Blue Skies Greet Runners of 35th Annual Belmar Five

After a torrential downpour Friday evening, many runners had their fingers crossed for a much-drier Saturday morning. Luckily, the weather obliged, and more than 2,500 runners pounded the pavement for the 35th annual Belmar Five Mile Run, event organizers said.

This year's race was held in memory of longtime borough police officer and firefighter Johnny Cobb, said Penny Hinck, a race organizer.

Nearly 200 volunteers helped to put this event together. Along with the volunteers, a 30-member race committee came together to make sure everything was set up properly for the run, Hinck said.

Hinck said she was very pleased with the participation.

“This is a great turnout, and I’m so happy we got a gorgeous day for the run,” she said. 

The race began at 8:30 a.m., when runners raced down Ocean Avenue, lapped around Lake Como, went back down Ocean Avenue, went around Silver Lake, and the race concluded at the north end of Silver Lake by 5th Avenue, Hinck said.

A number of tents set up in front of Silver Lake offered free samples of coconut water, a massage table, a booth that sold vintage racing T-shirts, another that had free samples of yogurt, and a food booth where those who finish the race can rehydrate with water or grab a banana or some watermelon.

Volunteer Mary O’Brien of Manasquan spent the day working a booth supporting upcoming races for the Jersey Shore Running Club and was also pleased with the gorgeous weather, she said.

“Yesterday was a torrential downpour,” O'Brien said. “So to have a day with beautiful weather and no humidity is perfect.”

Diane Cheer, another race organizer from Wall Township, said that after the kid’s race on Friday was rained out, she was thankful that at least the 5-mile event could be held as usual.

“After being flooded out yesterday, we’re happy to have this 5-mile race in some sunshine,” Cheer said. 

Runners started arriving at the finish line around the 25-minute mark, and the first male to finish was 32-year-old James Gathoga of Newark, who clocked in at 25:26.

Following Gathoga was 33-year-old Robert Cavanaugh from West Long Branch, who clocked in at 25:44, and 30-year-old Whiting resident Tim Mulligan followed him with a time of 25:46.

At the conclusion of the race, Mulligan said the weather was a bit hot for him, but he was proud of his score and was glad to have competed. 

“The heat got to me a little, but overall I think I did alright,” he said, adding his training regimen includes running nearly 70 miles every week.

The top female racer was 33-year-old Toms River resident Noel Whitall, who finished with a time of 28:38.

Coming in second for the females was 20-year-old Lebanon, Pa. resident Rose Mascoli, who finished with a time of 29:33.

Coming in third was 21-year-old Jackson resident Amanda Marino, who completed the race with a time of 29:44. 

A complete list of results can be found on the race website, www.belmar5.com.