AVON-BY-THE-SEA — The 29th annual Avon 5K Run/Walk, benefiting the Avon Volunteer First Aid Squad, is set to take off from Ocean and Norwood avenues on May 31 at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine.
Due to the event’s increased popularity with support from community members, this year organizers have increased the registration cap to 1,800. There were 551 spots available as of press time Wednesday.
“Last year, we had capped it at 1,600 runners and we sold out before the day of the race,” said John Kennedy, race co-director alongside Fred Mayer. “We decided that we could increase the cap this year to 1,800 and hopefully we will sell out again.”
The 3.1-mile race following a flat, partially shaded course through scenic Avon costs $30 per runner or walker, with prices increasing for those who register at runsignup.com after May 30.
In honor of the borough’s 125th anniversary this year, the race T-shirts will feature a specially-printed design logo created by the historical society, which are guaranteed to the first 1,500 registered runners. The shirts can be picked up on Thursday, May 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Friday, May 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Avon First Aid Building, 520 Main St. Late pickup is scheduled for the day of the race between 7 and 8:30 a.m. at the boardwalk pavilion located on Norwood Avenue.
This event is one of the largest fundraisers for the volunteer Avon First Aid Squad, with all proceeds going directly back to the squad to assist with operations and upgrades to its 2004 rig.
Since 1931, the Avon Volunteer First Aid Squad nonprofit organization has provided emergency medical and rescue services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no charge, to residents and visitors of Avon-By-The-Sea. The squad is staffed by volunteer EMTs and relies entirely on charitable contributions for all operating expenses, according to the squad.
“We have two ambulances that we run. One of them is over 20 years old now, it’s a 2004, and it’s showing its age,” said Kennedy. “It needs mechanical repairs…some of the electrical system in the rig needs to be updated.”
Check out our other Avon-by-the-Sea stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Coast Star—on newsstands Thursday or online in our e-Edition.
Subscribe today! If you're not already an annual subscriber to The Coast Star, get your subscription today! For just $38 per year, you will receive local mail delivery weekly, with pages and pages of local news and online access to our e-edition on Starnewsgroup.com.
 6x10 4c.jpg)
