The Jersey Shore Running Club will host its 41st Hashathon event on Nov. 14. The 6-mile race through Cheesequake State Park in Old Bridge will benefit Mary’s Place by the Sea, a retreat in Ocean Grove that serves women who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Race Director Joe Iovelli said the Nov. 14 event “is benefiting a charity, this is what is important. … I am most excited about helping the charity because Mary’s Place does not get as much credit as it deserves.
“Mary’s Place provides a haven for women who have been diagnosed with cancer so they may spend time in a support group and get wellness care. … Cancer is such a debilitating disease and we do anything we can to help folks who are suffering. Mary’s Place is at the forefront of that,” he said.
Michele Gannon, the executive director and co-founder of Mary’s Place by the Sea, established the retreat in June 2009 after battling a short illness.
While she was home, Gannon wondered how women who had been diagnosed with a long-term illness could find clarity and comfort while facing the harsh realities of cancer.
Gannon concluded an illness should not prevent someone from finding peace and she subsequently created an organization that offers hospitality services to women who are battling cancer.
“Mary’s Place by the Sea is a respite home for women who have been diagnosed with cancer. (It) provides services, both in-person and virtually, that complement their medical treatment.
“Services include oncology massage, nutrition education, individual counseling, Reiki, guided meditation, expressive writing, yoga and more.
“We offer integrative services to women with any type of cancer and at any stage. We provide rest and support during this challenging time in their lives,” Gannon said.
Gannon credits fundraising events and community donations for making the program a possibility.
“When Mary’s Place by the Sea opened in 2009, the team made a commitment to work diligently in fundraising to be able to provide everything at no cost to the guests. Mary’s Place is able to accomplish that because of the fundraising efforts of the organization as well as in the community,” Gannon said.
For more information, visit www.marysplacebythesea.org
Mary’s Place by the Sea has collaborated with the Jersey Shore Running Club since 2014.
“The Jersey Shore Running Club has been supporting Mary’s Place by the Sea since 2014. There have been several races along the Jersey Shore and members of the club have hosted fundraisers that have helped build a relationship over the years. Mary’s Place is truly grateful for all the club has done to help sustain its mission,” Gannon said.
Iovelli said about 300 people have registered for the Hashathon. The final number could approach 400 participants. Registration prior to Nov. 13 is $35. Late registration will be $40.
On Nov. 14, T-shirt pickup will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the race will begin at 11 a.m. Awards, raffles and prizes will be presented at the conclusion of the event. A post-race party with free food and beverages will be held for participants.
For more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Matawan/Hashathon