[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 29, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF MR. TOMMY LEONARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2019

  Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life 
of Tommy Leonard, the founder of the Falmouth Road Race and a beloved 
member of the Cape Cod community.
  Growing up in western Massachusetts, Mr. Leonard fell in love with 
running at an early age. Following high school, he joined the United 
States Marines and ran his first Boston Marathon in 1953.
  Inspired by his community and Frank Shorter's historic victory in the 
marathon at the 1972 Olympics, Mr. Leonard brought his love for running 
to Cape Cod. Thanks to his dedication, the Falmouth Road Race was first 
held on August 15, 1973. Beyond the formation of the race, Mr. Leonard 
worked tirelessly on the ground level to promote the event and recruit 
racers to inspire the next generation. Two years later, the seven-mile 
race was won by Frank Shorter.
  What began as a fundraiser for the Falmouth High School girl's track 
team has now taken on a life of its own. The race began with just 92 
runners working to fund travel expenses for the Falmouth track team. 
However, soon the race was helping local runners earn college track 
scholarships. Now with over 12,000 annual racers, the Falmouth Road 
Race has contributed millions of dollars to local charities. Mr. 
Leonard has become a pillar of his community and his dedication to 
helping those around him continues to live on with the Tommy Leonard 
Spotlight Award, which gives $2,500 to a nonprofit each month.
  Mr. Leonard passed away on January 16, 2019. However, his commitment 
will long be remembered through his growing family of runners and the 
legacy of his activism.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Tommy Leonard. I ask 
that my colleagues join me in recognizing his many years of dedication 
to his community.