From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find sprint events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
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
RACE REGISTRATION OPEN! REGISTER EARLY, THIS RACE SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR!
Team Zebra Multisport is proud to present Lava Rocks! We are committed to making this your best race experience of the summer! This is an awesome race for first timers, as well as a great race for the most competitive veteran! We are offering three different races to appeal to everyone’s favorite multisport event! Come race one! Lavallette is located smack dab in the center of central Jersey on the beautiful the Jersey Shore and has become a standout event! Our race site venue is set along the beautiful shores of the Lavallette Bayfront. You don't want to miss this event! Register today and save!
USAT rules state that competitors are REQUIRED to wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 60.8 degrees and lower.
USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is between 60.9 and 78.0 degrees.
USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will NOT be eligible for awards.
If the water temperature is 84.0 degrees or above, competitors may NOT wear wetsuits.
WHERE AND WHEN
The race is scheduled for May 30, 2026 - 7:30 a.m. sharp.
All events start and finish at Washington Avenue Bayfront Park, Lavallette, NJ.
USE 1207 BAY BOULEVARD LAVALLETTE NJ, 08735 as and GPS address.
DO NOT PARK ON BAY BOULEVARD! YOU WILL BE TICKETED & TOWED! KINDLY PARK ON THE SIDE STREETS ADJACENT TO THE RACE SITE.
AMENITIES
NO TSHIRTS AFTER 5/14/2026! AGAIN, NO TSHIRTS AFTER 5/14/2026!
ENTRY INFORMATION
Triathlon: Registration OPENS 1/7/2026!
Aquabike: Registration OPENS 1/7/2026!
Triathlon Relay: Registration OPENS 1/7/2026!
ITINERARY
Friday 5/29/2026
5:00 - 7:00 pm - Optional Packet Pickup at Washington Avenue Bayfront Park, Lavallette, NJ 08735 (Washington Ave & Bay Blvd)
5:30 pm - Course Q & A with your Race Director John Stock.
Saturday 5/30/2026
6:00 - 7:00 am - Check-in, Packet Pickup
7:00 am - Course Q & A
7:15 am - Pre-race briefing at Transition Area, after the briefing we will require ALL SWIMMERS to cross over the swim timing mat before we can start the race, Transition Area Closes
7:30 am - Races start (waves based on # of entrants)
10:00 am - Courses close, race ends, Post-race food and refreshments
10:15 am - Awards begin
COURSE OVERVIEW
Swim (1/4 mile)
This is a great swim course for beginners as well as elite racers! Semi-protected one loop bay swim. Water depth allows for an awesome swim experience! The course will be laid out race day to take advantage of any wind push, making for fast swim times. Expected water temps low 70’s. Doesn’t get much better!
USAT rules state that competitors are REQUIRED to wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 60.8 degrees and lower.
USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is between 60.9 and 78.0 degrees.
USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will NOT be eligible for awards.
If the water temperature is 84.0 degrees or above, competitors may NOT wear wetsuits.
Bike (12.50 miles)
Be ready for one of the fastest bike courses out there! This course is FLAT, as FLAT gets! Contested on a smooth road surface, Bay Boulevard is one of the best flat out looped courses out around! The 12.50 mile course is made up of three loops. Each loop has only two turns! No getting lost or going off course here, it’s that easy! Be ready to PR this 12.50 miles. THE BIKE COURSE IS OPEN TO TRAFFIC! BE CAREFULL!
Run (3.2 Miles)
If you thought the swim and the bike courses were awesome, get ready for and even better run course! With an elevation that matches the bike course, this course is flat as well. The single loop run course winds its way along scenic Barnegat Bay and Bay Boulevard. You will pass by your friends and family cheering you on twice, before seeing them once again at the Team Zebra Multisport LAVA ROCKS finish line! You’re done, what an experience! THE RUN COURSE IS OPEN TO TRAFFIC BE CAREFULL!
Triathlon Distances
1/4 mile Swim , 12.50 mile Bike, & 5k Run
AquaBike Distances
1/4 mile Swim & 12.50 mile Bike
AWARDS
Triathlon Awards
Overall: Top 3 Male & Female
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Age Groups*: Top 3 Male & Female
13-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over.
Clydesdale* & Athena*: Top 3 Male(220+ lbs) & Female(165+ lbs)
Relay Teams: Top 3 Overall
Resident: Top 3 Overall Male & Female LAVA ROCKS (Lavalette) residents
AquaBike Awards
Overall: Top 5 Male & Female Combined.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NO DRAFTING!!!
Refreshments will be provided at the end of the race
Split results will be available on website
No confirmation will be sent, verify entry here
Race scored by DQ Events
ALL RACES WILL BE HELD RAIN OR SHINE
Event promoters have the right to alter or cancel events for any reason
Call 732-644-6504 or email Team Zebra Multisport at [email protected] for additional information
USAT INFORMATION
All multisport participants must have an active USAT Membership that has not expired before the conclusion of each registered event and must follow all USAT rules and guidelines. If you are not already a member, when registering for each individual event you will be prompted to become a member and pay the respective membership fee.
Memberships range from single-event memberships to multi-year memberships; click here for more information.
Common Rules and Information
ALL athletes are required to show photo ID. NO ID, NO RACE, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Youth (17 and under) athletes without an ID must be accompanied by a parent/guardian with a photo ID
Annual members are required to bring their membership card every time they compete in a USAT Sanctioned event.
You can download and print out a temporary membership card: https://membership.usatriathlon.org/Member/ViewMemberCard
Athletes may only pick up their own packets. Under no circumstances may an athlete pick up a packet for another person.
No drafting: a maximum of 15 seconds will be allowed to complete a pass through the draft zone of another athlete
Headphones are prohibited
No riding in transition at any time
Helmets/Chin straps must be worn securely fastened at all times while in possession of your bike. This means before, during, and after the event. This also means from the time you remove your bike from the rack at the start of the bike leg, until after you have placed your bike on the rack at the finish of the bike leg.
Verbal or physical abuse of others is not acceptable or tolerated. Participants shall refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct at all times while at the event and during competition, including the use of abusive language; violent acts; intentional misconduct; or any intimidating behavior directed toward, including but not limited to participants, officials, event staff, volunteers and spectators.
ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS! TRANSFERS! OR CREDITS!