LONG BRANCH, NJ —  Over 600 participants were treated to great running weather on Saturday, April 10 at the annual Sgt. Pat's 5K, Long Branch, as promised by Race Director Phil Hinck. The course had to be adjusted to accommodate the beachfront construction but it proved to be a very interesting route for the runners and spectators who were able to watch the runners pass them on their return to the finish.

The overall winner was Jesus Resendiz, 29, of Perth Amboy, in a time of 15:49 and for the women it was Jersey Shore Running Club member Amanda Cavallo, 14, of Bayville in a time of 18:25. Rounding out the top three for the men were Joe Pawlish, Asbury Park, 16:13, and Arnold Anthony, 17 Brielle, in 16:15. Second and Third women were Maggie Freeman, Sea Girt, 19:17 and Jennifer Gunn, Red Bank, 20:19.

Start Photo shows male and female winners starting nearly side by side: Amanda Cavallo, wearing number 54, and Jesus Resendiz, wearing number 380.

Trophies were also presented to top PBA Member finishers and to PBA teams: PBA team winners, 1st, 2nd, 3rd respectively were Local 256, Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Local 10, Long Branch, Local 314, Monmouth County Sheriff's Office. MCPO was also recognized as the largest Law Enforcement Group, represented by a total of 70 participants.

There were as usual a large number of age group awards as well as random prizes to include a grand prize of a bike, donated by The Peddler Bicycle Shop, Long Branch. Many of the participants then proceeded to the Celtic Cottage for a buffet lunch outdoors in the courtyard. Event sponsors included Monmouth Medical Center, Sovereign Bank and Pier Village/Applied Development.

The 15th Annual event, formerly known as the St. Patty's Day 5K, has been dedicated since 1998 to the memory of slain Long Branch police officer Sergeant Patrick King, who was killed while on duty on November 20, 1997. Proceeds from the race go to Scholarship funds of Long Branch PBA Local 10 and Oceanport PBA local 364, which award scholarships to students in the memory of the fallen officer. A two mile Fitness walk, followed sections of the same course, to benefit Holiday Express. Children also had the opportunity to participate in Kid's Races of various distances, held on the grass of Seven President's Park. Each received a medal and Easter egg at finish and a T-shirt and choice of a toy prize at registration.

"I want to thank all other race committee members: Maureen King, Tim McLoone, Pat Joyce, Scott Beaver, Steve Tagerty and Guy Beaver. I want to recognize the race-day volunteers who contributed their time and effort to making the race successful, especially my wife Penny who really does all the work. The event has been growing every year due to the help of our sponsors and we hope to continue doing it for such great causes," said director Phil Hinck.

Among the Jersey Shore Running Club finishers were: Marti Rettino, Matawan, 22:51(PR); Frank Pelcher, Keyport, 24:28; Mike Bair, Holmdel, 17:38(PR); Joe Mirachi, Eatontown, 24:56; Jim Robbins, Eatontown, 32:20; Diane Cheer, Manasquan, 28:05; Jack Cheer, Manasquan, 20:59; Mindy Brady, Long Branch, 30:06; Bob Gileski, South River, 24:15; Eileen Murphy, Red Bank, 31:35; Matt Shafer 21:25; Jennifer Gunn, Red Bank, 20:20; Sutah Robins, Long Branch 23:04; Randi Cohen, Fair Haven, 27:10; Guy Ryan, Toms River, 23:24; Pat Cavanaugh, Colts Neck, 20:32; Kathy Bond, Hazlet, 26:18; Mike Badger, Ocean Grove, 18:20; Greg Duffy, Brick, 20:20; Emery Messenger, Tinton Falls, 25:14, and Marilyn Ryder, Long Branch, 27:28.

Complete results and race coverage can be found at the Jersey Shore Running Club website www.jsrc.org.