MEDWAY — When Kristen Salera crosses the starting line at this year’s Falmouth Road Race, she’ll be running for much more than a finish time. The Medway small business owner is taking on one of Massachusetts’ premier road races to raise money for the Medway Village Food Pantry—an organization she says once helped her family during a difficult chapter.
Salera, who previously completed the Boston Marathon, stepped away from running for a time while focusing on her business and family. When she learned the food pantry was looking for runners to represent the organization in Falmouth, she immediately volunteered.
“When I started my business, I actually used the pantry myself,” Salera said. “I wanted to give back because of my success. This was just a no-brainer for me.”
Funds raised through this year’s Falmouth Road Race will support the Medway Village Food Pantry’s planned relocation. The new space will allow the pantry to operate more like a traditional grocery store rather than the current weekly “pop-up” setup it shares with a preschool, creating a more welcoming and accessible experience for local families.
Although she’s only recently returned to training, Salera says she’s enjoying every mile.
“My first run wasn’t my fastest, but it felt amazing to get back out there,” she said. “A few days later I had already cut 30 seconds off each mile. Your body gets used to it again.”
Having run Falmouth before, Salera knows the race’s challenging hills are matched only by its enthusiastic supporters.
“The community support is incredible,” she said. “People cheer you on the entire way, and so many have been in your shoes.”
Community members can support Salera’s fundraising efforts by searching for her name on the Falmouth Road Race fundraising page and making a donation to benefit the Medway Village Food Pantry ahead of race day in August.
