For anyone who thinks they eat too much turkey, dressing or dessert on Thanksgiving, there is help. The Freehold Area Running Club presents the 23rd running of the Born to Run Five-Mile Run through the streets of Freehold Borough the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 23) starting at 11 a.m. It’s the perfect chance for runners or race-walkers, to work off those excess calories.
Since its inception, the Born to Run race has been one of the most popular on the road-racing calendar and a lot of it is because of its timing.
Thanksgiving brings families together and it has become popular for parents to run the race with their children. For college runners just coming off their cross country seasons, it is the opportunity for one last outdoor race before turning their attention to the upcoming indoor track season. High school runners could use it for the same reason as indoor track in on the horizon.
The Born to Run race begins and ends on Court Street in the borough. The race will take competitors through the streets of the borough and a 1.6-mile loop through Lake Topanemus’ trails.
Last year’s race, which drew a field of 591 participants, was won by Tim Mulligan in 25:20, one of the fastest times ever run at the race. The women’s champion was Michelle Lilenthal, whose quick 27:59 placed her sixth overall.
There have always been special attractions for this race, which is another reason for its popularity. It has something for everyone from the elite to the recreational jogger – the sweatshirts that are offered in small and extra-extra-large as well as regular sizes, and the Clydesdale competition for heavier runners. The Court Jester provides refreshments and the proceeds from the race benefit Open Door Food Kitchen and Lake Topanemus.
For more information on the race, visit farcnj.com or call the running club’s hot line at (732) 431-2627. Runners can register via www.active.com. Day of the race registration will start at 9 a.m. at the Freehold Fire House, 49 W. Main St.
Awards will go the top-three overall male and female finishers as well as the top three in age groups from 14&Under to 70&Up. Trophies will go to the topthree finishers in the race-walking and Clydesdale competitions also.