published Atlantic Highlands Herald 31 August 2006

press release

LONG BRANCH , NJ — The revitalized Long Branch beachfront will be the site of the 3rd Annual Pier Village 5K road race on Labor Day Monday, September 4th. Racetime is 8:30 am. Sponsored by the Pier House Restaurant, the goal of the race is to bring runners to Long Branch to witness first hand the amazing growth in that area. Other major sponsors of the race include The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts and Horizon BlueCross BlueShield of New Jersey.

"We believe deeply in strong community relationships and this is just one indication of that", said co-race founder Tim McLoone, whose new restaurant opened in the Pier Village project last spring. Proceeds of the race will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Long Branch.

NEW this year will be the addition of kids’ races following the main event on Saturday on the beach directly below the Pier House Restaurant with various distances for children ranging from ages 1 to 12 and all kids will receive a commemorative medal.

As the concluding race of the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, prize money will be awarded to the top open and age group finishers. A commemorative gift will be presented to every runner who finished all five grand prix races - the Spring Lake 5, the Sheehan Classic, the Belmar 5, the Asbury Park 5K, and, of course, the Pier Village 5K.After the first four races Bill Hoffman of Eatontown has commanding lead in the overall men’s division. The overall women’s division is tight race between Ali Belicose of Red Bank, Dianne Petruzzelli of Lincroft and Amber Hart of Colts Neck and will be determined at the Pier Village race.

"The day will be a festive one with music, prizes, and refreshments for all the participants", continued McLoone. "We hope lots of runners will conclude their summer seasons in Long Branch.”

Additional race information can be found at www.jsrc.org/piervillage or by calling (732) 571-2162.