Since 2014, Frank Costello has spearheaded a race committee of 30 volunteers who coordinate, plan, and execute the Seaside Semper 5k Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. “I have the privilege of working with great, motivated people,” Costello said of the Seaside Semper Five Race Committee. Frank has an unwavering commitment to supporting the Marine Raider Foundation and its mission. He has competed as a Marine Raider Foundation Marine Corps Marathon Charity Partner team member each year since the Foundation first joined the program back in 2013. His race résumé includes completing over 37 marathons and five Ironman Triathlons. For the past two years, the run has been dedicated to local military heroes. The 2018 race was dedicated to World War II Marine Veteran Stanley “Stash” Matejkowski, a Seaside Heights resident who participated in the race as a member of Team Stash from 2014 to 2017. He was interviewed back in 2018 about his Marine Corps career – News 12 Interview Stanley Matejkowski. “Stash” passed away in July of 2018 at the age of 92, and Team Stash continues to race in his honor each year. The 2019 race was dedicated to Captain Brian J. McNally, a New Jersey resident and member of the New Jersey State Police who lost his life in a car accident at the age of 30.
Since its inception in 2014, the race has raised over $250,000 for the Marine Raider Foundation despite being cancelled in 2016 following the placement of a pipe bomb that detonated before the start of the race. The Annual Seaside Semper Five quickly became a New Jersey tradition and one of the state’s premier road races, drawing local high school sports teams, ROTC programs, and first responders. The race attracts nearly 2,000 runners and hundreds of spectators who gather along the ocean-front boardwalk to show their support. Across the world, U.S. Embassy employees and military service members have run concurrent races to show their support of the Seaside Semper Five. As Race Director, Costello is proud to see the tremendous growth and support from runners across the globe, as well as sponsors including Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Coyne PR, the Philadelphia Phillies, and many local businesses from the Jersey Shore and surrounding communities. On October 3rd at 9:30am ET, the Seaside Semper 5k Run/Walk and a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will take place for the seventh year in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. Registration opens July 1st to participate virtually or in-person – please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/SeasideHeights/SeasideSemperFive to sign up today! Whether you run, walk, or cheer on participants from the boardwalk, you will have a direct impact on the lives of Marine Raiders and their families.