Island Beach State Park – This year the season begins with a May Day celebration at Island Beach State Park. The May Day event will be a fun, competitive, three-sport day inside the most visited state park in New Jersey.
The events will take place on Sunday, May 1, 2016 beginning at 9AM and will feature a 5K Run/Walk, Volleyball Tournament, and an Ocean Paddleboard Contest. These are the first ever events of these type inside the park. The May Day program is hosted by the Friends of Island Beach State Park.
The NJ State Parks Department is allowing the Friends of Island Beach State Park to collect a donation at the gate in lieu of the standard park admission. The Friends of Island Beach State Park is a non-profit volunteer organization formed to enhance interpretive, educational, recreational, research programs, and events at Island Beach State Park. Last year the organization contributed approximately $81,000 for various park equipment and programs.
“Let the games begin,” said Angelo Sica, President of the Friends of Island Beach State Park.
The day’s events include:
May Day 5K – This will be a unique 5K run on the beautiful beach in Island Beach State Park. The race will start at the first bathing pavilion and head south for 1.55 miles, turn around, and finish back in front of the pavilion. The post-race party will include healthy wraps and subs in the pavilion.
May Day Ocean Paddleboard Contest – This will be a 3.5 mile Ocean Paddle Race. The race will run horizontal to the beach and be an out-and-back style race. While we encourage all levels of paddlers, Ocean Racing is very different from flatwater paddling and we suggest that all competitors feel comfortable navigating in the ocean.
May Day Volleyball Tournament - Throughout the course of the day volleyball games will be played across three divisions. All proceeds for this tournament will benefit the Alexa DelaTorre Foundation. Details of the tournament are outlined below:
Doubles tournament
Three divisions: Open, A and B
All registrants receive a free FOIBSP Bag
Pools of 5, everyone makes the playoffs
Co-ed Teams Allowed
$50-55 per player
Afterwards all competitors are invited to Bum Rogers for a celebratory beer/soft drink.
Registration information available at https://friendsofibsp.org/2016/04/16/may-day/
