(Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
Continuing a local tradition for the 23rd consecutive year — and extending the season of outdoor recreational events into autumn 2016 — the Little Silver 5K embarks from the campus of Red Bank Regional High School on the morning of Sunday, October 2, for an event that promises fall fun for participants of all ages, and a set of cash prizes for serious adult competitors.
The fun begins at 8:45 a.m. on the RBR track, with a One Mile Fun Run for young runners. The main-event 5K gets going at 9:30 a.m., with the Pre-K to Grade 4 competitors taking the track once more for a set of Kiddie Dashes that commence following the conclusion of the 5K.
The 2016 5K is a USATF-NJ Women’s Open Championship race, with cash prizes ($150, $100, $50) awarded to the top three overall male and female USATF finishers. Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners in all age groups (up to 80-plus), with special honors to the top male and female Little Silver residents among the finishers. All children taking part in the Kiddie Dashes and One Mile Fun Run will receive a special medal.
The fun doesn’t end there, as all participants are invited to the Little Silver Firehouse (480 Prospect Avenue), for a post-race party that begins at 11 a.m. Featured are refreshments by Molinari’s of Neptune, an Oktoberfest beer garden, live music by RipTide, and kid-friendly activities that include pumpkin decorating, face painting, fun with Sweet & Sassy and more. The party is free for all registered runners (please show race number) and all children, with non-running adults also welcome to attend for a door charge of $20.
Take it here to register for the October 2 event; here for details on business sponsorships, and here for a special Family Sponsorship opportunity. Then follow the Little Silver 5K on Facebook for weather-related info and other updates.