We are excited to announce the introduction of a Surf City annual certified distance 5K Run/Walk.
The inaugural 1st annual Simon’s Heart of a Champion 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday morning, April
25, 2026. There will also be a virtual option offered, too. All proceeds from the event will equally benefit the
Simon J. Mariani Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) and the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department & EMS Co #1
(Fire Department), both IRS Code section 501(c)(3) not for-profit organizations.
All runners and walkers are welcome to participate either live in Surf City, NJ or virtually if they cannot
physically attend the live event due to a conflict or distance and out of town. Registration and sign up is
now open at the following:
https://runsignup.com/simonheartofachampion5k
In addition, the success of this year’s event will be in large part because of the fantastic support we are
hoping to receive from the local business community. The Foundation awards educational scholarships
and hardship financial relief distributions to needy individuals. The Fire Department provides fire, water
rescue and EMS services year-round to residents of Surf City and the surrounding communities.
We are expecting a very large turnout for this year’s event and we invite you to take advantage of the
opportunity to market your business while supporting great not-for profit charitable causes. Please review
the sponsorship opportunities outlined on the following page, all of which make your business name visible
to participants and supporters on our race website; other social media networks and in print.
Your support will help to make this event a success. If you are interested in being a sponsor or donating,
please fill out the form on the next page and return it with a check payable to the Simon J. Mariani
Foundation, Inc. as follows:

Simon J. Mariani Foundation, Inc.
324 Valley View Drive North
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

Please note that the deadline date for sponsorships is Friday, April 3, 2026. This will ensure that your
business name will appear on all promotional materials; including the race T-shirt.
If there is a different type of sponsorship or service that you may provide, or if you have any questions,
please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your generous support!
Very truly yours,

Scott J. Mariani
Foundation President and Race Director
Simon J. Mariani Foundation, Inc.
simonjmarianifoundation@gmail.com

Peter Hartney
President
Surf City Volunteer Fire Department & EMS Co #1
www.surfcityfireandems.org