Belmar Five Mile Run

Thank you for entering the 46th 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.           

T-SHIRT & BIB PICKUP:  All bib and T-Shirt pickups will be available during the hours and locations listed below.  It is strongly encouraged that you pick up your race packet in advance of race day.  You may ALSO pick up your bib and shirt on race day morning from 6:30 am until 9:30 am in the Registration area at Silver Lake Park. Please arrive early on race day. We ask that you bring your confirmation email to expedite bib pickup.  

Race Week Pickup Schedule 
GOODWILL HOSE CO., 610 7TH AVE., BELMAR, NJ
           WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 31) 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BAR ANTICIPATION, 703 16th AVE, LAKE COMO, NJ
           THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 1) 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Steak Night starting at 4PM. Our 8 oz. sirloin steak for only $11.50 with your choice of potato.
SILVER LAKE PARK, OCEAN AVE. BETWEEN 5TH & 6TH AVENUES, BELMAR, NJ 
           FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 2) 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
           SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 3) 6:30 am – 7:45 am

T-SHIRTS:  Every pre-race entrant in the 5 mile race will receive a unisex technical T-shirt designed by Dr. T-Shirt (Pre-race online registration closes Aug. 28). The size selected on your entry will be the size given out.  NO EXCEPTIONS. T-shirts will be available for post/late registered runners while supplies last.  We will have a shirt exchange on race day at the post/late registration tent on race day from 9 am to 9:30 am while supplies last.  Runners are encouraged to pick up their bib and T-shirt before race day to avoid security-related delays.  T-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.  

RACE NUMBER (BIB):  Please check your bib for the 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.  Make sure you are only wearing the B-tag for this event: you will be disqualified for wearing a timing tag from another race.

TRANSFERS:  If you are no longer able to participate in the race, do not simply give your bib to someone. Send an email to: belmarfive@yahoo.com to request the official transfer form to transfer your entry to a friend or colleague. You may also transfer your bib on race day.  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.  There is a $5 transfer fee. Using another person’s bib number without a formal transfer will result in both runners being banned from future events. 

INFORMATION/PROBLEMS:  Check at the “HELP” desk near the registration tent at Silver Lake Park.

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 6th Avenue and the BeImar-Avon Bridge. Please obey all parking rules.  Metered parking will be in effect at 7 am.  We request that you respect the town’s parking rules, nearby residential homes and businesses.

RESTROOMS:  All boardwalk restrooms will be open at 7 am. Portable Restrooms are located in Silver Lake Park, Ocean Ave between 5th & 6th Aves.

GEAR CHECK: Gear check will be located in the Registration area at Silver Lake Park and available beginning at 7:00 am.  All checked gear must be picked up by 9:30 am.

THE START: 8:00 AM - Please arrive at the start line at Ocean Avenue and 2nd Avenue by 7:45 am.  All runners must cross the starting line mats on Ocean Avenue to receive an accurate finish time.  To ensure everybody’s safety, please position yourself at the starting area according to your expected finish time and pace.  The wheelchair division will start first followed by the runners two minutes after the wheelchairs.

STROLLERS/BIKES/ROLLER BLADES:  For the safety of all Belmar 5 runners, the course is restricted to registered runners, wheelchair division athletes & official race personnel.  Bib numbers must be visible on all participants. Baby joggers/strollers, roller blades, in-line skates, skateboards, dogs and bicycles are prohibited in the race.  No backpacks will be allowed.  

HEADPHONES/EAR BUDS: The use of Headphones/Ear Buds are not permitted 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 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.  

FIRST AID:  The medical tent will be located at the finish line area in Silver Lake Park.  In addition, the course will be monitored by local First Aid squads.  It is important to have accurate information in the registration database, which is used by First Aid should the need arise. Your safety is our first concern - please run safely and run smart. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded - STOP.  Look for a course marshal or medical personnel for assistance.   

IMPORTANT MEDICAL TIPS/FIRST AID:  Please put any pertinent medical information on the back of your race bib and accurate information in the registration database.  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.  Look for a course marshal 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.

HOW TO DRESS:  Wear Sunblock.  We recommend SPF 30+, but do not wear waterproof sunblock as it can block your pores and prevent sweating.  Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing that is breathable.  Pin your race bib to your shorts.  This will allow air flow to cool your core.  Protect your eyes with sunglasses or a light weight hat.

HOW TO HYDRATE:  The weather for the Belmar 5 is typically very warm and humid.  It is important to start hydrating a few days prior to the race (we don't mean beer - alcohol consumption is counterproductive!).  When you sweat, your body loses salt or electrolytes.  You will need to replace the extra sodium you are sweating!  Every 20 to 30 minutes during your run, consuming 4 to 6 ounces of water should suffice to prevent dehydration.  However, the amount of water you'll need also depends on the length of your run, the temperature and how much you perspire.  If you're a heavy sweater, increase your consumption to 6 to 8 ounces per 20 to 30 minutes. A good rule of thumb is to drink only when you feel thirst.    On race day, consume 16 oz of fluids 60-90 min prior to the race is best, 4-6 oz if hydrating 30 min prior.  Don't over hydrate (hyponatremia).  

TIMING/FINISH/RESULTS:  There are timing clocks located at each mile marker on the course and at the finish line. When you cross the finish line and the series of transponder mats that 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 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: Time Limit for the Five Mile is 90 minutes.  Preliminary results will be posted on race day at the conclusion of the awards ceremony.  A link for online results can be found  www.belmar5.com 

AWARDS:  Medals will be presented at the end of the finish area to all official finishers.  An awards presentation will be held at the gazebo in Silver Lake Park, beginning at approx. 9:30 am.  Awards will be given to the top five male and female Overall finishers, top five male and female Masters (40 and over) finishers, top 3 male and female in 5 year age groups as well as the first male and female wheelchair and Full-Time Belmar residents.  Awards will not be mailed.  If you are not able to attend the ceremony, please make every effort to have someone pickup your award.    

TEAM COMPETITION:  Registered runners can sign up at www.belmar5.com 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 28.  After that time, no persons or revisions/updates are permitted.  Team competition instructions can be found online at  www.belmar5.com.  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 Silver Lake Park.  Please be considerate of the other runners and only take what you need.  Refreshments are for runners only!

 STRETCHING & MASSAGES:  THRIVE SPINE & SPORTS REHAB, the Jersey Shore’s top sports rehab facility will be onsite providing complimentary pre and post stretching, hypervolt massage and kinesio taping for all participants in need.  NJ AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY will be available to provide massages.
POST RACE ACTIVITIES:  Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave, Lake Como and Joe’s Surf Shack, 415 18th Ave., Lake Como welcome all Belmar 5 runners immediately after the race.  Bar Anticipation will be offering $6 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)

KID’S RACES:  Friday, September 2 at 6:00 pm – Ages 1-12, Distances 25-400 yards.  Online Registration for the Kid's Race is open to pre-register at www.belmar5.com. through August 30.  Post registration will be available at the bib & t-shirt pickup locations from August 31 – September 2.  All kid’s bibs will be held for pickup (see race week schedule). On Friday Evening, late registration for the  kids’ races will be in Silver Lake Park beginning at 4:00 pm.   Kids activities include inflatable slide & bounce house, tattoos, Bessie Boodles the Clown and more.  There will be Fireworks on the beach at 8:30 pm.
DONATIONS:  The Belmar 5 benefits the Belmar Goodwill Hose Co to help defray operating costs of the fire company.  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.  

THANK YOU:   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 Borough’s Police of Belmar, Lake Como and Spring Lake, their 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 – Bar Anticipation, Thrive, Joe’s Surf Shack, Power Crunch, Pringle, Quinn & Anzano, PA, Robert A. Galizio, Esq., NJ Gravel & Sand Co., Kinney Chiropractic, Attilios of Wall, Coastal Kitchens & Baths, Bubbakoos Burritos, Miller Lite, Tailgaters Grill & Scoops, Chef’s International, Marina Grille, D’Jais, FINS Tropical Cuisine, Turnstile Coffee Roasters, Jersey Shore Running Club, Dr. T-Shirt and Natures Corner.  Please support our sponsors.

Dan Napoliton, Race Director
belmarfive@yahoo.com

Eugene Cavanagh
President, Goodwill Hose Co