The 39th running of the Belmar Five Johnny Cobb Memorial Run will take place July 11. About 3,000 runners are expected to participate, according to Race Director Fred Hinck.
The race is once again presented by the Goodwill Hose Fire Company, which uses proceeds to defray its operating costs. The event is named in honor of long-time resident Johnny Cobb, who helped found the race. A 25-year veteran of the Belmar Police Department, Cobb was also a member of the Belmar Fire Department.
The 5-miler is the third leg of the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, which also includes the Spring Lake Five, the George Sheehan Classic, the Asbury Park 5K (Aug. 8) and the Pier House 5K (Sept. 7) in Long Branch.
Mark Leininger of Colts Neck and Brian Quilty of Brick are both expected to compete in the men’s race. Leininger won the Sheehan Classic, while Quilty took second. At Spring Lake, they ran second and third, respectively.
In the women’s race, runners to watch are Sarah Cummings of New York City, who won the Spring Lake race, and Marissa Cummings of Spring Lake, who crossed the line first in the Sheehan Classic.
Registrations are still being accepted, and runners will also be able sign up through race day. In-person registration is from 6-8 p.m. July 9 at the Goodwill Hose Co., 610 7th Ave., 5-8 p.m. July 10 at Silver Lake Park and starting at 7 a.m. on race day at Silver Lake Park.
The starting line is on Ocean Avenue between 2nd and 3rd avenues. Race time is 8:30 a.m.
Festivities also include kids races July 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks display. All pre-registrants receive t-shirts and mugs, and the first 2,000 pre-registered runners also receive tote bags. Race-day registrants will receive tshirts as supplies last.
Awards will be given to the top five male and female finishers, the first male and female Belmar residents to complete the race, the first wheelchair participants who finish and the top three males and females in each age group.
To register, visit www.belmar5.com. Registration is $12 for the Kids Race ($15 July 10) and $30 for the 5-miler ($35 July 11).