NEPTUNE – Jersey Shore University Medical Center will host its annual Community Day and 5K run/walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 at the medical center, 1945 Route 33.
The day kicks off with a timed 5K run/walk starting at Jersey Shore and continuing through Neptune. The top male and female winners from different age categories will win cash prizes. Registration and check-in for the 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at the main entrance to the hospital. Registration is $25 and can be accessed at www.JerseyShoreUniversityMedical Center.com/5krace. The first 200 registrants will receive a free T-shirt.
After the 5K run/walk, there will be free kids’ races for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Participants can register on the day of the event and all runners will receive medals. Following the races there will be an awards ceremony, a children’s health fair, games, an inflatable play area, face painting, trackless train rides, free food by Branches Catering, music and more. Doctor Bernard, who will be celebrating his 5th birthday with his Pawsitive Action team friends, will also make special appearances throughout the day. Health information and free screenings for blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, stroke and bone density, will be available.
Jersey Shore’s 5K is the third of three races that comprise Meridian Health’s Heart & Sole Cup. Cash prizes are awarded at all three races. The first two races of the Heart & Sole Cup included Bayshore Community Hospital’s 5K and Ocean Medical Center’s 5K, both in June.
“Community Day at Jersey Shore is always a spirited, dynamic celebration of our community,” says Steven G. Littleson, FACHE, president of Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “The Heart & Sole Cup 5K race and other activities, such as the children’s health fair, are fun, interactive ways for us to share information with the community about Jersey Shore’s health care services and expertise,”
Additionally, Jersey Shore’s Community Day will showcase Neptune High School’s “Hurricane Sandy through the Eyes of Neptune’s Next Generation,” a powerful photography exhibit created by the high school’s art students. The exhibit, which has garnered local recognition and media coverage, captures the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy to Ocean Grove, Neptune City and Shark River Hills as seen by the shore community’s young residents.
