Area residents invited to 5K in South Amboy
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
Between 150 and 200 runners are expected to compete in the Frog Hollow Swim & Tennis Club's 33rd annual Independence 5K Run and Health Walk on Saturday in South Amboy.

The course runs along Raritan Bay Waterfront Park and then through the streets of South Amboy before finishing at the club.

Race Director Dan McCrone noted that the numbers have remained consistent over the years, with an additional 30-40 people participating in the health walk. Many of the runners come from Sayreville, Old Bridge and South Amboy, but he is hoping to draw from other area towns as well. He noted that about a dozen runners travel from Manhattan each year for the race.

"It's a nice course that runs along the waterfront," he said. "People seem to like it, and after the race they can stay and use the club's facilities for the day.

Proceeds from this year's event will again be donated to South Amboy's first aid and fire departments. Since the race became a charity event several years ago, more than $11,000 has been donated to the fire and first aid departments.

For many years, the Frog Hollow race was a very challenging 5-miler that included several hills. Following the trend of shorter races, organizers switched to the 5K format five years ago.N

ow the course is relatively flat with a downhill ending to the finish line near the rear entrance to Frog Hollow. Runners will start at the corner of Ferris Street and South Pine Avenue. After making a right onto Bordentown Avenue, they will proceed to John T. O'Leary Boulevard and then make their way through the park before returning to O'Leary Boulevard, then left on Broadway, past the post office, and on to the finish line.

There will be two water stops along the route and timers at each mile. Participants can partake in a post-race picnic, which begins at 11 a.m., and may use the swim club's facilities for the day. Medals will be awarded in a wide variety of age groups.

The race fee is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the race. To preregister, visit the club, which is off Feltus Street in South Amboy, visit www.froghollowswim.com, or call 732- 721-6592 for more information. The fees are the same for the 5K Health Walk that begins at 9:15 a.m. Pre-registrants for both events will receive Tshirts, race day registrants will receive shirts while they last. There's also a free kids fun run, which begins at 8:30 a.m.