Over 600 Run in Annual Keith McHeffey Memorial Race

More than 600 people turned out to participate in the 10th Annual Keith McHeffey Memorial Fun Run in Sea Bright on March 12 and thanks to the beautiful weather, they were cheered on by almost 1,000 spectators. 

 Adam Cohen of Red Bank said, “This is a great charity event and we are honored to support the memory of Keith who was not only a family friend, but a great member of our community. As a newly indoctrinated runner, training for my first NYC Marathon, I am excited to be running with my family.  This race gives us a great opportunity to teach our children the importance of a healthy lifestyle and commitment to charity at an early age.”  Adam and his wife Ellen ran with their eldest children Ari and Brooke. Their youngest child, Jake, will be in training for next year's race.

The proceeds of the race go to the KDM Foundation, founded to honor the memory of Keith McHeffey and other area residents who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. “For the past ten years, this race has provided an excellent way for our community to honor a great man while supporting our local runners and raising money for scholarships,” said Jeff White, a KDM Board member. 

The three-mile race started at 11 am, with participants running the course from Sea Bright to Monmouth Beach and back to the finish line behind Sea Bright Borough Hall, where they were greeted by bagpipers.  Jim Rivers, 29, finished first in the Men's Division, and Erin Trezza, 25, in the Women's. 

Jennifer Sullivan, a family participant said, “Our entire family is running today to support to KDM foundation.  It is a great feeling to have an intergenerational presence giving back to our community.”

The organizers estimated that this year's race will raise over $21,000. Dave Devlin, one of the event organizers said. “It is a very special day because this is the 10th Annual race and we have been very fortunate with a great day, a fantastic turnout, and tremendous community support.” 

The proceeds from the race help the KDM Foundation continue its annual scholarships for graduating seniors from Rumson Fair Haven High School, as well as its support for community projects such as the renovation of Memorial Field at Piping Rock Park in Rumson.

Following the race, the participants and spectators celebrated at , the sponsor of the race. The Mad Hatter provided food and entertainment from a variety of local musicians to create a festive atmosphere at the end of the event.  To learn more about the KDM Foundation, visit   http://kdmfoundation.com.