You may run for a lot of things – strength, speed, to clear your head, or maybe just to make up for that large pizza you ate last night – but, have you ever run for pancakes? Well, on Sunday, October 22nd, you can do just that thanks to Asbury Park’s Toast Pancake Run 5K, which will have you not only running for your breakfast, but also for a cause!

After a two-year hiatus, Amy Russo Harrigan, owner of Toast (with locations in Asbury Park, Montclair, and Red Bank), decided to host the event again, this time benefitting Root to Rise, a charity based in Asbury Park.

“We’re very involved in the recovery community,” said Russo Harrigan. “It’s an awesome organization that’s in desperate need of funding. Without fundraisers, they don’t exist, so when you’re running in this race, you can see exactly where your dollars are going.”

According to their website, “Root to Rise is a recovery community committed to helping those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse remain clean and sober through physical activity.” The nonprofit organization works with the local community to provide free resources, services, and support to those recovering from addiction and mental health issues through physical and mental diversion.

Root to Rise not only provides these individuals with the resources they need, but they also work on establishing a strong and supportive community with a number of personal development programs and professional outreach programs.

Toast Asbury Park Combines Pancakes and a Cause In It’s Pancake Run 5K

After a brief hiatus (the first Pancake Run was held in 2013), Russo Harrigan and her team are ready to flip some pancakes yet again. With the support of local sponsors (“who we rely on to help host the event”) and local celebrities willing to flip some pancakes like Chef Ariane Duarte of Ariane Kitchen & Bar in Montclair and competitor in tv shows like Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, the event is expected to draw quite a crowd.

The race will culminate with a celebration of live music and vendors during the Asbury Fresh Market in Kennedy Park. Those with race bibs (how appropriate) will chow down on a hearty breakfast of pancakes at the finish line (think of it as post race carb loading!)

The Toast Pancake Run provides us with the perfect opportunity to not only eat our pancakes, but fully enjoy them too. Start the morning with your usual run, walk, or roll along the beautiful beaches and downtown streets of Asbury Park, then stuff your face with a plate full of fluffy pancakes, and hang out some great humans – all for a cause.

“I mainly run so I can eat, like so many other runners.,” said Russo Harrigan. “I mean of course you’re going to want pancakes after your Sunday run!”

Sounds like the perfect Sunday morning to us!

Just a reminder, Toast’s motto is “Peace, Love, and Pancakes!” Talk about meaning what you say!

Register for the Toast Pancake Run here!

Toast
516 Cookman Avenue
Asbury Park
732-776-5900
www.toastasburypark.com