OCEAN COUNTY – It takes a lot of muscle, endurance and determination to complete a 5K. It takes a lot of heart just to show up.
About 400 runners did show up to the 5K River to the Bay held by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River. It was a cool, hazy morning. Before the shotgun start, runners could be seen jumping in place or stretching out – perhaps they were getting ready, perhaps they were keeping warm.
The residents came from all over the state, like Dennis McNerney who has a house in Toms River but lives in Ho-ho-kus.
He didn’t mind the weather. He participated for a good day out, a beautiful course, and the health benefits of running.
Medical experts say running just a little every day greatly reduces the chances of cardiovascular disease and other ailments.
These outings are also good for the health and wellbeing of children, because the Kiwanis Club uses the funds from this to support their needs, said club President Kim Vieth.
In the past, they’ve built playgrounds with this money, or donated it to other nonprofits that share a similar vision, such as 21Plus or Ocean’s Harbor House, she said. Another goal of Kiwanis is to do service projects, helping out in the community, such as joining Habitat for Humanity when they build homes.
“This is our main fundraiser,” she said, estimating that it brought in about $10,000. “We’re so grateful to the community who continues to help us raise money. In a year where people’s disposable income is hurting, it’s even more meaningful.”
This was the 34th annual River to the Bay race, and some of these runners have attended many times over the years.
Nancy Wetmore came from Galloway. She said she used to do the run for many years but the last one was in 2010. It was the last one she ran with her father, Anthony Basile of Toms River. He passed away later that year.
“That’s why we’re back,” she said about herself and her husband. It is in her father’s honor that she’s going to keep on running to keep him in her heart.
