Marathon Runner Plans Hometown Fundraiser At Manalapan Panera

MANALAPAN, NJ — Michele Krimmel spent 31 happy years growing up in Manalapan, and now, as a marathon runner, she is giving back - running to raise funds for mental health awareness.

And it's an issue Krimmel, a mother of two and now a Clark resident, learned about through personal experience.

She is a volunteer blogger and writer for Still I Run - Runners for Mental Health Awareness - the only nonprofit running community in the U.S. that promotes the benefits of running for mental health - and encourages more people to get into running, she said.

The organization develops charity partnerships with major races around the country, and this year it has partnered with the Chicago Marathon. Krimmel will be running in the 26.2-mile race, her second marathon, on Oct. 13. You can find her local chapter here.

But first, on April 5, she'll be raising funds back in her former hometown through Panera Bread in Manalapan to support Team Still I Run.

Now all day - from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., on April 5, Panera Bread, 31 Route 9, will donate 25 percent of its sales to the team, said Krimmel in an update, noting how the store is expanding its support for the fundraiser. Patrons can use code FUND4U online or before checkout or can just tell the cashier they are supporting Still I Run, said Kimmel.

She said the marathon support for Still I Run, is "a huge opportunity," but partnerships do come with costs - participation fees, jerseys for the team and more.

"By sponsoring Team Still I Run and helping us pay for some of these unavoidable expenses, you will ensure that more of our resources go back into our mission of supporting mental health and reducing stigma," Krimmel said.

Krimmel moved to Manalapan at age five, graduated from Manalapan High School in 2006, and went on to attend Rowan University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences in 2010. She worked in the pharmaceutical industry for six years.

What made her start running in May of 2022 was a miscarriage, Krimmel said.

"I was pregnant with our third child and the grief I experienced was so intense. Running truly helped me in my grieving process and instead of blaming myself and my body, it taught me to love myself again," she said.

And she also credited her husband, Jeff: He has "walked every step of this journey with me, my best friend, love of my life and biggest supporter,” Krimmel said.

She ran her first marathon with the Marine Corps in October of 2023, "an amazing, humbling experience," she recalled.

"I am now part of the 1 percent that can proudly say they ran a full marathon. I'm excited to train again this summer for the Chicago Marathon," Krimmel added.