32nd annual Belmar Five Mile Run to be held July 12

32nd annual Belmar Five Mile Run to be held July 12

By Penny Hinck
On Saturday, July 12, the Boro of Belmar and the Goodwill Hose Fire Co., in collaboration with the Jersey Shore Running Club, will present the 32nd Annual Belmar Five Mile Run.

The 2008 Belmar Five Mile run is named in memory of long-time Belmar resident, Johnny Cobb. In addition to being an originator of the race, he had a 25-year career in the Belmar Police Department, was a member of the Belmar Fire Dept. and was a graduate and supporter of the St Rose School, and promoted local sports all of his life.

Along with the main Five Mile event, we offer a Family Fitness Walk and Kids' Races scheduled for Friday night, July 11th, both of which have continued to become more popular each of the last several years. AGAIN this year will be a family movie on Friday night followed by Fireworks on the beach. All events will be held in Belmar, which is known, of course, for its' beautiful beaches and boardwalk.

Participants are treated to post race refreshments, and a Health and Vendor Fair in Silver Lake Park. In addition the annual 50/50 raffle drawing will take place to benefit the volunteer fire company during the awards ceremony. All are then invited to a Free Post Race Party and Concert at Bar Anticipation, Lake Como, following the five mile run.

Last year over 3000 participants in the Belmar Five events and hundreds of volunteers made this race one of the premier racing events at the Jersey Shore. This year the goal, with the help of the Jersey Shore Running Club, is to attract 3500 participants.

The Belmar Five is the third event of the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, a series of races that offers prize money to overall winners and age group category winners. The five 2008 events are: Spring Lake 5, George Sheehan Classic, Belmar 5, Asbury Park 5K & Pier Village 5K. Further information can be found on the series website, www.jsgrandprix.com

Registration is still available. You can register through the mail, online, or in person Wednesday thru Friday of race week - July 9th, 10th and 11th, 6-8 pm. For locations and race information: visit www.belmar5.com, or call 732 571 2162.