The George Sheehan Classic will celebrate its 20th year on June 15 with its popular 5K (3.1 mile) race through the streets of Red Bank. Over the years, the Sheehan Classic has become one of the most prestigious road races in the Jersey Shore.
The 5K, the main event of the weekend, will start at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to draw more than 2,500 runners. Preregistration is still available, and the 5K is filling up quickly. The race is limited to 3,000 entrants. Registration information is available online at www.sheehanclassic.org or by calling 732-571-2162.
Responding to concerns of the race community, in 2012 the race was changed to 3.1 miles rather than the 5 miles it had been. It was determined that 5 miles was a bit long for the average runner and the June heat was also a factor.
The George Sheehan Classic began in 1981 as the Asbury Park 10K Classic and quickly became one of the major road running events on the national calendar. It’s inaugural winner was marathon great Bill Rodgers.
The race moved to Red Bank in 1994 and was renamed to honor the memory of Dr. George Sheehan, the prominent author, philosopher and area physician. “The Doc” has been called the “father of the running boom” in the United States. The Sheehan family is planning a release of a new book of his life’s work next year to commemorate the 20th year of his passing.
As part of the Sheehan Classic, the June 14 evening Kids’ Classic is a series of children’s races of various distances, from toddler to age 13, that begins at 6:30 p.m. at Marine Park. Kids will be treated to face painting, characters and treats from area establishments like Smoothie King and Sugarush. Free entertainment accompanies the kids races at the Runner’s Expo Village, on the banks of the Navesink.
From 2 to 8:30 p.m. on June 14, the Runner’s Expo Village in Marine Park gives runners the opportunity to see the latest in running, health and fitness, and pick up some great bargains. Admission is free. The Expo will be open on June 15 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Sheehan Classic 5K begins on Broad Street and takes runners through the streets of Red Bank, making a left on Bergen to Silverton and then a left onto Prospect to Harding Road, and then back to Broad Street, where the race will finish at Broad and Wallace. On the morning of June 15, event finishers will enjoy a famous picnic breakfast in the park, followed by a popular post-race block party.
At 10:30 a.m., the awards ceremony and post-race party will take place at Marine Park.
More than $2,500 in prize money will be distributed in the 5K to runners from the top five overall finishers, to the top New Jersey finishers, and age category winners.
The George Sheehan Classic was named one of the Top 100 Road Races by Runner’s World magazine and the Best Memorial Race in New Jersey by The New York Times.
The race is part of the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, sponsored by McLoone’s, a series of races that offers prize money to overall and age category winners. The five events are the Spring Lake 5-Mile Run, George Sheehan Classic, Belmar 5-Mile Run, Asbury Park 5K and Pier House 5K. For the 10th anniversary of the series, those who participate in all five 2013 races will get a $50 McLoone’s restaurant gift card, plus entry into a drawing for a grand prize ($1,000 value). Visit www.jsgrandprix.com for information.
For Sheehan Classic information and registration, call the event hotline at 732-571-2162 or check online at www.sheehanclassic.org.