7 events in Ocean County, New Jersey

THE SPRINT IS SPONSORED BY

The Borough of Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island PBA 175, The Van Dyk Group, and many others; please check out our Sponsor Page

ABOUT THE RACE

By Jim & Denise Harrington, Race Directors

The Ship Bottom Sprint for Life was established by Maria Pennisi in 2001 in honor of her father, Vito “Vic” Pennisi, who passed away from Leukemia in 2009. Twenty-three years and over $150,000 donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society later, Maria wanted to shift the focus of the Sprint. In an effort to help a local cancer foundation near and dear to the community, she turned to David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation to become the new beneficiary of the Sprint. Together, Maria and David came to us – Jim and Denise Harrington – to ask if we would be willing to become the Race Directors.

In late spring 2019, our son, Patrick, was diagnosed with a rare form of Lymphoma. He was fortunate to have incredible support from several local organizations, one of which was David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation. David’s provided financial support when Patrick was unable to work, but the emotional support given through visits, calls, texts, cards, and letters was just as important. When we were asked to take over The Sprint, we knew we could not say no and it would be a way for us to honor Patrick, who passed away on December 22, 2020. Since its inception, the Sprint has had thousands of loyal and faithful participants. It was a race that Pat had run with his fellow Ship Bottom Lifeguards and friends from the LBI surfing community. Since his passing, those friends have continued to support the Sprint in his honor and we are proud that Patrick’s name will be included next to “Vic” Pennisi’s as an honoree of the Sprint.

To continue the legacy of the Sprint, there will be a donation made to the LLS in memory of Vic and Patrick with a portion of the funds raised. The remaining funds will be dedicated to the David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation to continue their tireless work in assisting local families who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Please join us for a memorable day. Whether you run or walk, no matter how you finish, know that each step will help patients and families who are in their own battle.

ITINERARY

10:00 am – Registration / Packet Pick-up begins at the 10th Street boat ramp

12:00 pm – Start time Kidz Mini Sprint

12:30 pm – Start time 5k Run

12:31 pm – Start time Fitness Walk

REGISTRATION

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM (link coming shortly) mail check payable to Ship Bottom Sprint, 365 W. 12th Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008.

ENTRY FEES

5K or Fitness Walk - $30 by April 5, 2026; $35 after 4/5 and on Race Day

Walkers and Runners under 12 - $24

Kidz Mini Sprint - $15 (includes short sleeve t-shirt and medal)

5K AWARDS

1, 2, 3 overall M and F; medals for top three in 10 year age increments

AMENITIES

Long-sleeved t-shirt guaranteed to all pre-registrants (before 4/5/26). Post event activities details to be announced

DIRECTIONS

Garden State Parkway to Exit 63, Rt 72 East onto Long Beach Island. Right at first light (Barnegat Ave). Then first right onto 10th Street, follow to the bay. Signs will be posted. Parking at Ship Bottom Boat Ramp 10th Street on the bay; race to begin on 11th Street.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Results will be available on website

• Race scored by DQ Events

• Event promoters have the right to alter or cancel events for any reason

CHECK OUT THE LOCAL WEATHER AT www.lbiweather.com

The inaugural Simon’s Heart of a Champion 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8AM. All proceeds from the event will equally benefit the Simon J. Mariani Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) and the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department & EMS Co #1 (Fire Department), both IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) not for-profit organizations.

The Foundation awards educational scholarships and hardship financial relief distributions to needy individuals. The Fire Department provides fire, water rescue, and EMS services year-round to residents of Surf City and the surrounding communities. During 2025 they responded to approximately 1,000 total fire, water rescue and EMS occurrences.

A great flat course through the shore town streets of Surf City, NJ; a certified distance of 5K and route that starts and ends at the Surf City Fire House. All runners and walkers are welcome!

Race shirts will be provided to all participants that register by 4/1/2026. All participants will receive a finisher medal!

Awards will be given to the top 3 overall Male and Female finishers as well as the top 1 Male and Female finishers in 10 year age groups.

Packet Pick-Up available at the Surf City Fire House, 713 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ

• Friday, 4/24/2026, 3-7pm

• Saturday (Race Day), 4/25/2026, starting at 6am

A virtual race option is also available.

The 2026 River to Bay 5K is scheduled as an In-Person Race on May 2, 2026, rain or shine.

Please join us on Saturday May 2nd, 2026 for the 34th Annual River to Bay 5K Classic, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River on its beautiful Island Heights course. This race is a USATF certified course. All participants must agree to the terms of the USATF Waiver as a condition of registration.

All proceeds benefit local youth and charitable organizations. Visit our website at http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/ and click the History tab to see some of the organizations we support.

Limited to the first 750 participants, please sign up early before the race fills up! Any "early bird" registrants by end of day April 7, 2026 save $10 on registration. Early bird registrants are guaranteed a race shirt of the correct size, we cannot guarantee availability for those registering after early bird.

Race registrations are non-refundable.

Persons, companies, or groups interested in sponsoring the 2026 race may contact [email protected]. Sponsorships range from $75 to $2,500

Special thanks to our platinum sponsor for 2025, Vision Financial Services, and our major sponsor for the 2025 race, Gateway Toyota

Mark your calendar for June 28, 2026 and come run with us!!! The beachside town of Pine Beach offers a fast and mostly flat road course.

Registration is available online until race morning. ( Race morning is through credit card on Run Sign UP only! NO CASH)

Beginning at 6:45 am at Vista Park you can check in. It is easiest if you show your RunSignUp registration on your phone.

1 Mile participants will receive their finish time through Run Sign Up. There are finisher awards and overall male/female, but not for age group.

There will be a LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT to sign up before Feb 14th!

If you are paid member of Ocean Running Club prior to registering, you will receive $5.00 off of your selected race. ( You can follow the link to register for ORC and sign up on Run Sign Up too.)

5k Run/Walk/Ruck includes a t-shirt that will be available to you at packet pickup! If registering after June 11th, race shirts are not guaranteed. A limited quantity of shirts will be available race day. NO SIZE EXCHANGES.

Ocean Running Club Race Bundle - Sign up for the Pine Beach 5K and the Seaside Half Marathon/5K (Sunday, October 4th) as a bundle and save 15%!

5k Run - Awards will be given to Top 3 Male/Female overall and top 3 Male/Female in 5 year age groups. Results will be posted as they become available and will send to your email through Run Sign Up. Awards will be available for pick up as results are posted. You do not need to wait until the end of the race ; )

We will again have a RUCK division. To compete there is a 10lb weight for less than 150lb participant and 20lb weight for above 150lb with awards for the first male and first female finishers and GO RUCK patches for all finishers. If you choose to wear a lesser weight you can still participate, you will not have the option to receive first M/F.

There will be 2 official water stops and water at the finish line.

Bathroom facilities (port-o-johns) will be available in the park, but NOT along the course.

Bibs and shirts can be picked up the morning of the race at the event, beginning at 6:45 am. If there are any changes, registrants will be emailed listing those changes.

Refer 5 friends and get a $10 refund!! When you register, your confirmation email will have a custom link for you to share with your friends. When 5 friends use your link and sign up for the race you automatically get a $10 refund. Share the fun and save some cash!

All of us at Ocean Running Club look forward to seeing you there!