RFH Erg Challenge 2026

Volunteers are needed on race day! If you or a family member would like to volunteer please complete a registration here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NJ/FairHaven/GirlontheRun5KFairHaven

Girls on the Run of Central NJ is celebrating 24 years of inspiring girls to recognize their limitless potential and boldly pursue their dreams! Please consider making a $24 donation with your registration in celebration of our anniversary and to help us give more girls the opportunity to participate in this life changing program through our scholarship fund. Thank you

Date: June 1, 2025

Please consider running the GOTR 5K as a Girls on the Run of Central NJ SoleMate and help us continue to fund our GOTR Scholarship program. All proceeds from the SoleMates program is used to provide scholarships to girls in low income areas and give them the opportunity to participate in thsi amazing program! Please visit our SoleMates page at www.gotrcnj.org/get-involved/solemates

5K Race Course Map

Registration Fees: Non-Refundable, Non Transferable

Early Registration by 5/2 - $30

5/3-5/16 - $35

5/17-5/28 at noon - $40

Race Day - $45

Location: Fair Haven Fields Ridge Road Fair Haven

Computer Timing:

Chip timing

Tristate Timing

Water stops on course and at finish

Schedule:

8:15am - Packet Pick-up & Registrations

9:15am Registration closes (no exceptions!)

9:30am – Race Start

Amenities:

T-shirt and to all pre-registered, others while supplies last.

Post - race refreshments for runners only

Thank you to our sponsors:

HARK-ALS, Inc.

United Rent All

Waldele Family Foundation

Junior League of Monmouth County

PSE&G

Supporting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the new Vogel Medical Campus.

Honoring the Piazza Family and all of our NICU Super Heroes.

Registration includes access to the race village, fun zone, program, post-race food truck and bib ticket redeemable at Birdsmouth Beer.

Register by May 8th to receive a finisher medal and t-shirt.

Food Trucks will include a Kosher option.

DAY OF EVENT SCHEDULE at Fort Athletic Club: Sunday, June 7th

8:00 AM Packet Pick Up and Day of Registration

9:30 AM 5K Timed Race

9:45 AM 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

10:15 AM Program, Food Trucks Open

12:30 PM Event Concludes

Event is rain or shine.

Sponsorship Information below or visit our website www.rwjbh.org/bigsteps

The series, established in 1964 by Shore A.C, is a weekly 5k race and 1 mile kids run held on the perimeter of Lake Takanassee. The Kids 1 mile run (1 lap around the lake) starts at 6:30pm. The 5K (4 laps around the lake) starts at 6:45pm. Medals are awarded to the top 3 overall finishers and age group winners in the 5K, and the top 3 girls and top 3 boys in the 1 mile run. Ribbons are awarded to all kids run participants. At the end of the series, consistent top performers earn overall series awards.

5 Monday Nights

July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4

6:00 PM - Limited event day registration

​6:30 PM - 1500m Kids Fun Run, $5.00

6:35 PM - 5k Racewalk, $10 (2 Mile on 8/4) 6:45 PM - 5K Run, $10.00 (2 Mile on 8/4)

PARKING: Please enter via South Lake Road and park behind St. Michael’s Church, located at ​800 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ.

RESULTS will be posted 1-2 days after each race on the Shore A.C. website at www.shoreac.org under "Our Events"

Long Branch Ocean Mile Swim

Sunday - August 3

Long Branch Ocean Mile Registration

COST:

• $30: Before August 1

• $40: August 1

• $50 RACE DAY!!

RESULTS:

• 2025

• 2024

• 2023

• 2022

• 2021

• 2019

• 2018

• 2017

• 2016

• 2015

• 2014

WHAT:

We're looking forward to welcoming you back to the 2026 Long Branch Ocean Mile Swim. The race will again follow a rectangular course, with both the start AND finish in Pier Village...

WHERE:

Pier Village

66 Centennial Drive

Long Branch, NJ 07740

*This address will bring you within 50m of the gazebo where packet pick-up is located...but the closer you can park to the beach, the better.

Parking is FREE until 10am, so if you intend to stay past 10am, please be sure you pay the meters.

WHEN:

Sunday – August 2

• Packet Pick-up: 630-730am

• Race Start: 8am

FAQ's:

• What is the typical water temperature?

o Ocean temperatures are typically in the high 60s/low-70s.

• Are wetsuits allowed?

o Wetsuits are allowed, but those wearing wetsuits are not eligible for awards.

• How is the course set up?

o The race will follow a rectangular course, with both the start AND finish in Pier Village.

• Is there a cut-off time?

• All racers will be removed from the course 1-hour 10-minutes after the start.

• What are the awards/categories?

o Hand-painted, custom awards will be presented to the Top-5 overall (M/F) & the following age groups (M/F):

• 14&Under

• 15-19

• 20-29

• 30-39

• 40-49

• 50-59

• 60-69

• 70+

If you have any other questions, please e-mail race director, Brian Shea:

[email protected]

Who is Coach Brian?

o Brian Shea comes to the program with a wealth of experience in endurance sports as an athlete, coach and consultant. He is the Founder & Head Coach/Consultant at Jersey Shore/Asbury Masters & Long Branch Ocean Swims & for over 25 years, has competed in all levels of endurance sports from 5K to Ultra-marathon Swims/Runs to Ironman.

o He has raced/won triathlons in the United States & abroad with multiple Ironman finishes including Ironman Hawaii with Personal Bests of:

5k - 15:54

Marathon - 2:49

Ironman - 9:31

Most recently, Brian has (7) top-10 finishes at the 8+mile Annual Swim for Alligator Light (Islamorada FL) as well as podium finishes at the United States Lifesaving Association National Championships.

o On the coaching side, Brian is a certified coach having formulated training and sports nutrition programs for athletes ranging from beginner to professional.

If you have any questions, please respond to this post & we'll circle back w/ you ASAP...OR if you'd like to contact Coach Brian directly, you can do so at: [email protected]

JERSEY SHORE HALF MARATHON AND 2 MILE RUN

Sunday, October 4, 2026

** New start time: 8:00 A.M. **

Registration for this year's race will have a capacity of 800 participants.

Virtual Race Option is available.

SANDY HOOK - GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

The Jersey Shore Half Marathon, hosted by the Shore Athletic Club, has a rich history that makes it one of the oldest distance events held in New Jersey and the surrounding areas. The first Jersey Shore Marathon was held in 1972. In fact, 2026 will be the 53rd Running of the Jersey Shore Half Marathon!

This USATF-certified course (adjusted and re-certified in 2026) is a very flat and fast 2-loop course! The Jersey Shore Half Marathon will also be a USATF-NJ Grand Prix points race.

Sandy Hook is a scenic and historic 6-mile strip of land tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Sandy Hook Bay. Racing on Sandy Hook is a great place for a fast 13.1; a friendly place for first-time half-marathoners; and a great way to prepare for your fall marathon! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sandy Hook and the area when you are done! All entrants will receive a complimentary long-sleeve race shirt, discounts and giveaways from our sponsors, and a customized race completion medal. Complimentary food and drinks will be available to all runners after the race.

Plenty of free parking is available within the park in LOT D, close to the start/finish area. Spectator parking is in LOT C.

No shuttle needed. The races start and finish on the main park road located very close to the entrance of parking LOT E. All parking will be available this year in LOT D. Lot C will be available if needed for spectators and for overflow parking. Please plan to arrive early, carpool if possible, and park in Lot D.

*- Please use the boardwalk or blacktop multi-use path to make your way to/from Lot D and the start/finish area. Please do NOT walk on the roadway at all.

HALF MARATHON REGISTRATION

$80 early bird "throwback price" discount to the first 100 entrants starting from February 18-27, 2026.

$80 by February 27, 2026

$95 by June 30, 2026

$110 by October 3, 2026*

$125 on October 4 and Event Day*

(credit card or Venmo only on race day, if spaces are available)

• • This year's race is limited to 800 participants. Registration did fill up and close out last year in August!

2 MILE REGISTRATION

$25 early registration discount by March 31 for the 2 Mile Run

$30 by October 3, 2025*

$35 on Event Day*

(* - credit card or Venmo only on race day, IF any spaces are available. the 800 person cap includes the 2 Mile)

The 2 Mile Race will begin 5 minutes after the half start - flat and fast out and back course.

REGISTRATION + PERSONALIZED TRAINING PLAN

$160 by February 27, 2026

$175 by June 30, 2026

$190 by October 4, 2026

VIRTUAL RACE OPTION

$40 per person.

Send us a screenshot of your results by 10/4, and we will include you in the results.

A race shirt and other giveaways will be mailed to you after the race.

PRE-RACE BIB/SHIRT PICK-UP

The Outpost Running and Walking Co.

Saturday, October 3, 2026

11:15 AM to 2:00 PM

THE OUTPOST RUNNING & WALKING CO.

32 Church Street in Little Silver

Participants are strongly encouraged to pick up bibs and shirts on Saturday if at all possible to save time on race day. During Saturday packet pick-up, random giveaways will be held throughout the day. Join us at THE OUTPOST to get race-ready with discounts and free items. The first 80 USATFNJ club members to register (using the code USATFNJCLUB at check-out) get an $8 discount. Stay tuned for a possible shake-out run that day as well.

EVENT DAY SCHEDULE

October 4, 2026

6:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Sandy Hook, Lifesaving Station Between Lots D and E

(New spot in 2024 and back again for 2026!)

6:30 AM to 7:30 AM - Pre-registration bib & shirt pick up at the Lifesaving Station

8:00 AM - Half Marathon Start

8:05 AM - 2 Mile Start

9:30 AM to 11:45 AM - Enjoy complimentary refreshments at the Lifesaving Station!

10:45 AM - Awards Ceremony & Giveaways at the Lifesaving Station

11:00 AM - The course will be closed (3-hour time limit for all participants)

AWARDS

CASH PRIZES (minimum of $225, $175, and $150) to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female Finishers.

Custom Age Group Awards to the Top 3 finishers in each 5-year age group.

All runners (13.1 and 2 Mile events) will get a special long-sleeve event tee and other giveaways from our sponsors.

All 13.1 finishers will receive a custom Jersey Shore Half Marathon 2026 finisher medal.

COOL NEW HIGHLIGHTS IN 2026

• We will have pacers running at 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, and 2:30 paces. Look for signs and join their group at the start!

-Long-sleeve Jersey Shore Half Marathon & 2 Mile race tees to all registrants.

• Special discounts with local merchants on race weekend. Post-Race Party at Off The Hook in Highlands, right over the bridge in Highlands, starting at noon.

-Running photos are available for purchase.

• LODGING PARTNER: Our preferred hotel partner is the Sonesta Select of Eatontown, located on Hope Road near Parkway Exit 105. Ask for the Shore Athletic Club rate when making your reservation. Call 1-800-766-3782. Limited space available.

HOTEL PARTNER

Sonesta Select in Tinton Falls

The rate is the Shore Athletic Club rate. When guests call the front desk, please mention that.

The Shore A.C. Rate Code can also be used to book online. Or, you can just go to the Sonesta website, enter the dates of stay, and enter the rate code into the Corporate/Promo drop-down section.

This booking link takes you directly to where manually entering the code goes as well.

CHARITY PARTNER

This year, we are proud to partner again with the Sandy Hook Foundation, the official nonprofit friends' group, to the National Park Service at Sandy Hook, NJ, a Gateway National Recreation Area unit. Established in 1989, the Foundation has funded cultural, educational, environmental, and conservation programs. It has helped restore and preserve historic structures of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Fort Hancock — both National Historic Landmarks. During registration, participants can make a tax-deductible donation to The Sandy Hook Foundation through, to support the Foundation's work within the park. Last year, we raised close to $3,000 thanks to the contributions of race participants and friends. Let's beat that this year!

The Sandy Hook Foundation staff will also be at the Lifesaving Station and their gift shop will be open on race day.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND LODGING

-Participants can enjoy discounts throughout the weekend, compliments of local merchants (www.highlandsnj.com).

-Post-Race Party at Off The Hook, Highlands - One free domestic draft beer or soda with your race bib and other specials.

Look for more information coming soon!

RACE PHOTOS

Jack McCoy Photography - Stay tuned for event day photos!

• RACE DAY REGISTRATION MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR.*

In 2025, the race was full and closed on August 26. This race will close this year as soon as we reach our capacity of 800 pre-registered runners.

Race Day Bib and Short Pick-Up - Sunday, October 4, 2026

7:00 - 7:30 AM - Lifesaving Station (follow the boardwalk from Lot D)

*- Race day registration may not be available. Race day bib pick-up is at the Lifesaving Station between Lots D and E. Park in Lot D and follow the Boardwalk to the Lifesaving Station. Please be aware that last year, our pre-entry cap was reached on August 26, and the race was FULL. Any race day gear purchases must be made by Venmo or credit card only (no cash or checks).

Race day bib pick-up closes at 7:30 AM. Please pick up on Saturday at The Outpost or arrive early on Sunday.

SAFETY NOTES

1. NO HEADPHONES ON THE COURSE, PLEASE!! The course is 2 loops with runners going in both directions, and we need to keep it safe for all!

2. Please, for the safety of all, we can not allow any strollers or pets at the race.

3. We do have a strict 3-hour time limit on the Half Marathon course. No finishers will be allowed after this time. Thank you.

Course Records:

2022 Champions - Evan Bush (1:10:28) and Jessica Francis (1:27:35).

2023 Champions: Jack Shea (1:09:45) of the Shore A.C. and Mackenzie Greenfield (1:22:06).

2024 Champions: Michael Bond (1:12:40) of the Shore A.C. and Rachel Rodriguez (1:17:48).

2025 Champions: Troy Hill (1:11:20) of the Shore A.C. and Abigail Silva (1:29:20).

FOLLOW US

@theshoreac on Instagram and X,

and at The Shore Athletic Club on Facebook and LinkedIn

For updates and photos at www.shoreac.org