RUNNER INSTRUCTIONS
Runners' Information
Thank you for entering the 49th Annual Belmar Five Mile Run. We thank you for your support and we wish you a great race! The race will be held Rain or Shine. Please take a few minutes to read this information sheet to familiarize yourself with the instructions below.
RACE NUMBER (BIB)
Race number bibs were mailed to the address listed on the RunSignUp registration to all registrants who registered by July 31. Registrants who register on or after August 1 will be able to pick their bibs at the pickup locations on the dates listed below. All Belmar 5 Kid's Race bibs will be held for pickup during race week. Each year we have more and more bibs either returned to us or lost in the mail because of improper addresses. Returned bibs WILL NOT be re-mailed. If you registered by July 31 and have not received your bib, please go to the help table at the pickup locations on the dates listed below to receive a replacement bib.
Please take a moment check your bib for correct info for your name, age and gender. Your race number with a timing tag (B-Tag) is affixed to the of the back race number. Do not remove the tag. You must wear your race bib to be allowed on the race course. Be sure your bib is clearly visible on the front of your torso, uncovered, unaltered or unmodified (do not fold or wrinkle) and pinned in all four corners. You must wear the race bib and B-Tag or you will not be scored or receive and accurate time. If lost, bring a copy of your registration confirmation email. Transfer information can be found on the race website. Using another person’s bib number without a formal transfer will result in both runners being banned from future events.
T-SHIRT & RACE NUMBER (BIB) PICKUP
Bib and shirt pickups will be available during the hours and locations listed below. To avoid long lines on race day it is strongly encouraged that you pick up your race packet in advance of race day. Please arrive early on race day. We ask that you bring your confirmation email to expedite bib pickup. Important: You must bring your actual race number bib with you to pick-up your shirt (5 Mile). Every pre-race entrant in the 5 mile race will receive a technical t-shirt designed by Dr. T-Shirt (Pre-race online registration closes Aug. 25). The size selected on your entry will be the size given out. NO EXCEPTIONS. Shirts must be picked up by 9:30 am race day, after which shirts will be given to late registrants who did not receive a t-shirt and volunteers. NO EXCEPTIONS, NO MAILINGS. Shirts will be available for post/late registered runners while supplies last. We will have a shirt exchange at the post/late registration table in Taylor Pavilion on race day from 9 am to 9:30 am while supplies last.
BELMAR 5 MILE & KID'S RACES LATE REGISTRATION, T-SHIRT AND RACE BIB # PICKUP SCHEDULE
***Important: 5 Mile-You must bring your actual race number bib with you to pick-up your shirt.
***Please bring your confirmation email to expedite bib pickup.
***Note that on Friday Aug 30, Bib & Shirt pickup for Kid’s Race & Belmar are different locations.
Wednesday August 27 5-7:30 pm Goodwill Hose Co., 610 7th Ave, Belmar
Thursday August 28 5-7 pm Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave, Lake Como
Friday-5 Mile August 29 4:30-7 pm Taylor Pavilion, Ocean Ave at 5th & 6th Aves, Belmar
Saturday August 30 6:30-7:45 am Taylor Pavilion
Kid's Races
Friday August 29 5:00-6:15 pm Silver Lake Park, Ocean Ave at 5th & 6th Aves
TRANSFERS/UNOFFICIAL RUNNERS
Unregistered runners are prohibited from running the event. If you are a registered runner, and are no longer able to participate in the race, do not simply give your bib to someone – transfers can be completed online at www.belmar5.com in person at the bib pickup during race week. It is important for all runners to note that the race must have the proper information of the person that will be running in the race for Homeland Security and First Aid identification if the need should arise. Using another person’s bib number without an official transfer will result in both runners being banned from future events. There will be no refunds issued by the race. Any payment arrangements for the bib transfer must be made between the original registrant and the new recipient.
INFORMATION/PROBLEMS
Check at the “HELP” table in Taylor Pavilion across from Silver Lake Park (during late registration and bib & t-shirt pickup on Friday and Saturday only).
DIRECTIONS
From the Garden State Parkway: Take Exit 98, Route 195/138 East to Route 35 North. You can turn right onto 8th, 10th, 12th or 16th Avenues and continue East toward Ocean Ave. Silver Lake Park is located on Ocean Ave between 5th and 6th Aves. (use 501 Ocean Avenue for GPS). See Parking instructions below.
PARKING
ARRIVE EARLY - Allow extra time as parking in Belmar is limited this time of the year. Note that there will be street closures along the race course starting at 6:30 am. Do Not attempt to drive into these areas. There will be restricted parking along the race course. There will be no parking on Ocean Ave between 10th Avenue and the BeImar-Avon Bridge. Vehicles parked in no parking or restricted areas on the course WILL BE TOWED. Obey all parking rules. Metered parking will in effect at 7 am. We request that you respect the town’s parking rules, nearby residential homes and businesses.
RESTROOMS
Portable Restrooms are located in Silver Lake Park, Ocean Ave between 5th & 6th Aves.
All boardwalk restrooms will be open at 7 am.
BAGGAGE CHECK
There will be a complimentary baggage check for runners, in Silver Lake Park, across from Taylor Pavilion beginning at 7:00 am. All checked gear must be picked up by 9:30 am.
THE START
Start time is 8:00 am. The start is located on Ocean Avenue at 2nd Avenue. Please arrive at the start line by 7:45 am. To ensure everyone’s safety, position yourself at the starting area according to your expected time and pace. Do not start in the front of the race unless you have the ability to be a top finisher of the race. Run one or two abreast. Do not run 2-3 people across and block the course for others. The wheelchair division will start first followed by the runners two minutes after the wheelchairs. All runners must cross the starting line mats on Ocean Avenue to receive an be accurate finish time.
STROLLERS/BIKES/ROLLER BLADES
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all Belmar 5 runners and the children, the course is restricted to registered runners, wheelchair division athletes & official race personnel. No children under 8 years old are allowed on the race course in any type of baby strollers/joggers or baby carriers. Do not have children or other family members jump in to finish with you. Unregistered participants, unauthorized vehicles, baby strollers/joggers, roller blades, in-line skates, skateboards, pets and bicycles are also prohibited in the race and will be removed from the race course. Bib numbers must be visible on all participants. Only the registered runner will be permitted to cross the finish line. No backpacks will be allowed. We ask your cooperation.
HEADPHONES/EAR BUDS
The use of Headphones/Ear Buds are strongly discouraged in order to be able to hear instructions from Police, Homeland Security, First Aid and Race Officials.
WATER STOPS
There will be four water stops on the course, as well as one at the finish area in Silver Lake Park. It is important for runners to make sure you are well hydrated prior to, during and after the race. Racing in warm weather can be dangerous if you do not use good judgment. Be careful. If you feel overheated, slow down. No race is worth physical injury. Be aware when going through water stations. Please do not stop suddenly in the middle of the course if you need to get a drink of water. Try to keep moving and stay to the side. We ask you to try to aim your water cup to/towards the side of the road, so that others do not slip on it and won’t splash all over the person behind you when it hits the ground. STAY HYDRATED!
FIRST AID
First Aid will be located near the finish line area at Silver Lake Park. In addition, the course will be monitored by local First Aid squads. Your safety is our first concern - please run safely and run smart. Look for course marshals or medical personnel for assistance if you do not feel well. The course will be monitored by local First Aid squads and at the finish line.
IMPORTANT MEDICAL TIPS
It is important to have accurate information in the registration database, which is used by First Aid should the need arise. Please put any pertinent medical information on the back of your race bib and accurate information in the registration database. The weather for the Belmar 5 during the summer months is typically very warm and humid. Participants should drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic) for 48 hours prior to, during and upon finishing the race. Beware of heat-injury symptoms (dizziness, no sweating, nausea, cramps, redness, incoherent speech and thoughts). Seek immediate assistance if symptoms occur. Wear sunblock (SPF 30+), breathable, loose, light-colored clothing, sunglasses and a light weight hat. Please run safely and run smart. Listen to your body. Always take your breaks in the shade. Recognize heat stroke. Dizziness, Confusion, Nausea, Muscle Cramping are common signs of heat stroke. STOP.
TIMING/FINISH/RESULTS
There are digital timing clocks located at each mile marker on the course and at the finish line. For safety reasons, remove headphones before crossing the finish line. When you cross the finish line, a series of transponder mats determine your net time, keep moving to allow room for others to complete their runs. Do not cross the finish line a second time. Look at the clock for your time as you finish. Only registered runners are allowed into the finishing chutes. All unregistered runners will be disqualified and ineligible for any awards. Top men and women have separate finishing chutes. Women will finish on the left and men on the right. NOTE: For the safety of all participants, volunteers, residents and race personnel, there is a 90-minute time limit for the Five Mile Run (18 min/mile pace maximum). Preliminary results will be posted on race day by Elite Racing in the Silver Lake Park finish line area. A link for online results can be found at
https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/9379
PRIZE MONEY & AWARDS
Medals will be presented at the end of the finish line area to all official finishers. An awards presentation will be held at the gazebo in Silver Lake Park, beginning at approx. 9:30 am. All scoring is required to be GUN TIME. We will provide chip time, but official scoring is required to be by gun start. Awards will be given to the top 3 Open Male and Female finishers, top 3 Male and Female Masters (40 and over) finishers, and top 3 Male and Female in each age group: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89 and 90+ as well as the first Male and Female wheelchair and Full-Time Belmar residents. No duplicate awards. Awards will not be mailed. If you are not able to attend the ceremony, please make every effort to have someone pickup your award.
Prize money will be mailed as follows (after results are verified):
2025 BELMAR PRIZE MONEY - $1600
Overall Top 3 Male/Female - $900
Place: 1-$200, 2-$150, 3-$100
Masters (40 and over) Top 3 Male/Female - $600
Place: 1-$150, 2-$100, 3-$50
Belmar Full Time Resident - $50
Top Male /Female $25
Wheelchair - $50
Top Male /Female $25
TEAM COMPETITION & AWARDS
Registered runners can sign up online for our fun team categories. You must have a minimum of 4 persons to be eligible for a team award. The top 4 finishers will be averaged for team scoring. All teams must be entered by Sunday August 25. After that time, no persons or revisions/updates are permitted. Team awards will be presented at Bar Anticipation at 11:00 am on race day.
FOOD & REFRESHMENTS
Complimentary post-race food & refreshments for all registrants will be available at the food tent in the finish line area at Silver Lake Park. The race director has ordered food according to the number of participants. Please be considerate of the other runners and only take one of each item that you need. Refreshments are for runners only! This year’s race will feature Jersey Mike’s Subs.
STRETCHING & MASSAGES
Twin Boro Physical Therapy and Alliance Orthopedics will be onsite providing complimentary pre and post stretching for all participants in need.
POST RACE ACTIVITIES
Silver Lake post-race expo includes food, drinks and lots of vendors. Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave, Lake Como welcome all Belmar 5 runners immediately after the race. Bar Anticipation will be offering $3.50 Miller Lite draft beer and $6.50 Bloody Mary Specials, a complimentary BBQ (must show your race bib) and entertainment. Team awards presentation and lots of random gift card prizes donated by local merchants and two bicycles compliments of Miller Lite will take place at Bar Anticipation at 11:00 am (winners must be present to be eligible). Come celebrate your race with friends, family and fellow runners.
DONATIONS
The Belmar Goodwill Hose Co is a 100% volunteer-based organization providing round-the-clock fire services, ensuring every call for help is answered with speed and professionalism to over 4,900 homes and businesses with the goal of ensuring safety and security to Belmar’s inhabitants, visitors and business operators. Contributions are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the department’s operational capabilities. Please consider making a donation during registration to support the volunteer first responders who have provided emergency fire services to our community for over 120 years.
2024 CHAMPIONS:
Overall Winners:
Alex Carideo 25:37/ Erica Fluehr 28:21
Masters Winners (40 & Over):
Marc Blanco 28:02/Kiera Russo 30:38
2024 Belmar Resident Winners:
Jack Tarpey 30:53/Kari Hullen 35:34
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT MADE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE. PLEASE SUPPORT THEM.
This race would not be possible without the help and support of the many volunteers, sponsors and organizations that help make this one the premier events at the Jersey Shore. They deserve your cooperation, gratitude and support. Many thanks to the Belmar, Lake Como and Spring Lake Police, Fire, First Aid and Public Works Departments. Thank you to all the Belmar 5 participants and local merchants who made very generous donations, and to our primary sponsors – Alliance Orthopedics, Bar Anticipation, Chef's International (Marina Grille), Coastal Kitchens & Baths, D'Jais, Doctor T-Shirt, FINS, Health Village Imaging, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Joe's Surf Shack (Fahey Restaurant Group), Like Air Puffcorn, Miller Lite, NJ Gravel & Sand, NJ Natural Gas Co, NJ Sharing Network, Poland Spring, Robert Galizio, Esq., SETS, Sumo Hibachi & Steakhouse, Twin Boro Physical Therapy and Turnstile Coffee Roasters. Please support our sponsors.
VOLUNTEERS
There are over 200 volunteers that are needed to make this race go smoothly. Thank them, appreciate them and consider volunteering yourself. Many thanks to the Jersey Shore Running Club, Freehold Area Running Club, Ocean Running Club, Belmar Elementary School, Belmar Junior Life Guards, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, NJ Natural Gas, Middletown South High School Cross Country Girls Team and Spectrum Plastics.
Dan Napoliton Eugene “Chip” Cavanagh
Race Director President, Goodwill Hose Co
BELMAR 5 COURSE MAP
