Festival of running to raise awareness about hunger

Hunger Action Month (September), led by Feeding America, is the nationwide effort to mobilize the public in the fight against hunger in America. Hunger Action Month, formed to help those in need, bloomed from a day of service into a month-long campaign as the economy has taken a turn for the worse, with high unemployment and increases in health care costs,  the demand for food assistance has increased. Through collaboration between Feeding America's national office, their network of 205 food banks, corporate sponsors and engagement of celebrities, Feeding America aims to raise awareness this September to help the 36 million Americans who struggle with hunger through the universal message "Give a Little, Feed a Lot."

The Liberty Natural Gas Boardwalk Running Festival Against Hunger to be held in Asbury Park on Saturday, September 25, 2010 will mark the culmination of a monthlong series of events to raise awareness locally on the issue of hunger in the community.

"The FoodBank is proud to be partnering with the Jersey Shore Running Club for the third annual Boardwalk Running Festival Against Hunger. Sponsored by Liberty Natural Gas and the NJ Bankers Association, this event continues to grow and to make a difference in the fight against hunger. It is a perfect example of community partnerships working towards the greater good," said Susan M. Kelly, Executive Director of the FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

The Liberty Natural Gas Boardwalk Running Festival, now in its third year, has grown into a favorite on the Jersey Shore race calendar. Started as the Relay by the Sea about ten years ago and held at the Sea Girt Army Camp, it evolved into the Boardwalk Relay three years ago when it moved to Asbury Park. It also marked the beginning as a benefit for the FoodBank. This year it has expanded to a festival of running with the continuation of the15K three- or two-person relay, and this year includes individual events of 5K, 10K and 15K as well as a 5K walk.

Liberty Natural Gas has been a sponsor of the race since its move to Asbury Park and has taken an active role in the planning and organization of the event. The New Jersey Bankers Association has also been a key force behind the event during the same time and has marshaled many of its member banks to support and participate in the event. There is a special “Banking” division for banks to compete.

There are open, masters, family, corporate and bank team categories each with male, female and mixed divisions, and awards will be presented to the top finishers in each. Awards will also be presented in the individual 5K, 10K and 15K.

The race starts on the Asbury Park Boardwalk in front of Convention Hall and makes its way south along the boardwalk going past the Stone Pony through the Casino, into Ocean Grove past the Great Auditorium and into Bradley Beach with a turnaround at the Giant Gazebo there.

This year the race will include chip timing professionally timed by Elite Racing Systems.

All preregistered runners and others, while supply lasts, will receive quality long-sleeve shirts. The post-race party will again be festive and this year will be at the Wonder Bar where “Tillie” sits atop the building smiling down on everyone. Joe Hughes and Golden Seal will be playing live on the stage there and runners will enjoy a post race buffet.

Last year over 120 teams competed and a large field is again anticipated. Monmouth University was the winning team last year in a time of 54:41. The team was comprised of three cross-country members: Chris Delfattore, Aron Hollibough and Cody Kulik.

Special awards will also be presented to top fundraising teams and individuals.

Information, including registration information, is available on the event website at www.boardwalkrelay.org.

Special rates are available until August 15, 2010.

Online registration is also available at:

Individuals - https://register.boardwalkrelay.org/register/?event=1229

Teams -https://register.boardwalkrelay.org/register/?event=1724

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