Sheehan race commemorates life of a noted runner and author

On Friday Evening June 18th and Saturday Morning June 19th, 2010 – thousands of runners will converge on Red Bank, NJ for the Annual George Sheehan Classic. This is a race with a long history at the Jersey Shore. It dates back to the old Asbury Park 10K which was moved to Red Bank as the Red Bank 10K then was renamed the George Sheehan Classic and the distance changed to 5 miles after the passing of Dr George Sheehan in 1994.

For many contemporary runners who are not aware of Dr Sheehan he is not only a Jersey Shore running legend but also an icon in the international running scene. He was a cardiologist, co founder of Christian Brothers Academy, and an avid runner and author of many best selling books about running. His books brought new meaning to running delving to the inner psyche that all runners possess on their runs and how it impacts on their everyday life. His best selling book, “Running and Being – the Total Experience” was his first of 8 best sellers about running. He was also a noted contributor to national running magazines like Runners World and Running Times. His quotes such as:

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”,

"It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.”

"Success rests in having the courage and endurance, and above all, the will to become the person you are.”

"Of all the races, there is no better stage for heroism than a marathon.”

Are still relevant and often referred to in current writings and by motivational speakers.

My own personal experience with Dr Sheehan was when I first started running and participated in a Winter Series 5 mile race staged by Ocean Running Club.

It was a two-lap course through Ocean County Park in Lakewood on a cold blustery January Sunday morning in 1989. On the second lap of the course at about the 3.5-mile mark I heard very heavy breathing behind me. Soon that person was running next to me and overtaking me. I said to myself that I can not let this person pass and thought with him breathing so hard and being about 20 years younger that I should have no problem outlasting him. So I dug deep and pushed and kept in front of him but he was relentless in staying right behind me and periodically passing me. As we approached the final turn to the finish with about 100 yards to go I could hear the crowd of people standing there yelling “Go George” and “Go get him George”.

At that point I thought who is this guy? And I have to get him on these last 100 yards. As I picked up the pace sprinting to the finish he just kept up and we both increased the pace until I absolutely had nothing left. In the last 10 yards he sprinted past me to the finish line and immediately fell to the ground. At that point I though “My God, who was that and I hope he did not collapse and have a heart attack”.
 

He did recover and later I later found out who he was. So I went out and bought one of his books. “Personal Best” and the following week I got him to sign it and I still periodically refer to it for inspiration.

So the George Sheehan Classic coming up next weekend will commemorate this inspirational figure. It would do good to read one of his books or articles before you run the race for your own personal inspiration.

According to Race Director, Phil Hinck “The George Sheehan Classic kicks off on Friday evening with packet pick up and post registration, kids races in downtown Red Bank and an expo and concert in Marine Park along the Navesink. On Saturday morning the 5-mile race and 2 mile fitness walk start at 8:30 followed by a runners barbecue in Marine Park. The expo will be open until 2 PM.”

More Photos from last years race can be found at::

http://www.dotphoto.com/Go.asp?l=jsrc05&P=&AID=6128342&T=1

Participants can get more information on the Sheehan Race and other Jersey Shore events at the Jersey Shore Running Club Web Site at www.jsrc.org  and check out their results after the race on Saturday evening.