The Jersey Shore is For Runners

Photo Courtesy of jersey Shore Runners Club

If you like to run, the Jersey Shore is the perfect place for runners. Make sure those sneakers are packed in your bag when you set out to visit us.  I finally got off my lazy butt and went for a 3.5 mile run today.  It felt great, helped me clear my head and think about writing this post (I even got some beeps beeps from passers-by on my Mets shirt).

The spring, summer and fall are filled with all different kinds of running events.  From the popular 5k up to the New Jersey Marathon which takes place in Long Branch each April.  Here’s a quick overview of running events in the area for the rest of May through August.  The best places to stay up to date on information are the Jersey Shore Runners Club website and Monmouth County Events Calendar . Jeanne DeYoung and her staff with Monmouth County Tourism do a great job with keeping the calendar up to date.

Avon Day 5k is on June 5th in Avon, NJ. The race starts at 8:30am and features computer scoring and timing, a flat course with partial shade on the streets.The Pre-Father’s Day 5k sponsored by the Jersey Shore Runners Club takes place on June 12 in Ocean Township. Registration on day of race starts at 8:00am and the race begins at 9am.

George Sheehan Classic will be run on June 19th in Red Bank. The weekend events features a variety of events.  It is a 5 mile course run through downtown Red bank. Wheel chair race starts at 8:25am and Mens and Womens 5 mile race starts at 8:30am.  There is a post race picnic meal.  Ryan’s Run will be on June 26th and is a 5k race in Middletown. Starting point is at Mountain Hill School at 9:00am.

Belmar 5 mile race will be on July 10th, 2010 and the run starts at 8:30am and courses through downtown Belmar. A great way to see a great town.  The Metroman Triathlon will be in Asbury park on July 18th and we will have more details forthcoming.

The Asbury Park 5k is on August 14th and benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County. Finishes at Boardwalk south of Convention Hall. The Bradley Beach 5K run is August 21st and the race starts at Ocean and 5th Ave in Bradley Beach. CPC/Pier House 5K in is Long Branch on September 6th.

The Monmouth Mile, a one mile race to benefit Rerun is a one mile fun run on the Monmouth Park Racetrack. Join Monmouth Park for a day of charity. Run (or walk) a mile on the racetrack for ReRun – a charity that homes and helps retired Thoroughbreds. Stay for the races and enjoy special demonstrations by retired racers and meet Thoroughbreds up for adoption. Also don’t miss autograph signings by your favorite jockeys and a special memorabilia sale.  Race starts at 11:30 am. Race registration is limited, so be sure to sign up soon! Kortney’s Challenge on August 29th is a 2 mile run and walk at Monmouth Park racetrack starting at 11:30am.

If there is not a specific  race during the time of your visit, there are lots of great places to go for a run. You’ll have to take a short drive but the views are well work it. First and foremost I highly recommend the multi-use trail out at Sandy Hook.  It is pretty flat and the scenery varies as you pace through a holly forest and the bay and ocean side beaches. It is marked every .2 miles for 5 miles out and back. I really enjoy having the trail marked out for me. I have taken the trail all the way out past the markers and it travels through the old bunkers and out to the last parking area on the hook.

Other great trails include the Henry Hudson Trail which is great for biking as well. There are boardwalks in Long Branch, Asbury Park and Point Pleasant that are fun for running. There are sidewalks through Sea Bright and into Monmouth Beach that work well for running also but have cars and traffic.

If you’re coming out for vacation or any other reason, don’t worry about it interfering with your exercise routine.  There are plenty of opportunities and locations to take advantage of. make your reservations with us and we’d be glad to provide you with directions and any advice we might have. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below. To make reservations, visit our Comfort Inn Middletown website.