The 2016 Spring Lake 5 mile race
The things we miss!
“I ran the Spring Lake 5 mile race this morning, and boy was it hot! As I was running along, feeling like a roasted peanut, it occurred to me that I miss this. The anticipation at the start, the sound of the gun, the throng of people that surges forward with nowhere to go…sweat pouring down your face, salt trails on your legs, pounding feet all around, and an occasional panting, wheezing, foot-shuffling runner that you think will keel over and die any second, but seems to finish the race unscathed.
This year was the 40th running, and to commemorate it bands played at every mile marker. As a special treat, the Rutger’s cheerleaders performed at mile 3 along with the marching band. All the fanfare made the miles go by faster – headphones aren’t allowed in this race, and I like music to run to. It also helps drown out the wheezing guy…”
I sent that email on May 28, 2016 when I returned from running the Spring Lake 5 mile race that day. It’s one of my favorite races because it’s well-organized, and it’s always well-attended. The race directors and countless volunteers make sure the race runs smoothly each year. That’s quite a feat considering 10,000 people make their way to this shore town each Memorial Day Weekend to watch and participate. Grab your finisher medal and congratulate yourself with a Jersey Mike’s sub. But don’t forget to stop at the massage tent!
Race Swag
40th Anniversary Spring Lake 5 swag
This race t-shirt is the only one I’ve seen without any sponsors listed on it. Classy. In addition to the t-shirt, your entry fee also gets you a special calendar. It runs from June to the following May…and it counts down the days to the next Spring Lake 5. You also get a pint glass with the t-shirt design on it! BONUS: for the 40 year anniversary they threw in a small black tote.
The Golden Opportunity
This race is part of a series, the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix. The series is comprised of several races, and if you run all of them, you get a commemorative gift AND you are eligible for the grand prize drawing. The year I had perfect attendance the gift was a glass (larger than a pint sized one) and the grand prize was a TV. In more recent years the grand prize included a $50 gift card to McLoone’s Restaurants. If you are quick on your feet you might even accumulate enough points for prize money! Hope to see you there next year. Just be sure to arrive early, parking is a premium for this race.