Michael Thorne Run Will Honor Fallen Firefighter

West Long Branch will host the 10th Annual on Sunday, May 20.

The run will begin at at 9 a.m. and the course will take participants through neighborhoods in the borough.

The race is held in memory of Michael W. Thorne, a volunteer fireman killed in the line of duty on July 3, 1984 at the age of 20.

The race is organized and run by volunteers and scholarships are giving to local high school students who have demonstrated an ongoing spirit of volunteerism in the community.

There will be prizes and a special giveaway for the tenth anniversary to the first 500 people to pick their bibs and t-shirts. T-shirts are only guaranteed to those pre-registered for the admission price of $20.  After May 16, the admission price increases to $25. 

There will also kids races held at Franklin Lake the day of the run.  Pre-registration for children is $10 and T-shirts and medals will be given to all children who pre-register.

Participants can register online at active.com or download a form at www.thornescholarshiprun.org.

As another way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the run, local firemen and volunteers will clean up Michael Thorne Park on West Campbell and dedicate a flag pole that was recently purchased in his memory.

A small ceremony will be held following the cleanup at the park at 6 p.m. on May 8.