Saturday in the Park 5K benefits women’s and children’s services

The Jersey Shore Running Club’s 22nd annual Saturday in the Park 5K “Women Taking Steps to Help Women” will be at Holmdel Park Sept. 5.

The event features a Women’s 5K Run and Scenic 3-Mile Walk that start at 9 a.m. and Children’s Races at approximately 10 a.m.

Close to 500 women runners and walkers are expected to join together to raise funds for and promote awareness of organizations that provide essential services to women and their children in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m. Entry fees are $25 before Aug. 28, $30 after Aug. 28 and $5 for Children’s Races. Participants who raise $75 or more in pledges receive free entry.

All women in the 2015 5K will receive a high-quality, women’s style wicking v-neck shirt, goody bag and finishers gift.

“We are very excited to be celebrating our 22nd year. The main reason for celebration is knowing that this race annually supports programs dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, advocacy and education for women and their families in both Monmouth and Ocean counties.” Penny Hinck, race director of the Jersey Shore Running Club, said in a prepared statement.

Since its inception, Saturday in the Park has raised more than $212,000 and has created greater public awareness of options and services available to women.

The Saturday in the Park event was first staged at Bodman Park in Middletown and was then held at Monmouth University and Brookdale Community College before finding its home at Holmdel Park in 1999. This year, organizers are extending free entry to any previous year champion and are reaching out to past participants to see how many years they may have participated, planning to recognize those who have participated most frequently. Contact the race director at [email protected].

The Saturday in the Park Women’s 5K has enjoyed enthusiastic support from many girls high school and youth athletic teams. To show appreciation to these teams and to encourage continued support of Saturday in the Park and the race’s beneficiaries, the race offers two benefits to high school and youth athletic teams.

First, all members of these teams will get the special entry fee of $20 prior to Aug. 28.

Second, awards will be given to the top three teams based on their number of participants; awards will be a contribution to team funds of the three largest teams, based on the number of participants.

For more information on Saturday in the Park 5K, contact Penny Hinck at 732-571- 2162 or [email protected], or visit www.saturdayinthepark5k.org.