Sheehan Classic Set for this Weekend

More than 3,000 runners are expected to participate in this weekend’s George Sheehan Classic 5 Mile Run in Red Bank. The annual event, one of New Jersey’s most popular shore road races, has been a fixture in the borough since 1994 and includes a number of pre and post-race activities on Friday and Saturday.

The race, named for Dr. George Sheehan, a prominent author, philosopher and area physician, was moved to June from its traditional mid-August date to help avoid the heat and humidity that plague New Jersey during the late summer.

“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,” Race Director Philip Hinck said. “Hosting the event on a June weekend provides a chance for the entire family to enjoy the early summer weather.”

In addition to the 5-mile race, the weekend also includes a health walk and a children’s walk, among other activities.

More than $2,500 in prize money will be distributed to the top five overall finishers, top New Jersey finishers, and age-category winners. The list of previous winners includes several notable road racers, including Americans Bill Rodgers and Keith Brantley, Norway’s Grete Waitz, Australian Lisa Ondeiki, Zimbabwe’s Phillimon Hanneck, Kenya’s  Veronica Kanga and Russian Olga Markova.

The George Sheehan Classic was started in 1981 a the Asbury Park 10K classic and has since been recognized as one of the Top 100 Road Races by Runner’s World, and the Best Memorial Race in New Jersey by the New York Times.

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 accompanies the kids' races on the banks of the Navesink.

The complete schedule is as followed:

Friday, June 17          2–9 p.m.         Runner’s Expo Village                       Marine Park

An opportunity see the latest in running, health and fitness, and pick up some great bargains.  Free admission.

Friday, June 17          6:30 p.m.         Sheehan Kids' Classic              Marine Park

A series of races for kids ages 1-13.  Medals to all finishers.  Registration - $15.

Saturday, June 18      7 a.m. – 2 p.m.            Runner’s Expo Village           Marine Park

More great items showcased and on sale for runners and athletes of all abilities.

Saturday, June 18    8:30 a.m. start            Sheehan Classic         Broad Street

A five-mile road race that attracts the sports' top competitors.  Registration information is available online at www.sheehanclassic.org or call 732.571-2162.

Saturday, June 18      8:32 a.m. start            2-Mile Health Walk        Broad Street

The GSC presents the annual family two-mile health walk, which follows part of the five-mile course, and finishes with the runners on Broad Street.     

Saturday, June 18      10:30           Awards Ceremony & Post Race Party      Marine Park

Runners, friends and members of the community are invited to enjoy music following the awards ceremony. Free admission.