Sheehan Classic race weekend coming up

The 2008 George Sheehan Classic gets underway. RED BANK - The George Sheehan Classic 5-Mile Run is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13. 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, thousands more participate in the pre- and post-race events held on June 12 and 13.

Race organizers moved the race in recent years from a traditional date in mid-August and the response from the runners was overwhelming 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 in a press release. "Hosting the event on a June weekend provides a chance for the entire family to enjoy the early summer weather."

The George Sheehan Classic began in 1981 as the Asbury Park 10K Classic and quickly became one of the major road running

events on the national calendar. The race moved to Red Bank in 1994 and was renamed to honor the memory of Dr. George Sheehan, the prominent author, philosopher and area physician.

"The Doc" has been called the "father of the running boom" in the United States, according to the press release.

As part of the George Sheehan Classic, the Friday evening Sheehan Kids' Classic is a series of children's races of various distances, from toddler to age 13. Kids will be treated to face painting, characters and ice treats.

Free music entertainment for all will follow the kids' races on the banks of the Navesink.

On Friday, June 12, from 2 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m,, The Runner's Expo Village will be held at Marine Park and will give attendees an opportunity to see the latest in running, health and fitness.

At 6:30 p.m. a series of races for kids 1-13 will take place. Medals will be awarded to all finishers. Registration is $15.

At 7 p.m. runners, friends and members of the community are invited to enjoy free music in the park.

At 8:30 a.m. a five-mile road race that attracts the sports top competitors will start on Broad Street. Registration forms are available online at www.sheehanclassic.org or by calling 732-571-2162.

At 8:32 a.m. the GSC partners with the Community YMCA for a family two-mile health walk, which follows part of the 5-mile course and finishes with the runners on Broad Street.

More than $2,500 in prize money will be distributed in the 5-mile run to the top five overall finishers, top New Jersey finishers and age-category winners.

The race is part of the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, a series of races that offers prize money to overall winners and age group category winners The five 2009 events are: Spring Lake 5, George Sheehan Classic, Belmar 5, Asbury Park 5K & CPC / Pier House 5K. www.jsgrandprix.com

For Sheehan Classic information and registration, call 732.571-2162 or check the website www.sheehanclassic.org.