Take a drive through Cape Cod and you’re bound to hit an art studio. It is one of the landscape markers that struck Edward Thompson after his parents moved to Yarmouth Port seven years ago.
“There are so many little art studios that seem to be scattered along the way, in Yarmouth Port, Barnstable, Brewster — you can’t hit a nine-iron sometimes without hitting a little studio,” he said.
So when Ed, who lives in New Jersey and is the director of placement and development officer for Far Hills County Day School, was seeking a charity to support as he runs his first ASICS Falmouth Road Race this Sunday, it made sense that he chose the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod.
“Certainly, there are a lot of great causes to run for, but I think the arts as an activity, as entertainment, as a profession, I think it is dynamic how it can impact a person’s well-being,” he said.
Every year, he will select a “handful of cool races to run” that will include Sunday’s 7-mile race in Falmouth. This past year, he also ran the Newport Marathon, representing the second race he’s run at that distance; a few years ago, he ran the Jersey City Marathon.
He has run several half marathons and runs lots of shorter 5Ks, including the Chatham Turkey Trot and the Andrea Holden Thanksgiving 5K, both of which take place on the Cape.
“It’s a good opportunity to clear your head space, so to speak,” he said of what he loves about running. “Sometimes, I’m goal-oriented and trying to get under a certain time, but it is mostly about being healthy, feeling good, and being with good people.”
As an educator for over 20 years, Ed said finding ways to give back through running makes sense. “It sets an example to other kids in our community on how we all can do great things and inspire civil action,” he said. “It’s important for all of us to do that.”
On Sunday, he’ll also be setting an example for his children – he and his wife Cendahl have two girls, Maddie, 6, and Imogen,4, who will be rooting him on as he makes his way from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights, all to strengthen the creative economy here on Cape Cod.
“Overall, I’m just grateful to be running this race,” he said. “It is neat to be a part of a historic race and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do it in support of the Arts Foundation.”
To support Ed Thompson in this year’s Falmouth Road Race, click this link.
To support the Arts Foundation’s 2025 Falmouth Road Race Team, click here.