Big time road racing will return to Asbury Park on Sat., Aug. 11, when the fourth annual Asbury Park 5K is held.
Presented in conjunction with the Shore AC, the Jersey Shore Running Club and the Freehold Area Running Club, the 5K race will feature a unique 2 lap spectator-friendly tour of the soon to be revitalized downtown beachfront area. Kids races, part of the Jersey Shore Kids Grand Prix, follow the main event on Saturday in Bradley Park across from Convention Hall and feature various distances for children ranging from ages 1 to 12.
“Road running has a great history in Asbury Park with the old Jersey Shore Marathon and Asbury Park 10K Classic which routinely drew some of the world’s greatest runners”, said co-race founder Tim McLoone. “So, it’s great to start another new tradition and contribute to the resurgence of Asbury Park”.
The Asbury Park 5K is the fourth event of the five race SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix which ties together the top shore summer races: the Spring Lake 5, the Sheehan Classic, the Belmar 5, Asbury Park, and the new Pier Village 5k In Long Branch which concludes the Golden Grand Prix on Labor Day Monday, September 3. As part of the SBLI Grand Prix, prize money will be awarded to the top finishers in the open race as well as in age groups. Points will also be awarded toward the overall grand prix standings.
All participants will be treated to post race refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the Spring Lake Five Mile run. Each participant is also given a free beach pass for the day onto the beaches courtesy of the City of Asbury Park.
Proceeds of the Asbury Park 5K will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Monmouth County. “We love partnering with family events like these that help us bring people back to Asbury Park”, said UEZ director, Tom Gilmour. “It should be a fun day with lots of entertainment, refreshments, and prizes.” The race beneficiaries will also receive 100 5K entries and 100 kids entries, courtesy of the Friends of he Spring Lake Five.
For information on how to enter the Asbury Park 5K, go to asburypark.jsrc.org or call (732) 571-2162.
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