Source: GMN/Sentinel Brunswicks
The Frog Hollow Swim & Tennis Club’s 38th annual Independence Run & Health Walk will be held June 27 beginning at 9 a.m. in South Amboy.
Race director Dan McCrone said he expects around 200 participants for the 5K run. In addition, the festivities will include a free youth run, awards by age category, a post-race picnic and entrance to the club for the day. Proceeds of the event will benefit the South Amboy fire and first aid departments. The race has raised nearly $20,000 for the two city departments.
Billed as a “run through the streets of South Amboy,” the mostly flat and fast course starts at the corner of Ferris Street and South Pine Avenue. It proceeds south and turns right onto Bordentown Avenue. Runners proceed out and back on John T. O’Leary Boulevard. Runners then make a left on Broadway past the post office, then it is downhill to the finish line near the rear entrance to Frog Hollow.
As in past years, there will be two water stations along the route and timers at each mile. Frog Hollow will host a post-race picnic, beginning at 11 a.m., for all participants. In addition to the 5K, which kicks off at 9, a health and fitness walk will begin at 9:15. A free fun run for kids starts the morning off at 8:30.
McCrone noted that the annual event has a local flair, with many of the participants hailing from the South Amboy, Sayreville and Old Bridge areas. He also noted that several runners have been returning to run and then enjoy the day at the club.
The race was originally a 5-miler with a rather challenging and somewhat hilly course. It had been held on the Fourth of July before being moved to the Saturday before Independence Day several years ago. Like many other area races, the distance was shortened to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in an effort to attract more casual runners.
The 5K and the fitness walk are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the race. Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. To pre-register, visit the club, which is located on Ferris Street just off South Pine Avenue in South Amboy, visit FrogHollowSwim.com or call (732) 721-6592 for more information.