Ship Bottom Sprint for Life
- Date Sat 18th April 2026
- Time 12:00PM EDT
- Location Ship Bottom, New Jersey
- Price $18.00 - $33.50
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Get ready for an inspiring and uplifting day at the Ship Bottom Sprint for Life on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in beautiful Harvey Cedars, Ocean. This annual event, which began in 2001, has raised over $150,000 for cancer research and support, and this year it proudly benefits Davids Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation. Participants can choose from a 5K run, a fitness walk, or the Kidz Mini Sprint, ensuring a fun experience for all ages and fitness levels.
Registration kicks off at 10:00 AM at the 10th Street boat ramp, with the Kidz Mini Sprint starting at noon, followed by the 5K Run at 12:30 PM and the Fitness Walk at 12:31 PM. With a backdrop of the scenic Long Beach Island, this event not only promotes physical wellness but also fosters community spirit as participants come together to honor loved ones impacted by cancer. Join us for a memorable day filled with camaraderie, hope, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of local families facing cancer challenges. Lace up your sneakers and be part of this incredible cause!
Registration kicks off at 10:00 AM at the 10th Street boat ramp, with the Kidz Mini Sprint starting at noon, followed by the 5K Run at 12:30 PM and the Fitness Walk at 12:31 PM. With a backdrop of the scenic Long Beach Island, this event not only promotes physical wellness but also fosters community spirit as participants come together to honor loved ones impacted by cancer. Join us for a memorable day filled with camaraderie, hope, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of local families facing cancer challenges. Lace up your sneakers and be part of this incredible cause!
Organiser's Description
THE SPRINT IS SPONSORED BY
The Borough of Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island PBA 175, The Van Dyk Group, and many others; please check out our Sponsor Page [https://shipbottomsprint.com/sponsors/]
ABOUT THE RACE
_By Jim & Denise Harrington, Race Directors_
The Ship Bottom Sprint for Life was established by Maria Pennisi in 2001 in honor of her father, Vito Vic Pennisi, who passed away from Leukemia in 2009. Twenty-three years and over $150,000 donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society later, Maria wanted to shift the focus of the Sprint. In an effort to help a local cancer foundation near and dear to the community, she turned to Davids Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation to become the new beneficiary of the Sprint. Together, Maria and David came to us Jim and Denise Harrington to ask if we would be willing to become the Race Directors.
In late spring 2019, our son, Patrick, was diagnosed with a rare form of Lymphoma. He was fortunate to have incredible support from several local organizations, one of which was Davids Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation. Davids provided financial support when Patrick was unable to work, but the emotional support given through visits, calls, texts, cards, and letters was just as important. When we were asked to take over The Sprint, we knew we could not say no and it would be a way for us to honor Patrick, who passed away on December 22, 2020. Since its inception, the Sprint has had thousands of loyal and faithful participants. It was a race that Pat had run with his fellow Ship Bottom Lifeguards and friends from the LBI surfing community. Since his passing, those friends have continued to support the Sprint in his honor and we are proud that Patricks name will be included next to Vic Pennisis as an honoree of the Sprint.
To continue the legacy of the Sprint, there will be a donation made to the LLS in memory of Vic and Patrick with a portion of the funds raised. The remaining funds will be dedicated to the Davids Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation to continue their tireless work in assisting local families who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Please join us for a memorable day. Whether you run or walk, no matter how you finish, know that each step will help patients and families who are in their own battle.
ITINERARY
10:00 AM Registration / Packet Pick-up begins at the 10th Street boat ramp
12:00 PM Start time Kidz Mini Sprint
12:30 PM Start time 5k Run
12:31 PM Start time Fitness Walk
REGISTRATION
DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM (LINK COMING SHORTLY) mail check payable to SHIP BOTTOM SPRINT, 365 W. 12th Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008.
ENTRY FEES
5K or Fitness Walk - $30 by April 5, 2026; $35 after 4/5 and on Race Day
Walkers and Runners under 12 - $24
Kidz Mini Sprint - $15 (includes short sleeve t-shirt and medal)
5K AWARDS
1, 2, 3 overall M and F; medals for top three in 10 year age increments
AMENITIES
Long-sleeved t-shirt guaranteed to all pre-registrants (before 4/5/26). Post event activities details to be announced
DIRECTIONS
Garden State Parkway to Exit 63, Rt 72 East onto Long Beach Island. Right at first light (Barnegat Ave). Then first right onto 10th Street, follow to the bay. Signs will be posted. Parking at Ship Bottom Boat Ramp 10th Street on the bay; race to begin on 11th Street.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Results will be available on website
* Race scored by DQ EVENTS [https://www.dqevents.com/]
* Event promoters have the right to alter or cancel events for any reason
_CHECK OUT THE LOCAL WEATHER AT WWW.LBIWEATHER.COM [https://lbiweather.com/]_
The Borough of Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island PBA 175, The Van Dyk Group, and many others; please check out our Sponsor Page [https://shipbottomsprint.com/sponsors/]
ABOUT THE RACE
_By Jim & Denise Harrington, Race Directors_
The Ship Bottom Sprint for Life was established by Maria Pennisi in 2001 in honor of her father, Vito Vic Pennisi, who passed away from Leukemia in 2009. Twenty-three years and over $150,000 donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society later, Maria wanted to shift the focus of the Sprint. In an effort to help a local cancer foundation near and dear to the community, she turned to Davids Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation to become the new beneficiary of the Sprint. Together, Maria and David came to us Jim and Denise Harrington to ask if we would be willing to become the Race Directors.
In late spring 2019, our son, Patrick, was diagnosed with a rare form of Lymphoma. He was fortunate to have incredible support from several local organizations, one of which was Davids Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation. Davids provided financial support when Patrick was unable to work, but the emotional support given through visits, calls, texts, cards, and letters was just as important. When we were asked to take over The Sprint, we knew we could not say no and it would be a way for us to honor Patrick, who passed away on December 22, 2020. Since its inception, the Sprint has had thousands of loyal and faithful participants. It was a race that Pat had run with his fellow Ship Bottom Lifeguards and friends from the LBI surfing community. Since his passing, those friends have continued to support the Sprint in his honor and we are proud that Patricks name will be included next to Vic Pennisis as an honoree of the Sprint.
To continue the legacy of the Sprint, there will be a donation made to the LLS in memory of Vic and Patrick with a portion of the funds raised. The remaining funds will be dedicated to the Davids Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation to continue their tireless work in assisting local families who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Please join us for a memorable day. Whether you run or walk, no matter how you finish, know that each step will help patients and families who are in their own battle.
ITINERARY
10:00 AM Registration / Packet Pick-up begins at the 10th Street boat ramp
12:00 PM Start time Kidz Mini Sprint
12:30 PM Start time 5k Run
12:31 PM Start time Fitness Walk
REGISTRATION
DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM (LINK COMING SHORTLY) mail check payable to SHIP BOTTOM SPRINT, 365 W. 12th Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008.
ENTRY FEES
5K or Fitness Walk - $30 by April 5, 2026; $35 after 4/5 and on Race Day
Walkers and Runners under 12 - $24
Kidz Mini Sprint - $15 (includes short sleeve t-shirt and medal)
5K AWARDS
1, 2, 3 overall M and F; medals for top three in 10 year age increments
AMENITIES
Long-sleeved t-shirt guaranteed to all pre-registrants (before 4/5/26). Post event activities details to be announced
DIRECTIONS
Garden State Parkway to Exit 63, Rt 72 East onto Long Beach Island. Right at first light (Barnegat Ave). Then first right onto 10th Street, follow to the bay. Signs will be posted. Parking at Ship Bottom Boat Ramp 10th Street on the bay; race to begin on 11th Street.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Results will be available on website
* Race scored by DQ EVENTS [https://www.dqevents.com/]
* Event promoters have the right to alter or cancel events for any reason
_CHECK OUT THE LOCAL WEATHER AT WWW.LBIWEATHER.COM [https://lbiweather.com/]_
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Ship Bottom Municipal Ramp, W 10th St, Ship Bottom, 08008, NJ, United States
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Ship Bottom Sprint for Life
