The Sheehan Classic has been around for 22 years.
The Asbury Park 5K has existed for 15 years.
This year, the committees for both events are merging them into the Asbury Park Sheehan Classic, a 5K road race scheduled for Aug. 11.
The race on that Saturday will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Event organizers are expecting around 2,500 participants for the mega race. Registration costs $30 through Aug. 7 and will increase to $35 through Aug. 10 and to $40 on race day.
Kids races will immediately follow the 5K, with distances to vary based on each child’s age. All child participants will receive a medal.
The 5K will start in Bradley Park across from Convention Hall. It will proceed through three left turns before taking runners up onto the Boardwalk to cross the finish line.
The course is “fast, flat and friendly,” and spectators “will get to see the runners pass twice,” according to an event press release.
Event shirts, awards and medals will be in tie-dye, in keeping with the Asbury Park 5K’s tradition of festive colors. With the kids race and a post-race party at Robinson’s Ale House, the event should be “fun-filled day for the entire family,” according to the press release.
The Asbury Park Sheehan Classic is the third event in the Jersey Shore Golden Grand Prix, a racing circuit for local runners sponsored by McLoone’s.
The Asbury Park event will raise money for Jersey Shore non-profits like the Asbury Park Music Foundation, Mary’s Place by the Sea and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. Visit www.asburypark5k.org to register online or to request a registration form.
