Pier House 5K Race To Celebrate Long Branch on Labor Day

The revitalized Long Branch beachfront will be the site of the 9th Annual Pier House 5K road race on Labor Day.

The race will start on Monday, Sept. 3 at 8:30 a.m. The goal of the race is to bring runners to Long Branch to witness the growth in that area.

"The Pier House believes deeply in strong community relationships and this is just one indication of that", said race co-founder Tim McLoone, whose restaurant, McLoone's Pier House, was one of the first businesses opened in Pier Village.

In the past 8 years, race proceeds of over $15,000 have been donated to several area charities, including Habitat for Humanity, CPC Behavioral Healthcare, Long Branch Recreation and the Long Branch Fire Company. Participating volunteer groups from Monmouth University, local running clubs and area high school cross country teams have also been presented with donations.

The Jersey Shore Running Club is the largest running club in the state with over 1,500 members. Dedicated to both running and to the community, JSRC events support local community and charitable organizations.

As the concluding race of the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, sponsored by McLoone's, prize money will be awarded to the top open and age group finishers. A commemorative gift will be presented to every runner who finished all five grand prix races - the Spring Lake 5, the Sheehan Classic, the Belmar 5, the Asbury Park 5K and the Pier House 5K.

Current point leaders are last year's Grand Prix champion Rob Cavanaugh of West Long Branch and Tim Mulligan of Whiting for the men and 2010 Grand Prix champion Dactilia Booth of Long Branch for the women.

This year the race will again feature the addition of children’s races following the main event on Monday on the Great Lawn of Long Branch, with various distances for children ages 1 through 12. All participating children will receive a commemorative medal.

"The day will be a festive one with music, prizes, and refreshments for all the participants," McLoone said. "We hope lots of runners will conclude their summer seasons in Long Branch.”