Belmar Five Coming Saturday

Race day is coming to Belmar yet again.

On Saturday, July 9, the annual Belmar Five Mile Run will take place for the 35th time. 

Each year, the borough of Belmar and the Belmar's Goodwill Hose Fire Company, working with the Jersey Shore Running Club, organize and execute the event which sees thousands of harriers wind through borough streets on a Saturday morning every July.

The event is part of the Jersey Shore Grand Prix, a series of summer road races held across the area, and is one of the Shore's longest running races. The event typically brings out great running talent from across the state and beyond. Last year's winner, James Gathoga of Newark, finished the course in a blistering 24:20 and the women's top finisher, Noel Brock of Toms River, crossed the finish line in 28:35.

Since 2002, the Belmar Five has been run in memory of Johnny Cobb.

Cobb was one of the original planners of the event and served 25 years with the Belmar Police Department while maintaining lifelong residency in the borough. Cobb was also a St. Rose graduate and a member of the Belmar Volunteer Fire Company.

The five-mile run will be the centerpiece of a weekend of family-friendly events. A Family Fitness Walk and children's races are scheduled for Friday evening along with a family movie night and beach fireworks.

A Health and Vendor Fair along with post-race refreshments will take place at Silver Lake Park following the race. An awards ceremony and a random prize drawing will also be held. The post-race party, with free admission, will be held at Bar Anticipation on 16th Avenue in Lake Como.

Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty confirmed that he will take on the race course again this year and has recruited his older brother John and his older sister Maureen to participate as well.

"It is a great event that raises much needed money for our volunteer fire department," Doherty said.

Race registration and further information can be found online at www.belmar5.com or by calling 732-571-2162.