Registration is still open for annual Asbury Park 5k
Race takes place Saturday, Aug. 10, begins and ends in Bradley Park
Runners of all ages are invited to “hit the streets” of Asbury on Aug. 10 in the annual Asbury Park 5k.
The race, now in its tenth year, began 20 years ago as the Asbury Park 10k Classic. The 10k race was moved to Red Bank a decade ago and was renamed the “Sheehan Classic” after running legend George Sheehan, according to a press release from the event promoters.
Race director Philip Hinck said the change to a lower mileage – a 5k race totals 3.1 miles while a 10k race is 6.2 – was selected as the distance to enable more people to compete in the Asbury Run.
“The casual runner nowadays runs one or two miles and does other activities like cycling,” said Hinck. “To them, five miles seems a long way.”
In 2012, 1048 runners completed the race, he said. Hinck encourages runners and walkers of all abilities to come out, have fun and spend a day at the beach, he said.
The event is organized by the Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone program, the Shore Athletic Club, the Freehold Area Running Club and the Jersey Shore Running Club. All profits benefit the Asbury Park unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County and all of the event sponsors are local businesses, according to the release.
Spectators who come to watch will see runners pass twice on the double-loop course that begins and ends in Bradley Park, opposite Convention Hall at the corner of Sunset and Ocean Avenues.
Races specifically for children immediately follow the 5k. Kids’ distances vary depending on the age of the child. All children receive a medal and refreshments.
Race-day giveaways will be available at various sponsor and merchant tables in Atlantic Square Park, located one block east of Bradley Park on Kingsley Avenue. Free beach passes will be available to runners who show their race day bibs at the 3rd Avenue beach entrance.
Registration costs $25 from now through Aug. 9 and $30 on race day. Register online by clicking here; in-person registration is also available between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 9 inside the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall. Last minute registrants can sign up on race day in Atlantic Square Park starting at 7 a.m. Every runner and volunteer will receive a retro design tie-dyed racing shirt.
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