The Spring Lake 5 is one of my favorite races of the year. Run at the New jersey Shore during Memorial Day weekend, it symbolizes to many that summer has arrived.

2016 was the race's 40th anniversary. I have been fortunate to run this race twenty times. It has never disappointed.

The race is well organized. The volunteers are always positive. The t-shirts and glass given at registration are of the highest quality. Each finisher receives a medal. The food at the end is amazing - so much in quantity and quality. (The best, of course, is the Jersey Mike's sub. Jersey Mikes has been giving away free subs to the finishers for decades.)

The course itself is flat and fast. It runs through a the wonderful shore town of Spring Lake, New Jersey. There is a ton of crowd support - all enthusiastic. For a shorter distance race, this crowd support is amazing. It feels like a marathon! I always appreciate the local resident who blasts Rocky music at the 2 1/2 mile mark. I look forward to that every year.

I love the Spring Lake 5. It is my favorite race. I look forward to this race each and every year. It is, without any doubt, one of the finest races.