Local Marathoners Invited To Finish At Freehold 5k

Boston Marathon runners from the area who were unable to finish the race because of the bombing are invited to finish their miles at a charity 5k on Sunday, organizers said.

The 4^th Annual 5K/1 Mile Fitness Walk, “Paulette Steps Toward Cancer Wellness,” is set to step off at 9:30 a.m. at CentraState HealthCare Center’s Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus, 901 W. Main St.

The event is named in honor of marathon runner and rectal cancer survivor Paulette Stallone, of Manalapan, who turns 49 the day before the race.

Following this week’s bombing at the Boston Marathon, runners who did not finish that race are invited to finish their miles at Sunday’s event – a change in plans that was prompted by Stallone herself, CentraState representative Nicole Romano said.

“It has been her dream to one day qualify for and participate in the Boston Marathon, so this deeply affected her,’’ Romano said. “She spent the first few hours after the bombing trying to reach out to her running friends - some whom she has never even met in person - to find out if they were alright.”

Prizes will once again be awarded to the top five male and female finishers as well as a prize for the team with the most creative name. The entry fee is $30.  For sponsorship information and online registration, visit www.centrastatefoundation.org.