Meridian Heart and Sole Cup Draws 340 Runners, Including 40 Bariatric Patients

The scenic roads of Holmdel were alive with runners as a record setting number of participants got tuned into their health.

More than 340 runners participated in the second leg of Meridian’s Heart and Sole Cup, in which $3,000 in prize money is awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers by age group.

At Bayshore’s third annual 5K Run/Walk, the top three overall times were won by Brian Flynn of Bridgewater (15:28.8), Brian Quilty of Manalapan (15:41.2), and Brian Prendergast of Brick (17:48.6).

Amidst the masses of people, an inspiring team of more than 40 patients from Bayshore’s Center for Bariatrics completed the 5K. For many of them, the 3 mile test of endurance was an achievement once thought impossible.

Following the race, runners and community members of all ages enjoyed an array of food, live music, and a gargantuan inflatable slide. Inside, a health fair sported the many services offered by Bayshore, ranging from the Center for Wound Healing, to cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Apart of the Meridian Cardiovascular Network, Bayshore’s heart continues to grow. Last fall, Bayshore received approval from the Department of Health as a Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Hospital, to provide emergency angioplasty procedures on patients suffering from a heart attack.  In addition, Bayshore, along with the other four hospitals of Meridian Health, became an Accredited Chest Pain Center, making Meridian Health the first system in New Jersey to achieve this status. Later this year, Bayshore plans to unveil two new heart and vascular labs featuring the latest technology in heart and vascular care.

The third and final race of the Meridian Heart and Sole cup will take place on Sunday, September 14 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. For more information or to sign up, visit www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com/5krace.

Pictured: Brian Flynn of Bridgewater takes first place in the third annual Bayshore Community Hospital 5K Run/Walk

About Bayshore Community Hospital

Bayshore Community Hospital, a member of the Meridian Health Family, is a 211-bed not-for-profit community hospital located in Holmdel, New Jersey, providing health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines, including: emergency medicine, cardiac catheterization, surgical services, wound care, sleep services, diagnostic imaging, women's services with digital mammography, as well as a designated primary stroke center. Bayshore Community Hospital’s newly developed Center for Bariatrics is one of the most comprehensive in the region offering free informational sessions, pre-surgical education and evaluation, personal guidance through the surgical process, nutritional support, exercise components and support groups. For more information visit www.bayshorehospital.org.

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