ASBURY PARK, NJ -  Big time road racing will return to Asbury Park on Saturday, August 13 when the eighth annual

Asbury Park 5K is held. Presented in conjunction with the Shore AC, the Jersey Shore Running Club and the Freehold Area Running Club, the 5K race will feature a unique 2 lap spectator-friendly tour of the revitalized downtown and beachfront area. Kids’ races follow the main event on Saturday in Bradley Park across from Convention Hall and feature various distances for children ranging from ages 1 to 12.

Start of 2010 Asbury Park 5K

"Road running has a great history in Asbury Park with the old Jersey Shore Marathon and Asbury Park 10K Classic which routinely drew some of the world's greatest runners", said co-race founder Tim McLoone. "So, it's great to start another new tradition and contribute to the resurgence of Asbury Park".

The Asbury Park 5K is the fourth event of the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, a series of races that offers awards to overall winners and age group category winners. The five 2011 events are: Spring Lake 5, George Sheehan Classic, Belmar 5, Asbury Park 5K & Pier House 5K. Further information can be found on the series website, www.jsgrandprix.com. Current leaders after three races are Rob Cavanaugh of West Long Branch for the men and Noel Whitall of Toms River for the women.

All participants will be treated to post race refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the Spring Lake Five Mile run. Each participant is also given a free beach pass for the day onto the beaches courtesy of the City of Asbury Park.

Proceeds of the Asbury Park 5K will benefit local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. "We love partnering with family events like these that help us bring people back to Asbury Park", said Asbury Park Director of Commerce, Tom Gilmour. "It should be a fun day with lots of entertainment, refreshments, and prizes." The race beneficiaries will also receive complimentary 5K entries and kids entries, courtesy of the Friends of the Spring Lake Five.

Registration is still available. You can register through the mail, online, or in person Friday night August 12th, 5:30-7:00pm or race day beginning at 7:00am. For locations and race information: visit http://asburypark.jsrc.org or call 732 571 2162.