Community Corner

Michael Thorne Race Slated For This Sunday

Race will benefit Michael Thorne scholarship

The memory of Michael W. Thorne will be preserved this weekend during a race in West Long Branch.

The Ninth Annual Michael W. Thorne Scholarship Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, May 15 at 9 a.m. at Franklin Lake in West Long Branch.

Thorne was a volunteer fireman in West Long Branch and who died while fighting a fire at what was then Monmouth College in 1984.

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Proceeds from the race go the Michael W. Thorne Scholarship fund. These scholarships are given out to deserving high school seniors who are going to college and have demonstrated an ongoing spirit of volunteerism in the community, according to race coordinator Mindy Brady.

This year, the run is also donating $1 per registered entrant to the Jason Fazio Fund. Fazio is an Asbury Park firefighter who was injured while battling a blaze in January. 

Pre-registration for the race will take place at West Long Branch Firehouse No. 2 on Oceanport Avenue from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Pre-registered runners can pick up their T-shirts, bibs and goodie bags during those hours. Registration opens at Franklin Lake on Sunday at 7 a.m.   Registration for the race is $20, and T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 registrants.

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There will also be kids races that will take place on Sunday at 9:45 a.m.

"The race always gives out great awards and there is an opportunity to win lots of random prizes for registered participants," Brady said. 

Brady said this year's race is also dedicated to the memory of a volunteer who recently lost his battle with cancer, Michael Schaffner.

"Michael Schaffner was a volunteer from the very first race and was always so proud to be a part of this event," Brady said. "We miss Michael's big smile and his willingness to do whatever needed to be done."

For more information about the race click here.


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