Run The Hook 5K/10K returns to one of the Jersey Shore’s most historic locations for a race to keep our oceans wild and pollution free. The race will take place on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Sandy Hook National Park and is pleased to announce that the event will be 100% free of single-use plastics.

With an expected attendance of 1,700 participants, the race challenges runners and walkers of all abilities to complete a 5K or 10K course in support of local charity, Clean Ocean Action, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to restoring, improving, and protecting the water quality of New Jersey’s oceans. A portion of the proceeds from the race will go directly to the charity to support their work in the local community. The race also has several merchandise items for sale including hats, socks, and reusable water bottles that keep drinks cold for 24 hours so you can go plastic-free and stay hydrated on the go.

Registration for the event is sold out in advance for the third year in a row. All runners will receive a t-shirt, 16 oz finisher’s glass, closed scenic course in Sandy Hook National Park, chip timed results, and access to the after party at Donovan’s Reef with their registration. Runners also have the opportunity to raise additional funds through friends and family using CrowdRise, with 100% of these donations going directly to Clean Ocean Action.

Speaking about the event, race organizer Joey Garofalo of Little Silver noted, “It’s humbling to see such an amazing response to the race year after year. Each year gets better and better and I’m honored to be able to support an organization like Clean Ocean Action. Ocean conservation is something we can all get behind in this community and it’s great to see the result of their hard work directly benefitting the local area. We encourage everyone to come out and make the event a family outing. You can run with the kids or enjoy the scenic waterfront course with Mom. Either way, celebrate Mother’s Day by supporting Mother Earth!”

“As runners compete to perform their best at Run the Hook, Clean Ocean Action races to ensure the ocean is protected from threats such as marine pollution, offshore oil and gas proposals, and poor water quality. With an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering the ocean annually, plastic pollution stands as one of the greatest threats facing our ocean today. In fact, over 315,589 plastics were removed from New Jersey beaches just last year,” said Tory Woods, Development Director for Clean Ocean Action, “COA is honored to partner with Run the Hook as we work to set the standard in the industry for sustainability and eliminating single-use plastics from race events. Together, we are racing for an ocean that is pollution free!”