Here's The Rundown On The Red Bank Classic 5K, On For Saturday

RED BANK, NJ — On Saturday, when an anticipated 1,500 runners gather at the starting line for the Red Bank Classic 5K, at least one will be there after finding her way back into fitness.

The COVID-19 health emergency took a toll on nurse Bonnie Woodward’s health and well-being, the organizers of the race shared in the lead-up to the event.

Woodward, 62, of Red Bank is a registered nurse at a gastroenterology office. Staffing shortages resulted in a grueling work schedule that left no time for her daily workouts - or for much social time with her grown children and six grandchildren.

But she got her groove back in April when she signed up for the Red Bank Family YMCA’s “Couch to 5K” program, race organizers said.

Woodward told them the eight-week training program was just what she needed to regain strength, reconnect with people and embrace healthy habits again.

And she and hundreds of other runners are bringing that type of preparation to Saturday's race.

The event will benefit the Y’s Third-Grade Swim program, which provides free swim lessons and water safety education to borough kids.

The 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Broad Street, followed by the Kids Broad Street Dash at 10 a.m.

Organized and hosted by the Red Bank RiverCenter, with support from over 40 local businesses and 50 volunteers, the community event will feature a Fitness Fest with food, music and healthy activities for all.

Runner or not, you can check on the race route here, along with morning road closures.

The official after-party will take place at the Robinson Ale House, a presenting sponsor, along with Boondocks Fishery and Triumph Brewing Company.

These events will happen in the Broadwalk area.

Here's what you need to know for race day:

5K Information

• The 3.1-mile course is certified by USA Track and Field and will count as a USATF Grand Prix Event.
• Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three overall female and male finishers and the first male and female masters’ finishers.
• Awards will be presented to the top three finishers, 14 and under, and in 5-year age groups up to 80 years and older, and to the top three teams.
• All runners and walkers will receive a finishing medal and t-shirt. Swag bags will be given to the first 1,000 5K registrants.
• Runners and walkers will receive bib-chip results.

Kids Broad Street Dash

• A fun run for kids will follow the 5K at 10 a.m.
• It's open to children from 3 to 12 years old.
• Distances will be: 50-yards for 3-5-year-olds; 100-yards for 6-8-year-olds; and 200-yards for 9-12–year-olds.

Race Registration & Packet Pick up

• Registration is $45 for the 5K and $25 for the Broad Street Dash.
• 5K race packets will be available for pick up 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, June 16, at Good Life Organic Kitchen, 60 Broad St., and on race day starting at 7 a.m.
• Registration is available at www.RedBankClassic.com.

Event Day Schedule

• 8 a.m. - Road closures will begin
• 8:15 a.m. - Race warm-up led by Alpha Fit Club
• 8:20 a.m. - National anthem by Joe Minnella from Tinton Falls; remarks from Red Bank Mayor Billy Portman
• 8:25 a.m. - 5K wheelchair start

• 8:30 a.m. - 5K starts with Tim McLoone emceeing
• 8:45 a.m. - Fitness Fest begins
• 9 a.m. - After party begins at the Robinson Ale House
• 9:45 a.m. - Top runner awards
• 9:50 a.m. - Kids run warm up with the Red Bank Family YMCA
• 10:00 a.m. - Kids Broad Street Dash
• 10:15 a.m. - Fitness demos on Fitness Fest stage begin
• 11:30 a.m. - Fitness Fest ends

For more information, go to www.RedBankClassic.com.