Relay Team Will Run For Service Center

Courtney Crane (left) of North Falmouth, Crystal Flagg of East Falmouth, and Jillian Howard of East Falmouth are three-fifths of the “Sea Gals,” a mostly local entry in this year’s Cape Cod Marathon; their team is using the race to raise funds for the Falmouth Service Center. Also on the squad are Ann Nolan of North Falmouth and Cynthia Pierce of Duxbury. CHRISTOPER KAZARIAN/ENTERPRISE

FALMOUTH- With the nation’s economy in a state of flux, five entrants in this year’s 31st annual Cape Cod Marathon are doing their part to help minimize the impacts a potential recession might have locally.
Running as a team in the marathon’s relay corporate division, the group is using the race as a way to raise money to benefit the Falmouth Service Center, the town’s food pantry. The marathon, which is run in Falmouth, is being held on Sunday, October 26.
Crystal M. Flagg of Sandwich Road, one of the five runners, said the number of needy residents in Falmouth who rely on the service center, both for food, as well as fuel, clothing, and other assistance seems to be growing.
She has seen firsthand how the service center can positively impact residents. Since 2003, Ms. Flagg, an assistant for the Falmouth Veterans Services department, has been organizing a toy drive that goes directly to clients of the service center.
Last December, she said, nearly $1,000 worth of toys was raised for this cause, but its true worth could not be measured in dollars and cents.
During the toy distribution, she helped one mother pick out a few toys and clothes for her children. “She said her children were now going to have a Christmas because of the service center,” Ms. Flagg said. “To be able to make someone’s Christmas like that meant a lot to me.”
While that is one example of how the service center helps people, Ms. Flagg said she realizes that the need is great for residents throughout the year. That is why she, along with Ann Nolan of Althea Road, North Falmouth; Courtney L. Crane of Old Main Road, North Falmouth; Jillian G. Howard of Central Avenue, East Falmouth; and Cynthia Pierce of Duxbury are trying to raise money for the local nonprofit.
With the exception of Ms. Pierce, all the women graduated from Falmouth High School. Ms. Nolan received her diploma in 2000, while the others received theirs in 2001.
Thus far, the group has raised roughly $500, and Ms. Flagg hopes to double that, although she admitted, “We will be grateful for whatever is donated.”
In addition to fundraising, the group is in the midst of training for the marathon, which will be the first time for Ms. Crane and Ms. Pierce. For Ms. Flagg this will be the third time she has competed in the race and the second time she has run for a charity.
Two years ago, she and Ms. Nolan joined three other town employees, Falmouth Conservation Administrator Jennifer L. McKay, Falmouth Assistant Town Planner Marlene V. McCollem and Department of Natural Resources Officer Sarah M. Brooks. They ended up winning The Enterprise Cup for winning the relay race in their division.
Last year, Ms. Flagg ran with another contingent of town employees, helping to raise money for the Palmer Children Benefit Fund.
Each runner will take a separate leg of the 26.2-mile race, beginning with Ms. Crane who will start at the Falmouth Village Green, running three miles past the harbor and down Falmouth Heights before handing off to Ms. Flagg in front of the British Beer Company on Grand Avenue.
Ms. Flagg will run 6.15 miles from Falmouth Heights to Tony Andrews Farm before Ms. Nolan runs the next 5.7 miles of the marathon from Hatchville to West Falmouth. Ms. Howard will then run six miles through Sippewissett into Woods Hole, handing off to Ms. Pierce, who will finish the race, running the final 5.3 miles to the Village Green.
As to why she has the longest part of the run, Ms. Flagg simply volunteered. “I just picked that one,” she said. “It is my favorite. It is very scenic, going through the Heights up Davisville and past the cranberry bogs, which are beautiful this time of year. I did it last year and enjoyed it, so I kept that leg.”
Team members have been training separately, Ms. Flagg said, trying to run three to four miles at least four times a week in preparation for the race.
Ms. Flagg became interested in running about four years ago, joined by Ms. Nolan, who, at the time, worked across the hall from her for the Falmouth Conservation Commission.
As to what she enjoys about the sport, Ms. Flagg said, “I enjoy the mental clarity I achieve from running. I started running as a way to improve my fitness and cardio. It developed to the point, where I mentally feel a lot better after I run.”
Combining that with charity work, she said, makes the hobby that more fulfilling. “I have always been excited and have a passion for organizations that are close to my heart,” she said.
At the top of that list, she said, is the Falmouth Service Center. In her experience working for both her annual toy drive and her job in the Falmouth Veterans Services department, she said, “I have seen them [service center staff] do so many amazing things for Falmouth’s families.”
She was hopeful that even in these tough economic times, residents would be willing to donate, even a small amount, to this cause. “Seeing all the companies that are going out of business in Falmouth, it truly is a sign of the times,” she said. “That is very sad. I know that times and financial situations are tough, but every dollar counts. Even in the smallest amounts, this will help those in need greatly.”