Sheehan Classic race weekend

2007 start of the Sheehan Classic RED BANK - The George Sheehan Classic 5-Mile Run is set for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14. More than 3,000 runners from around the world are expected to participate in what has become one of the Jersey Shore's most popular road races.

In addition, thousandsmore participate in the pre- and post-race events held on June 13 and 14.

The annual event, held in Red Bank since 1994, honors Dr. George Sheehan, the prominent author, philosopher and area physician.

"The Doc," is known as the "father of the running boom" in the United States.

In addition to the race, the Sheehan Classic includes five-year age group awards, prize money, family and specialty teams, a free concert, a Runners Expo Village, a 2M Fitness Walk and kids' races.

Race organizers moved the race in recent years from its traditional date in mid- August, and the response fromrunners was overwhelmingly in favor of the move.

"The George Sheehan Classic is an extremely popular race for both elite and local runners, but New Jersey's hot, humid August weather had been a problem," said race director Philip Hinck. "Hosting the event on Father's Day weekend provides a chance for the entire family to enjoy the early summer weather."

The race began in 1981 as the Asbury Park 10K Classic and quickly became one of themajor road-running events on the national calendar. The race moved to Red Bank in 1994 and was renamed to honor the memory of Sheehan, who was an area physician.

Schedule of events: Friday, June 13, 2-9 p.m., and Saturday, June 14, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. - Runner's Expo Village at Marine Park. An opportunity to see the latest in running, health and fitness and pick up some great bargains. Free admission.

Friday, 6:30 p.m., June 13- Kid's Classic atMarine Park.Aseries of races for ages 1-13.Medals to all finishers. Registration is $15. Friday, June 13, at 7 p.m.- Concert by pop rock band Goldenseal at Marine Park. Free admission.

Saturday, June 14, at 8:30 a.m.- Start of Sheehan Classic on Broad Street. Registration forms available online at www.sheehanclassic. org or call 732-988-7725.

Saturday, June 14, at 8:32 a.m.- Start GSC Health Walk on Broad Street. A family two-mile health walk follows part of the five-mile course and finishes with the runners on Broad Street.

More than $4,000 in prizemoney will be distributed to the top five overall finishers, top New Jersey finishers and age-category winners. The list of previous winners reads like a Who's Who of road racing:

The George Sheehan Classic was named one of the Top 100 Road Races by Runner's World magazine, and the Best Memorial Race in New Jersey by The New York Times.

The race is part of the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, a series of races that offers prizemoney to overall winners and age group category winners. The five 2008 events are: Spring Lake 5, George Sheehan Classic, Belmar 5,Asbury Park 5K and Pier Village 5K. Visit www.jsgrandprix.com.

Race sponsors include Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, McLoone's Running Store, Merrill Lynch Red Bank, and Whole Foods Market, Middletown.

Standard five-year age groups will be honored beginning with under 10 years of age up through and including 80+.

There will be team competition in the 5-mile for Men's and Women's Open and Men's & Women's Masters Teams and there will be a Corporate Team competition.

The Family Awards category has been expanded this year to include Sibling-Sibling and Domestic Partner categories. The new categories have been added at popular request to previous years' Mother- Daughter, Mother-Son, Father-Daughter, Father-Son, and Husband-Wife award categories.

For Sheehan Classic information and registration, call 732-571-2162 or check the Web site www.sheehanclassic.org.