Rain doesn't deter runners for 12th Sgt. Pat King 5k

Rain doesn't deter 12th Sgt. Pat's 5K
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY Left: Red Bank's Trent Kaaraman races in soggy conditions along the Long Branch oceanfront during the annual Sgt. Pat's 5K Run/2-mile Fitness Walk on April 11. Right: West Long Branch's Joe Gallo (663) competes with fellow runners.
LONG BRANCH — Heavy rains and brisk winds didn't stop some 400 hardy runners from turning out for the 12th annual Sgt. Pat's 5K Run and 2-Mile Fitness Walk on Saturday, April 11.

What spurred the runners to show despite inclement conditions was not just the course but the spirit of the run, which is dedicated to the late Long Branch Police Sgt. Patrick King, who was killed in the line of duty 12 years ago.

"This is a way to honor and remember Pat," said Maureen King, who is part of the committee that organizes the annual race in memory of her husband.

"It's a way to raise money in Pat's name as well," she added.

King believes that it is the character of the actual race that brings the participants out each year.

"The race has many attributes to its character," King said. "Our event has a familyfriendly atmosphere that includes a children's race, a family walk as well as a 5K run, with prizes provided by the generous merchants in the community."

The race committee includes King, Scott and Guy Beaver, Phil Hinck, Eddie Kirschenbaum and Pat Joyce.

The event raises funds for several charities, including the Pat King Scholarship Fund for Long Branch High School students, Holiday Express, Habcore, and Jim Dowd Shoots for the Stars.

The race, which raised $35,000 last year, had 700 registered participants as of April 10, but the weather held down that number as well as the several hundred other competitors who were expected to sign up the day of the race.

According to the Jersey Shore Running Club, the rain didn't prevent some great performances and times on the revised course along the Promenade and Long Branch boardwalk.

For the men, the winner was Ben Horel, of Belford, in a time of 17:42. The firstplace runner for the women was Amber Hart, of Belmar, in a time of 20:03.

CHRIS KELLY staff Runners start for the annual Sgt. Pat's 5k Run/2-mile Fitness Walk along Long Branch oceanfront on Apr. 11.
"Thanks to the generosity of our participants, sponsors and volunteers, the Sergeant Pat's 5K has seen tremendous growth over the past 11 years," King said. "We really try hard to put out a fun day. We try to make it better every year."

The event is attended by police officers from Long Branch as well as departments from across the county and state.

"We have police departments from Marlboro and Middletown showing up," King said last week. "We also have the sheriff's department and police departments from Denville and Jersey City coming. We give awards for the department that travels the furthest."

King views the race as a good experience for everyone in the community, which is why so many come out to participate.

"The race has become a bonding experience among the community, because the race always benefits a good cause and those involved are genuinely happy to participate," she said.

Contact Kenny Walter at

kwalter@gmnews.com.