Shore News
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| Goals, Incentives, Sponsorships and More
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OUR GOAL
Last year we raised over $37,000 but we want to surpass this figure in 2009.
Our goal for 2009 is $50,000.
Together we can make this happen.
INCENTIVES: If you need even more reason to run check out our amazing incentives which range from duffels and hats to lodging and airfare reimbursement.
SPONSORSHIPS: Because we are a benefitting
sponsor of the Asbury Park Half Marathon, 100 percent of any sponsorship money we
bring in goes directly to fund NF research and medical programs. This is
a rare opportunity that has been given us by the Jersey Shore Running Club
that does not come along very often. Please help us make the most of it
by sharing our Sponsorship Opportunities with local
businesses and/or any other potential
sponsors.
FLYER: Please help us increase public awareness of NF and
participation in the weekend's events by sharing and/or printing and posting our flyer around your area where people will see
it.
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Volunteers Needed!
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Even if you don't feel like participating in the race, there is still a spot for you to help. We need all the volunteers we can get helping out on
the course. In addition, there may be some need of volunteers to staff a "booth" in Convention
Hall.
Volunteer Sign-up sheet
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NF Video
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Here is the link to an informational and
inspirational NF video:
CTF Video
If you have a video story to share about your NF Hero please e-mail Emily Brown at ebrown@ctf.org
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Q & A WITH THE TEAM CAPTAINS
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John and Florence McCarthy are back to captain the 2009 NF Endurance Jersey Shore team. Here is what they had to say about the event, which is a family favorite for the McCarthy's.
Q. Why is this an event that you look forward to doing every year?
A. The course runs along the Jersey Shore beaches making it a beautiful course. The Jersey Shore is a fun and relaxed family environment and the race is well organized with the help of volunteers and course support. In addition, it has become an event in which we see many familiar faces; many runners return each year and bring along others as well. Our first NF Jersey Shore relay team started with a single 5-person relay team four years ago. Each of these runners has returned every year. Last year there were over 100 NF Endurance runners on the course, which was more than any other group.
Q. What makes this weekend special for you?
A. We have raced all over the country and based on what we have seen, this is a unique race. Between the relay, the full marathon, the three mile walk and new half marathon, there is something for everyone. Each relay team provides its own transportation and rides in convoys as they wait for team members to enter the transition area and pass the baton. The camaraderie with the members of the other teams at each transition is phenomenal. For the last two years the temperatures have been comfortable for running in the morning and then perfect for hitting the beach in the afternoon. The post race party at the historic Convention Hall in Asbury Park is fantastic with a free concert, buffet lunch and drinks for all runners. The finish line is like a party because you can watch all the teams (especially those in the crazy costumes) finish the race. It is such a great feeling to reunite with all the NF runners at the end of the race along the boardwalk by the beach. 
Q. Is it a family oriented weekend?
A. Absolutely! In fact, kids can participate in the three mile walk for free and there are always ways for kids to participate as volunteers and cheerleaders along the course. Last year the Velasquez family, from Dexter, N.Y., ran the whole relay as a team by having a different kid run each leg of the race while Mom, Diantha, ran the entire 26.2 miles, each leg with a different one of her kids -- what an emotional finish. We also had two other families that had one member run each leg of the race: the Hardy's and the Kendra's of Pennsylvania. Last year at the pasta dinner was the first time for some of the NF Families to ever meet other people with NF1 and NF2. It was great to see kids with NF playing together and sharing a common bond that inspired everyone in the room.
Q. Why do you run for NF and what does it mean for you to be able to show Aidan that you are trying to make a difference for others like her who have NF?
A. We run for NF because our 8-year-old daughter, Aidan, has NF1. Aidan was diagnosed at four months of age and for the next three years we struggled to understand and deal with her diagnosis. We felt isolated and scared. In 2003 we found the Children's Tumor Foundation (then NNFF). We felt the isolation lifting. In 2004 we learned about the NF Marathon Team. Florence was determined to do something. She ran the NYC Marathon and together we raised over $20,000 for NF research. We felt empowered to do more. We have been running and fundraising ever since. Aidan pushes on despite the pain of tumors and other daily challenges that NF has thrown in her path. She is brave and tenacious in her determination to not let NF dictate her life, but rather she will dictate what she will do in spite of NF. Aidan and her sister (who does not have NF) come to most NF races and pasta dinners with us. They understand that we are trying to help all people with NF by running and raising money for NF research. That is what keeps us going. We can't give up, whether it is a tough race, bad weather, training injuries or continually asking friends for another donation; we cannot stop. As parents, how can we help Aidan persevere through the tough times that are yet to come if we do not keep going when things are tough for us? The physical and mental challenges of endurance events help make us stronger so that we can be strong for Aidan when she needs it the most.
Q. Do you have a favorite Jersey Shore memory?
A. Our favorite Jersey Shore memory was watching one of our NF heroes, Arianna Kendra, finish the final leg of the relay for "Ari's  Angels," less than two years after spinal surgery to fuse her spine. Ari had 14 spinal surgeries due to the curvature of her spine that was caused by NF. We still get emotional when we look at that picture because it is such an inspiring lesson in overcoming the obstacles that life throws in our paths.
Q. How would you describe the weekend to someone that has not been there -- anything unusual?
A. Everything is unusual! The main point of this is to have fun. you get to run through all the picturesque Jersey Shore towns that stretch along the ocean between Seaside Heights, N.J., and Asbury Park, N.J. You get to see places that many people have only heard about: Point Pleasant, Belmar, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon, Manasquan and Spring Lake. You can even jog past the historic Stone Pony where Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny got their start. Each team of five runners drives to the start in Seaside Heights, checks in, and sees their first runner embark on Leg 1. Then, the other four runners pile back into the car and drive six miles up to the first exchange area. Everyone piles out and cheers the first runner in and then the second runner is off. You quickly realize that all of the other cars along the beach roads are doing the same thing and the mood turns festive. The particularly exciting final exchange area in Belmar is just three miles to the finish at historic Convention Hall on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. The after-party, is well, with free food and beer and a live band, you can only imagine the fun. Then it is a fun afternoon on the beach and boardwalk. This year, the addition of the inaugural Asbury Park half marathon to benefit both the CTF and Special Olympics, will bring new elements of fun and challenge. Lastly, the traditional "Jersey Shore Relay" long-sleeved mock Tee shirts are quite a collector's item. Runners participating in the new half marathon will get a dri-release technical shirt.
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Race Information
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The 13th Annual Jersey Shore Relay: April 18, 2009
The course is primarily along the ocean. Enjoy views of the Atlantic as you run on the boardwalk or an ocean front road.
BRIEF HISTORY: Sponsored by the Jersey Shore Running Club, the Relay was first held in April of 1997 to benefit the Special Olympics. Each year since the race has grown in number of teams and dollars and raised.
TEAM PASTA DINNER: There will be a pasta dinner on Friday, April 17, 2009 (which is the weekend after Easter and after the end of Passover) for all the runners and their guests. The first pasta dinner for this race a few years ago had 30 guests. In 2008, 120 people attended the pasta dinner at a club in Belmar. This year, with the addition of the half marathon, we hope to make this a huge event for the Northeast NF community.
HOTEL INFORMATION: There is a
room block at the Berkeley Hotel Asbury Park for $99 plus tax per night ($20
per additional person) under "Jersey Shore Relay." 732.776.6700
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:Please go here and
follow the instructions step-by-step. For your reference, here are some
of the registration forms we refer to in the
instructions:
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New This Year: Asbury Park Half Marathon
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Race Will Also Benefit CTF!
WHAT: A half marathon to benefit the Children's Tumor Foundation. This half marathon will be Certified as a NYC Marathon Qualifier.
WHEN: Registration and Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30 a.m.
WHY: To help CTF...and...enjoy a party and concert at the finish line  in Convention Hall. For those that enter before the race, you will receive a Dri Release Shirt. There will also be overall and age group awards.
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS: Registration
Instructions - Please go here and
follow the instructions step-by-step. For your reference, here are some
of the registration forms we refer to in the
instructions: |
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