 17, 2019, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Arrival
We arrived on Saturday, the last day of the expo around 2:00 PM. Traffic congestion definitely got worse as we got closer to Falmouth High School.
Entrance
Several vendors had tents set up outside by the entrance. We enjoyed some samples from Yasso, Dunkin, and HOTSHOT. The HOTSHOT definitely had some kick and I’ll consider trying it in the future.
Bib Pickup
After entering the field house we were greeted by volunteers to help us look up our bib numbers. After we had this information we were directed to the appropriate tables to get our golden tickets! Lines weren’t bad. At most only 1 or 2 people deep and some tables without any lines. We were there late so I suspect it may have been busier earlier but they seemed very organized.
After getting our bibs we took a detour to a photo booth for some fun photos then onto the line for the gift bag. No real waiting in the gift bag line, but it did look like they were starting to run low. Earlier in the day elite athletes and local celebrities were helping hand out the gift bags. Take a look at what was in the gift bag.
Main Expo
When walking into the main expo floor you’re greeted by race sponsor New Balance’s large booth. This is where you can also purchase official Falmouth Road Race t-shirts and merchandise. Unlike most races, runners don’t get a t-shirt at the Falmouth Road Race. Not a bad thing, since I’m running out of space to store them. Instead, you get a great coffee cup, which I know I’ll enjoy. Since we were there late, it’s not surprising it was slim pickings on race merchandise. They were all out of men’s large shirts and someone in our group bought the last extra-large. If you want to make sure you get an official race shirt you’ll want to get there earlier or order one online before the race.
The rest of the expo was typical for what you would see at a race expo. If you forgot anything you could definitely pick it up here. Energy gels, socks, singlets, shorts, water bottles, hats, visors and more they had you covered.
Legends
While walking the floor of the expo we saw several running legends:
- Bill Rodgers – 3 time Falmouth Road Race winner, 4
time Boston Marathon winner, 4time New York City Marathon winner, to name just a few of his many racing accomplishments. - Team Hoyt – the wheelchair duo of Rick & Dick Hoyt
- Paul Clerici – author of
I was lucky enough to catch Bill Rodgers as he was wrapping up a talk and signing session. He was very gracious and stuck around to talk more and sign my race poster. I hope to see him again at the Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell 5k in December.
Conclusion
I would rate this as good or better than other expos at larger races. Bib pickup was easy and fast. A lot of good vendors there and it was small enough you weren’t going to kill your legs by walking too much the day before the race.
For more information about the Health & Fitness Expo visit the Falmouth Road Race website.