Spring Lake Five Mile Run: A Feel-Good Event for 46 Years

Now in its 46th year, the Spring Lake Five Mile Run, which began in 1977 as a low-key running race, has grown into one of the largest and best-known 5-mile races in the US. Despite its growth, it has managed to maintain the original low-key character envisioned by its founders.

How has the race maintained its character despite its growth?

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Speak with anyone involved with the race, and you'll hear the same reasons: effort, phenomenal volunteers, and great leadership from the Race Committee. The race's legacy is held tightly to maintain its original concept. Over the years, there has been huge support from the Spring Lake governing body and administration, police, DPW, and recreation staff. The community not only participates in the race but also volunteers, helps raises funds, prepares, and cleans up after the event, with much of this work going unnoticed.

Does it work?

Three reasonable barometers of success are runner demand and retention, successful fundraising for charities, and community engagement and pride.

Runner Demand and Retention: This year, the event sold out to its self-imposed maximum of 12,500 runners within four hours on Super Bowl Sunday. Had registration been left open, the race would likely have exceeded 20,000 runners, making it the largest five-mile race in the country. My household alone, with Villanova and Chatham friends visiting, could have added 20-25 more runners, but they weren't quick enough to register. However, this race has never been about the volume of runners.

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Fundraising: In 2022, the group reorganized under the corporate title of The Friends of the Spring Lake 5, Inc., receiving 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit entity. They committed to maintaining the integrity of the Run, donating all net proceeds to community initiatives and charitable organizations in and around Monmouth County. From 2002-2023, the 5-mile Run has donated $3,323,825 to various organizations. Funds raised this year will benefit close to 25 charity organizations, most within the local communities. The fundraising effort was never built around large corporate sponsors, which could significantly increase funds, but instead focused on maintaining the race's original community involvement intent.

Community Engagement and Pride: The race fosters a special sense of community engagement and pride. Spring Lake resident, photographer of "all things Spring Lake," and 2019 Spring Lake Citizen of the Year, Michael Scotto, remarked, "It is just a feel-good event for all involved. Runners, residents, grandkids visiting their grandparents, current and past Spring Lake residents, and volunteers – this race generates so many good memories about Spring Lake."

The upcoming May 25, 2024, race will be the 46th running of the Spring Lake Five Mile Run. According to The Friends of Spring Lake 5 website, "More importantly, it will continue to welcome runners and walkers of all ability levels and treat each of them like champions. This concept of welcoming every participant, whether a five- or fifteen-minute per mile runner, is integral to the race’s mission. This low-key accessibility is the foundation of the race’s success and has caught the eye of the national running media."

Here's to kicking off the summer of 2024 for the 46th time, led by the Spring Lake Five Mile Run.

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