The Jersey Shore Running Club will host its fourth annual Lake Como 5K Run Saturday, and as in the past two years it will honor the memory of the late East Brunswick resident Grania Maggio.
The Jersey Shore Running Club’s fourth annual Lake Como 5K Run will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in memory of Grania Maggio, seen here running as No. 4846 in the 1999 Dublin Marathon. Grania, who grew up in East Brunswick, was fatally hit by a car after attending a concert in Saratoga, N.Y., in 2005. Maggio, who was a member of the running club, was hit by a car and killed after attending a Dave Matthews Band concert in Saratoga, N.Y., in 2005. She was 33.
Growing up in East Brunswick, Grania attended East Brunswick High School, then chose to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a physical therapist. With that goal in mind, she attended University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. In college, she devoted herself to her studies, while allowing time for fun. She was active in the school’s Environmental Club, and on occasion managed to enjoy the Philly nightlife with her roommates.
Grania loved to travel, and went to Dublin to complete an academic internship at Trinity College. During her college career, she became interested in running, and twice returned to Ireland after graduation to compete in the Dublin Marathon. She had planned to compete in the Marine CorpsMarathon inWashington, D.C.
In addition to running, she enjoyed hiking and camping. Her love of travel took her on vacations in Europe, and several U.S. state parks. She eventually settled in Lake Como, formerly South Belmar, working as a physical therapist in the rehabilitation department at Health South Medical Center in Toms River. She also volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
A portion of the proceeds from Saturday’s run will go to the Grania Maggio Study Abroad Endowment at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. The program encourages students to travel and study in a variety of places including Italy, England, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. The goal of the program includes preparing students for professional life by exposing them to globally diverse cultures through education and hands-on experience resulting form living in that culture.
The run is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como. Pre-registration entry fee is $25. Race day registration and check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the bar, on 16th Avenue. Early T-shirt pickup will be at BarAnticipation on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration includes a post-race party consisting of free barbecue, soda and drink specials at Bar Anticipation.
Awards will be given to the top five overall male/female finishers. The course is USATF certified.
For more information call (732) 542- 6090; log on to www.jsrc.org; or e-mail [email protected], or register online at www.jerseyrunner.com.