Neighbor News
Red Bank Classic 5K Beats the Rain, Raises Spirits & Funds for YMCA Water Safety Education
Middletown's Troy Hill Takes First Place and Adaptive Athlete Nishan Patel Earns Recognition
Cloudy skies and a looming threat of rain didn’t stop more than 1,400 runners, walkers and volunteers from filling the streets of downtown Red Bank on Saturday, June 14, for the sixth edition of the Red Bank Classic 5K, a community event to benefit the local YMCA’s water safety education program for borough youth.
“Once again, our community showed incredible heart and tenacity,” said Mairin Bennett, executive director of Red Bank RiverCenter, host and organizer of the 5K with support from a volunteer committee. “We’re so grateful the rain held off just long enough for everyone to cross the finish line and enjoy the Fitness Fest and after-party. It was a true celebration of Red Bank spirit.”
The event began at 8:15 a.m. with Mayor Billy Portman welcoming all participants and Sally Darrow, executive director of the Red Bank Family YMCA, the beneficiary of the 5K, thanking all participants for supporting the Y’s Safety Around Water program that provides swim lessons to 150 Red Bank third-graders.
Joe Minella of Tinton Falls sang the national anthem and Tim McLoone and Tom White emceed the event. Leading this year’s pre-event warm-up was Liza Penney, an occupational therapist at Riverview Medical Center, accompanied by her husband Jonathan.
This year’s race introduced a newly certified U.S. Track & Field course—flatter and faster—and debuted an adaptive athlete category to recognize and celebrate runners and walkers of all abilities.
Wheelchair racer Nishan Patel, 32, of Middletown, was honored with a certificate, while approximately 23 other adaptive athletes completed the 5K. One of the most emotional moments came when 16-year-old Ella Esposito, a member of ZR Fit and Wellness, a gym for adaptive athletes in Red Bank, finished the 5K to cheers from teammates and spectators alike.
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The 5K participants ranged in age from 4 to 81. One of the youngest racers, 4-year-old Jonah Trilling, completed the 5K alongside his dad, then joined the kids’ fun run moments later. Michael Ciok, 81, of Middletown, was the race’s oldest finisher.
Dozens of local families participated together, and a spirited group of students from Red Bank Primary School ran the 5K sporting colorful tie-dyed shirts. Additionally, 21 teams representing local running clubs and a variety of businesses competed for a spot among the top three fastest with Red Bank Run Club taking first, Shore AC placing second and NJRA coming in third.
The top finisher of the 5K was Troy Hill, 23, of Middletown, with a time of 15:23, followed by Sean Donohue, 34, of Holmdel, in 15:45, and Nicholas Musumeci, 38, of Island Heights, with a time of 16:06.
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The top three women were Dyke Kerry, 28, of Perth Amboy, in 17:49; Anna Steinman, 35, Springfield, in 18:35; and Kiera Russo, 44, Tinton Falls, in 18:55.
The top masters runners were Fair Haven residents Jonathan Erdelyi, 43, in 17:43, and Kristan Dietz, 41, in 20:43.
Following the 5K, over 100 children zoomed down Broad Street in the kids’ fun run, always a highlight of the event.
Participants were able to enjoy the post-race Fitness Festival on Broadwalk, complete with wellness vendors, massages, a bounce house, and water station with misting feature.
Bennett said Red Bank RiverCenter is thankful for the scores of volunteers who chipped in to support the event and the 28 sponsors, including presenting sponsor The Robinson Ale House and gold sponsors VTI Studios and Raymond James.
“The 5K has always been more than a race. It’s a celebration of community that makes a lasting impact on the children in our community,” she said, noting that since it started in 2018, the event has raised $60,000 to support local youth programs.
Participants can view all race results at https://my.raceresult.com/321532/results. To view all the sponsors, visit www.RedBankClassic.com.
About the Red Bank Classic 5K
The Red Bank Classic 5K is a charity run/walk that debuted June 2018 in downtown Red Bank, fueled by a group of spirited business owners and community volunteers. Hosted by Red Bank RiverCenter, the charity event has raised $60,000 to benefit youth programs for Red Bank children and teens. The 2025 run/walk took place June 14, 2025. For more information, visit www.redbankclassic.com or e-mail info@redbankclassic.com. Connect on social: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
About Red Bank RiverCenter
Red Bank RiverCenter is a 501c3 non-for-profit organization established in 1991 by an alliance of local businesses, property owners, residents, and other stakeholders to enhance and promote Red Bank’s downtown district as a mid-Atlantic destination for dining, shopping, and culture. Red Bank RiverCenter helms the city’s Special Improvement District to support the Red Bank business community by recruiting new businesses to town and helping them navigate the various start-up procedures, marketing and promoting the Red Bank business district and implementing capital improvement projects and beautification programs throughout the town. For more information, please visit: http://www.redbank.org.
About the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
For 150 years, YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has empowered youth, improved health, and fostered connections that unite and uplift the community. Serving 42,000 people annually, we’ve provided over $5 million in financial assistance in the last five years. With locations in eight communities and programs integrated into more than 100 schools across Monmouth and Ocean counties, we are dedicated to strengthening communities. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace for three consecutive years by NJ Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.
