Sheehan Classic race set for this weekend

2006 George Sheehan Classic

RED BANK - The George Sheehan Classic 5 Mile Run is set to go off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

More than 3,000 runners from around the world are expected to participate in what has become one of the Jersey Shore's most popular road races.

In addition, thousands more participate in the pre- and post-race events held Friday and Saturday. As part of the George Sheehan Classic (GSC), there will be a free concert, featuring popular local pop-rock band Goldenseal Friday at 7 p.m. in Marine Park.

Race organizers moved the race in recent years from its traditional date in mid-August, and the response from runners was overwhelming in favor of the move.

The George Sheehan Classic began in 1981 as the Asbury Park 10K Classic and quickly became one of the major road-running events on the national calendar. The race moved to Red Bank in 1994 and was renamed to honor the memory of Dr. George Sheehan, the prominent author, philosopher and area physician. "The Doc" has been called the "father of the running boom" in the United States.

Schedule of events:

Friday, 2-9 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., free Runner's Expo at Marine Park. An opportunity to see the latest in running, health and fitness and pick up some great bargains.

Friday, 6:30 p.m., Kid's Classic, Broad Street. A series of races for kids ages 1-13. Medals to all finishers. Registration fee: $15.

Friday, 7 p.m., free concert in Marine Park. Enjoy music by Goldenseal on the banks of the Navesink.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m., start of Sheehan Classic, Broad Street.

Saturday, 8:32 a.m. start GSC Health Walk, Broad Street A family two-mile health walk that follows part of the five-mile course and finishes with the runners on Broad Street.

A total of $6,000 in prize money will be distributed to Top 5 overall finishers, top New Jersey finishers and age-category winners. Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank and The Savings Bank Life Insurance (SBLI) Co. are major race sponsors.

The race is part of the SBLI Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, a series of five events: Spring Lake 5, George Sheehan Classic, Belmar 5, Asbury Park 5K & Pier Village 5K.

For Sheehan Classic information and registration, call (732) 988-7725 or visit www.sheehanclassic.org.