Get Ready For Red Bank Classic 5K Run/Walk For Local YMCA

RED BANK, NJ — The Red Bank Classic 5K to benefit the Red Bank Family YMCA is coming up soon - Saturday, June 17.

And the Red Bank business community is rallying local merchants, community residents and area runners and walkers for the annual charity event in the heart of downtown Red Bank, featuring a 3.1-mile trek that will begin and end on Broad Street.

Since the race’s debut in 2018, the charity run/walk has raised over $50,000 to support youth development programs that empower children and teens in Red Bank to adopt healthy lifestyles, organizers say.

The race will be followed by a Fitness Fest with music and activities open to all in the borough’s Broadwalk area and the celebration will continue at the event post-party at The Robinson Ale House.

“We are excited to welcome the greater community to this fantastic, family-friendly event in beautiful Red Bank,” said Bob Zuckerman, executive director of the Red Bank RiverCenter, which is organizing the event with a committee of volunteers. “It will be a day to celebrate good health that will also have a lasting impact on borough youth."

Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Red Bank Y’s Third Grade Swim Program, which provides free swim lessons and water safety education for Red Bank public school children.

“Given the borough’s proximity to the Navesink River and the Jersey Shore, teaching young children to be safe in and around water is critical,” noted Laurie Goganzer, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, which serves hundreds of Red Bank families.

“The Y is super grateful to be a beneficiary of the Red Bank Classic and to receive funding that will help us reduce the risk of drowning and teach children an essential life skill,” Goganzer added in a statement.

There are 19 sponsors for the event, including presenting sponsors Boondocks Fishery, located in Marine Park; Triumph Brewing Company, 1 Bridge Ave.; and The Robinson Ale House, 26 Broad St.

About 50 volunteers are expected to lend a hand, and about 10 vendors are on board for the Fitness Festival.

Angela Courtney, one of the race founders and a champion of its focus on supporting health and well-being of borough children, encourages area businesses, organizations, and individuals to get involved in this year’s event as sponsors, volunteers and Fitness Fest vendors.

“There are plenty of ways to support our charitable efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of our children,” said Courtney, a member of the race committee and owner of Sweetest Sin Boutique on White Street.

In-kind donations for runner swag bags, and food and water are welcomed, Courtney said.

About the 5K Run/Walk

Approximately 1,500 runners and walkers are expected at this year’s event. It will step off at 8:30 a.m. near the corner of Broad and Wallace Streets, following a group warm-up.

The challenging 5K course with two climbs on Tower Hill is certified by USA Track & Field (USATF). The 5K is also a USATF Grand Prix event, organizers say.

The fee is $40 ($45 after June 1) and includes a T-shirt, medal, chip-timed results, refreshments, and access to the post-race activities. The first 1,000 runners and walkers to register and pick up their bib will receive a swag bag.

Cash prizes of $300, $200, and $100 will be awarded respectively to the top three female and top three male finishers. The top female and male masters’ finishers will also receive cash prizes of $150. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers, 14 and under, and in 5-year age groups up to 80 and older. Additionally, the top three teams will be presented awards.

Race participants are welcome to form teams with at least four runners. Running teams will be scored based on the average of the top four finishers on each team.

Following the 5K, will be the Kids Broad Street Dash, open to children up to 12 years old. The fee is $20 ($25 after June 1) and includes a T-shirt and medal.

Event registration is available online at https://www.raceforum.com/rbc.

For more information on the 5K, sponsorships and volunteering, go to the race website or email info@redbankclassic.com. Keep up to date on event happenings by following @RedBankClassic on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.