MIDDLETOWN, N.J.--Gov. Phil Murphy laced up his running shoes on Sunday morning and headed to Bodman Park to run Jersey Shore Running Club’s (JSRC’s) annual Navesink Challenge 5K.
Murphy, 61, who lives less than half-a-mile from the starting line, said he’s never run the Navesink Challenge 5K in the past, but recalled running “the 15K at Bayshore Middle School a couple years ago” with his family, who also joined him on Sunday to tackle the scenic country roads featuring hilly sections through properties in Huber Woods, and along Cooper/Browns Dock Roads.
“Very special,” he said of the event, and corresponding sunny day. “(And) it’s right here where we live in Middletown.”
Crossing the finish line in 29-minutes, 39 seconds -- averaging nine and-a-half minutes per mile -- the governor scored third, out of 11, for the 60 to 69 age bracket, or 192nd place of 416, overall.
“The Navesink Challenge is celebrated for its location along one of the prettiest courses in Monmouth County, through the woods and back roads of Navesink, stated JSRC.
The day includes two races: A challenging 15K run that began at 10 a.m. and the 5K run/walk that started 10-minutes after the 15K. Both courses were out-and-back, with one turn around.
Proceeds from the Navesink Challenge benefit Middletown Youth Athletic Association, Monmouth Conservation Foundation, and local first responders, among other nonprofits, noted JSRC, adding that its event has raised more than $120,000 for its beneficiaries, since 2010.
-Dave Schatz