published Atlantic Highlands Herald 3 August 2006

press release

LONG BRANCH, NJ — With three of the five races already contested, Bill Hoffman, 26, of Eatontown and Madelyn Noe-Schlentz, 45, of Freehold are the overall men's and women's point leaders in the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix Running Series.

Madelyn Noe-Schlentz

Bill Hoffman

Hoffman, the 2004 and 2005 Golden Grand Prix Champion, starred at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft. Noe-Schlentz is a top masters runner, having qualified for Olympic Trials in the marathon in 2004, and setting American Masters Indoor records for the 1 mile and 3000 meters and the American Masters Outdoor record for 10,000 meters.

Hoffman again leads open men in the series with 285 accumulated points, followed by Robert Cavanaugh, 28, West Long Branch, in second place with 272. Michael Rolek of Maplewood, Jay McGovern of Atlantic Highlands, and Larry Levy of Reading, PA. fill out the top five spots.

Diane Petruzelli, Lincroft, 39, closely follows Noe-Schlentz's 277 points with 273 points. Ali Belicose, Red Bank, third place, Amber Hart, Colts Neck, fourth place and Christine Gaeta, Lincroft, round out the top women's standings.

Leading in their respective age groups are David Demonico, 38, South River; Larry Levy, 40, Reading Pa; Rick Pingitore, 47, Fair Lawn; Michael Mooney, 50, Jackson; Thomas Hall, 56, Lincroft; Ron Cohen,60, Staten Island; James Leitz, 66, Bayonne; Tom Cangialosi, 71, Rumson; George Evanovich, 76, South River; and Clarence Lurch, 85, Wall.

Womens’ age group leaders are Diane Petruzelli, 39, Lincroft; Christine Gaeta, 40, Lincroft; Madelyn Noe-Schlentz, 45, Freehold; Jan Farnung Krause, 52, Dunnellen; Paula Crane, 58, Montclair; Linda Thurston, 64, Doylestown Pa; Gloria Jenkins, 69, Mt Holly; Elizabeth Thomas, 73, Lincoln Park; and Nancy Dontzin, 76, Farmington NY.

The series began on Memorial Day Weekend with the 9,000 person Spring Lake 5, followed by the Sheehan Classic in Red Bank, and the Belmar 5 Mile Run, held recently on July 8th. Remaining on the grand prix circuit is the Asbury Park 5K, on August 12th and the 3rd Annual Pier Village 5K in Long Branch on Labor Day Monday, September 4th.

In its third year, the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix has attracted runners from across the tri-state area competing for prize money in the individual races, as well as the overall series. Once again, prize money is awarded in the open and age group divisions in each of the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix races, as well as for the top point winners in the open and age group divisions at the series end.

At stake this year is $33,000 in total prize money with $4,000 up for grabs at each of the Spring Lake, Belmar, Asbury Park and Pier Village races, and $7,000 money at the Sheehan Classic. In addition, $10,000 in prize money will be awarded to the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix series winners.

Organizers and sponsors hope to inspire runners of all abilities to participate in the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix events. Organized by shore area running enthusiasts, Tim McLoone and Phil Hinck are excited to partner with SBLI on the Grand Prix, “The hope is that the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix will inspire front runners, middle of the packers, and also beginners to participate annually in the Shore events, contributing to an already great legacy of shore running.”

“We are excited at the opportunity to be the title sponsor of the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix,” said SBLI President and CEO Robert K. Sheridan. “The Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most well-known and respected series of races in New Jersey, offering a first-class running experience for recreational runners and elite competitors alike. For nearly a century, SBLI has been known for encouraging and rewarding healthy lifestyles among its policyholders, and we view our sponsorship of the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix as an excellent fit with our corporate philosophy of promoting activities that help people to live longer, healthier lives.”

Runners who complete all five SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix races will receive a commemorative gift at the final race, the Pier Village 5K in Long Branch on Labor Day, and are entered into a special drawing for prizes. Kelly Conneen, Point Pleasant, won the Grand Prize last year, a flat TV/DVD combination. This years Grand Prix prize promises to be even more worth the challenge of running all those miles.

For complete SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix results or to enter the Asbury Park 5K or the Pier Village 5K Long Branch race, go to www.SBLIgrandprix.com or call (732) 571-2162.