The Dedham race, now celebrating its 18th year, was invited to bid for the honor by the Association. This is a particularly good year for the honor as the race has just moved it's start and finish to the picturesque and imposing grounds of the 18 acre, town-owned, Endicott Estate.

Some 10,000 participants will take part in a series of seven events ranging from a 5 kilometers race (3.1 miles) to a 26.2 mile marathon. This collection of races will serve as the 2001 championships. Together, the seven championship races form a Grand Prix Series which will enter its eighteenth year. The Grand Prix Series races' prizes total over $10,000 in developmental prize money to top finishing USATF-NE clubs. 17 road races from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont bid to be in the series. Remarked elated founder and race director, Martin Hanley; "This is a true privilege for Eastern Massachusetts. Many event organizations do very ambitious lobbying in order to be awarded a championship. We, as a rule, do not actively solicit anyone's support for the USATF voting, but rather let our race's reputation for excellence speak for itself". "This award should be more properly credited to the Ramble's many volunteers, sponsors and the community which has taken the Ramble to its heart as one of the most successful and unique community events in the sport of running." Hanley said.

Last year the Ramble was covered by ESPN, all local network affiliates, the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald, as well as National Public Radio (NPR), and it attracted several Internationally-known Olympic athletes. Three time Boston Marathon winner, Uta Pippig also won the hearts of thousands along the course.

"We will be doubling our organizational efforts to stage one of the best races that New England has ever seen come next April and that means that we need everyone in Greater Boston who has a warm spot in their heart for the race to be involved." Hanley stated.

This coming year, the James Joyce Ramble hopes to surpass total contributions to the Dana-Farber's Cancer Research Program of more than a quarter of a million dollars since 1984.