Rook is not just about coffee

Rook please??? This is the text I receive from my wife on most weekends on my way home from early morning trainings. When I stop by Rook in Long Branch on Route 36 to get her coffee, I am greeted by a staff who says hello and always has a smile on their faces. I am only there for a few minutes before I am on my way home with a bigger Costa Rica coffee with almond milk and raw sugar, but I always notice their Rook 5K registration form hanging in the window, and the race photo book from 2015 that is on the table in the middle of the store. Rook is not only just about selling coffee, but they are about helping others.

Rook Coffee has once again partnered with The Valerie Fund to present the second annual 5K Rook Run. The run is set to take place on at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Great Lawn section of Long Branch Boardwalk. All proceeds benefit The Valerie Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides care and support for children with cancer and blood disorders.

Last year, the Rook Run brought in almost $70,000 with nearly 1,100 runners, and this year they want to double it with a goal of $150,000. They need everyone's help in achieving its 2015 goal of $150,000. To date, this year's race has raised more than $77,000.

The race will start on the Long Branch boardwalk near the Great Lawn Amphitheater between Cooper and Terrace avenues. Registration is $35 and opens at 8:30 a.m. with the run kicking off at 10 a.m. sharp. Awards will immediately follow the conclusion of the run and will be given to the top male/female overall, as well as top male/female in the following categories: under 10, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. The course is USATF certified. One great feature of this race is you can create your own team with a group of friends and family or even join an existing team. Founded in New Jersey, Rook Coffee is a local coffee company complete with multiple coffee bars, a roastery and distribution center, a bottled cold brew business and an online store.

To register online https://www.thevaleriefund.org/Rook-Run2015/index.php