Ship Bottom Sprint for Life

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

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 David’s 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 David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation. David’s 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 Patrick’s name will be included next to “Vic” Pennisi’s 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 David’s 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
• Event promoters have the right to alter or cancel events for any reason

CHECK OUT THE LOCAL WEATHER AT www.lbiweather.com

The course has been updated for 2026.

Kidz Mini Sprint: Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Fitness Walk: Long Sleeve T-Shirt

5k Run: Long Sleeve T-Shirt