You better watch out... Record number of Santas take over Asbury Park in charity race

ASBURY PARK ‐ For about 90 minutes Saturday, the streets here were a sea of red as hundreds of runners dressed like St. Nick dashed to the finish line in front of the famed Stone Pony for the eighth annual charity 5K Santa Run.

One Santa was a couple of sleigh ride lengths ahead of the pack. Alex Dwek, 34, of Long Branch, was the first to cross the finish with an official time of 16 minutes, 20 seconds. For Dwek, a half-marathoner, it was his first time running with Santas.

"This was a fun little race. It was a great atmosphere to run in. It was well organized." said Dwek just seconds after finishing and trying to catch breath.

The Santa Run is becoming quite a December tradition in the city. Organizer Joey Garofalo of Beacon Events announced a race record of 3,177 festive runners just before the 5K's official 10 a.m. start. Besides a great day at one of the Shore's iconic cities, the run raises money for Lunch Break in Red Bank, which provides food, clothing and fellowship to area people in need.

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"It's a feel-good event and it's been growing every year," Garofalo said. "We get most of the city's music venues involved, and Lunch Break is a great organization that we like to help out."

Gwendolyn Love, the executive director of Lunch Break, was there at the race's start to see the runner's off.

"It's just amazing to see all these people come together for a fun and charitable event. It will certainly benefit Lunch Break," Love said. "We really appreciate and need the support. The number of people in need continues to grow in our area."

Afterparties took place at the Stone Pony, where Brian Kirk & the Jerks took center stage; Asbury Lanes, where the Ocean Avenue Stompers played; and the Wonder Bar, featuring 90s Night.

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While most of the runners donned the red and white Santa suit, people were free to get into the spirit of the season other ways. There were more than a few antler-clad reindeer, and green and sour Grinches. Perhaps the most creative were a couple of runners in bathrobes and trapper hats dressed as Cousin Eddie from 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

"He is my favorite Christmas character. I even brought a cigar," said Will Anan, 20, of Belmar.

This was Anan's third year running, but the first he dressed up.

A group of 12 friends going by the nickname "Dirty Dozen" were running to honor lifelong friend Shannon Forde, who passed away in 2016 after a battle with breast cancer. Forde was a trailblazer who worked for the New York Mets as the senior director of media relations.

"Every year we get together and do something to keep her memory alive," said Danielle Heuer, 53, of Spring Lake Heights, who grew up with Forde in Bergen County.

They both attended Ridgefield Park High School.

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When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Asbury Park: Santa run takes over the streets for charity run