The Falmouth Road Race is unique in its place as one of the top races in New England. The seven-mile distance and the scenic views along the route stand out for sure. But the family connections and yearly traditions stand out as well, and that is the case for Kathryn McManus.
2025 will be Kathryn’s ninth time running Falmouth, a yearly tradition for her family. Kathryn’s uncle is a Falmouth resident and has been running the race for more than three decades. Through the years, an increasing number of family members have also run. Kathryn runs plenty of races now, but there’s nothing like Falmouth.
“This is my race of the year that I try to train for. [It’s] my favorite run of the year…because I do it with my family, and the run itself is so gorgeous, running along the beach and just the energy. Everyone is just so happy cheering for you. Falmouth has inspired me to run other races.”
Kathryn has previously run with a non-charity bib, but was looking for causes to run for. A Massachusetts native and longtime Patriots fan, she certainly remembers watching Joe Andruzzi play growing up. And then she started learning more about the Foundation, following them on social media and seeing the runner bibs each year at the race. But she learned more about the Foundation from a work colleague, Mike Lombardo.
Mike Lombardo was a longtime supporter of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, serving on its Board of Directors. He founded his own consulting company, GlideFast, which is a partner of Kathryn’s company. Mike bravely fought his own private battle with cancer before ultimately passing away last year. Kathryn always noticed, even in work interactions, what a positive person Mike was.
“It was inspiring to see someone facing something as difficult as cancer remain so optimistic and always remain a positive, uplifting leader,” Kathryn said. “Seeing him in that light is just something that I think not many people have…that kind of grit and optimism.”
Kathryn also saw the impact of a cancer diagnosis closer to home. Her boyfriend Connor, also a member of Team JAF this year, saw his father diagnosed with cancer two years ago.
“Thankfully, Connor’s family was fortunate enough to access the best possible care. It opened my eyes, I was so unaware of how expensive treatment can be, and if you don’t have the right type of insurance, then it can be tough for a family to survive and have the right kind of resources.”
Kathryn lives in Boston near the hospitals, and on her nightly walks, she would see up close patients and their families having to relocate and take on such an immense amount of pressure to try to help themselves or their loved ones get healthy again. She wanted to give back, and in JAF, she had a mission that resonated with her.
As she started fundraising, she was blown away by the number of people who wanted to help.
“I think it goes to show that I didn’t have to do anything crazy. I just had to post it on social media platforms and reach out to friends and family, and I was at my [fundraising] goal. People were so supportive and immediately acted and donated. It just really means a lot that so many people wanted to contribute and write sweet messages. When people see what an incredible charity JAF is, it goes a long way, and people donate immediately.”
Kathryn has always been passionate about giving back to the community. Now, she’s getting to do that at an event that means so much to her family. And towards a mission that means a lot to her.
“JAF’s mission, along with my own personal mission, goes hand in hand with trying to give back to people who, in a time of need, really could use the extra support and resources. So, being able to find this charity and raise money and bring awareness to it, I’m trying to do something greater than what I could bring to the table. Being able to give back to my local community where I live in the region of Boston, but also give back to people who are going through cancer treatments.”
Kathryn’s story is just one of XX runners who have dedicated themselves to running the Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, August 17, on behalf of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. To see the entire team roster, CLICK HERE.
