Annual Rotary 5K Scholarship Benefit Run Set for Sunday

Residents are invited to get into the holiday spirit and support local educational causes at the 15th annual Jingle Bells 5K Run scheduled for Sunday in downtown Toms River. 

Proceeds from the run, sponsored by the Toms River Rotary Club in partnership with Toms River Schools' TEAM program and Monsignor Donovan High School, will be put towards scholarships for graduating township seniors.

"The 5K and 1 Mile Run provide runners with a quaint view of downtown Toms River as they run through historic and scenic residential neighborhoods decorated for the holidays," a Rotary news release states. 

Runners will race on Washington Street before making a loop that will take them to a final stretch along Hooper Avenue, according to the 3.1 mile race map. The 1 Mile Run begins at 3 p.m. and the 5K Race starts at 3:30 p.m.

The race also supports a scholarship in memory of Mark Catalano, a detective with the Toms River Police Department who died in 2010 at age 54, which will be awarded to a student pursuing law enforcement in college.

Check opens at 1:30 p.m. at Mancini Hall, 101 Washington St. More information, including entry fees and an application, is available on the race website. 

An awards ceremony and pasta party at Capone's Restaurant will follow the 5K race. 

For more information, contact race director Jim Everett through email.