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"Anticipating the preservation of the Holmdel Horn Antenna and the creation of Dr. Robert Wilson Park."
6TH ANNUAL BIG BANG MILE
AND SCIENCE FESTIVAL
LOCATION
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101 Crawfords Corner Rd
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-- POSTPONED --
New date is Saturday, August 1
Registration is open again until July 31 at 11:59 pm.
Sorry, no race day registration.
NOTE: the June 15 deadline to order this year's Big Bang Mile T-shirt has passed.
T-shirts from prior years will be available for purchase at the event.
YUM!: After your race, get a 15% discount at Jersey Freeze inside Bell Works. Just show your race bib!
Raffle prize draw at 10:30 am! Each runner gets 5 free tickets. See prize list below.
Sorry, no race day registration.
NOTE: the June 15 deadline to order this year's Big Bang Mile T-shirt has passed.
T-shirts from prior years will be available for purchase at the event.
YUM!: After your race, get a 15% discount at Jersey Freeze inside Bell Works. Just show your race bib!
Raffle prize draw at 10:30 am! Each runner gets 5 free tickets. See prize list below.
Possibly the best records-eligible road mile course in the universe!
TENTATIVE EVENT SCHEDULE
2026 RACE TIMES BELOW.
7:00 AM: Bib pick up opens
8:15 AM: * John Saarmann Masters Men ages 60+ Mile
8:35 AM: * Masters Women ages 50+ Mile
8:55 AM: * Masters Men ages 50-59 Mile
9:10 AM: * Masters Women ages 40-49 Mile
9:25 AM: * Masters Men ages 40-49 Mile
9:40 AM: Coach Mel Ullmeyer High School & Middle School (ages 12-18) Mile #
9:55 AM: * Open Women Mile
10:10 AM: * Open Men Mile
10:25 AM: Community and Youth (ages 12 and under) Mile ^#
10:50 AM: Fitness Team Mile (Bar, Gym, Restaurant, Office, Family) #
* Our event includes USATF-NJ Association Team Championship "races within a race". Non-USATF runners may also run in these heats.
^ For each person entered in the Community and Youth Mile, $3 will be donated to our charity partner, Holmdel Youth Activities Association.
# For each team entered in the HS/MS Mile, Youth Mile and Fitness Team Mile, $10 will be donated to our charity partner, Holmdel Youth Activities Association.
^ For each person entered in the Community and Youth Mile, $3 will be donated to our charity partner, Holmdel Youth Activities Association.
# For each team entered in the HS/MS Mile, Youth Mile and Fitness Team Mile, $10 will be donated to our charity partner, Holmdel Youth Activities Association.
11:00 AM: Awards, event tent
8:00 AM to 11:30 AM: Science Avenue open: booths with fascinating displays!
Booth topics and presenters:
> (to be announced)
PLEASE NOTE: Teams for the USATF-NJ 1 Mile Masters Team Championship competition will be declared using the normal process. That is, team captains will submit their rosters by e-mail to the timing company (CompuScore in this case) and to the USATF-NJ LDR Committee the day before the race. The Big Bang Mile registration web site is where non-USATF-NJ teams are declared.
The schedule of each heat may be slightly adjusted on event day depending on the entries for each race.
USATF-NJ COMPETITIONS:
> USATF-NJ LDR Open and Masters Team Competition (Men and Women)
* Click here for rules and standings.
> USATF-NJ LDR 700-point Individual Grand Prix event
* Click here for rules and standings.
> USATF-NJ Maniacs for Miles Competition
This is a flat, fast USATF certified course on closed roads.
Meet Records:
Men - John Walker - 4:13.50 (2022)
Women - Clara Peterson - 5:02.08 (2023)
New Course Records:
Men - Brian Hill - 4:14.97 (2025)
Women - Clara Peterson - 5:02.08 (2023)
TEAMS
Participants in the heats listed below can create teams in the indicated team categories:
> High School and Middle School Mile: High School Clubs/Teams and Middle School Clubs/Teams;
> Community and Youth Mile: Youth Teams;
> Fitness Team Mile: Gym and Fitness Center Teams, Bar and Restaurant Teams, Office-Based Teams and Family Teams.
These teams are created via the Big Bang Mile race website. Click on the "More" menu option and then on the appropriate team category.
There is no fee for creating a team.
The person who creates a team is the team's captain.
Only registered runners can be added to a team.
Teams for the USATF-NJ Long Distance Running Grand Prix are handled through a separate process that is administered by USATF-NJ.
AWARDS
Open Runner Awards
The top 3 USATF-NJ runners in each of the Open Men and Open Women Mile races will be awarded cash: $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place and $75 for 3rd place.
If one or more runners who are not members of USATF-NJ finish(es) among the top 3 in the Open Men or Open Women heat, he/she/they will be awarded cash: $100 for the first finisher among the non-members, $75 for the second finisher (if any) and $50 for the third finisher (if any).
To score for a USATF-NJ Open team, the individual needs to have been identified in the respective team submission(s) to Compuscore (the scoring company) and USATF-NJ. These submissions are anticipated to be due via email by 6 PM on Friday, July 17.
Masters (age 40+) Runner Awards
The top 3 USATF-NJ masters men and masters women based on age grading among the 3 Masters Men heats and 2 Masters Women heats, respectively, will be awarded cash: $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place and $75 for 3rd place.
If one or more runners who are not members of USATF-NJ finish(es) among the top 3 in age grading among masters men or masters women based on results from the 3 Masters Men heats and 2 Masters Women heats, he/she/they will be awarded cash: $100 for the first finisher among the non-members, $75 for the second finisher (if any) and $50 for the third finisher (if any).
To score for a USATF-NJ Masters team, the individual needs to have been identified in the respective team submission(s) to Compuscore (the scoring company) and USATF-NJ. These submissions are anticipated to be due via email by 6 PM on Friday, July 17.
Age Group Awards
For any runners (USATF-NJ Member or not), as an individual to be eligible for the Age Group awards, you must run in the Race for your respective Age.
Age Groups (Male and Female) are for the Top 3 (Male and Female) for ages 18-29, and 5-year age groups from 30 through 79, and 80+.
*Age Group awards are custom designed medals and will be given out on race day during the Awards ceremony.
Bonus Cash Awards
$200 Cash Bonus for a winning time under 4:10 for the men or under 4:50 for the women.
*It is anticipated that the Cash awards will be given out on race day during the Awards ceremony.
ANNOUNCING: $200 Cash Bonus for breaking a USATF-certified American 5-year age group record.
High School and Middle School Mile Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 boys and the top 3 girls in the High School and the Middle School Mile.
Prizes will be awarded to the top Team in the High School and in the Middle School Mile.
Teams can consist of between 3 and 8 individuals.
*Awards are custom designed medals and will be given out on race day during the Awards ceremony.
Community and Youth Mile Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top team in the Youth Team competition.
Teams can consist of between 3 and 8 individuals.
Fitness Team Mile Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top team in each of these categories:
> Gyms, Fitness Centers and Physical Therapy Practices.
> Bars, Restaurants and Social Clubs.
> Office-based businesses
> Families
Teams can consist of between 3 and 8 individuals.
*Awards are custom designed medals and will be given out on race day during the Awards ceremony.
REGISTRATION
$20 - from March 1 to March 31
$25 - from April 1 until May 31
$30 - from June 1 until July 17
> Registration closes on Friday, July 17, 2026.
> No registration on race day.
> No animals or headphones allowed.
> Strollers allowed only in the Family/Youth Heat at 8:15 AM.
> Custom Big Bang Mile race T-Shirts may be ordered for $12 each when you register. Availability and size is guaranteed *ONLY* if ordered before June 15!!
FITNESS TEAM COMPETITION
We are encouraging restaurants, gyms, bars and office-based "9-to-5" businesses to form teams and join in on the fun. You will have your own race called the "Fitness Team Mile". You need only 3 people to score. There are no age restrictions. Teams may be a mix of genders.
To encourage family teams, we allow a contestant to "double dip" by competing for a team in the Family category as well as a team in another Fitness Team Mile category.
PERSONAL ADS IN PROGRAM
There will be a section in the event program that is devoted to personal ads. For $5, you can include a personal ad of 200 characters or less. Use the Big Bang Mile registration web site to enter and pay for your ad. Here is a sample of current ads:
Good luck to Shore AC and ALL runners in the Big Bang Mile! Many thanks Bell Works, sponsors and presenters. -- Scott Linnell
FREE RAFFLE
RULES:
> Each runner will be given 5 tickets at bib pickup.
> Tickets can be placed in any of the raffle boxes.
> Winning tickets will be drawn and posted at 10:30 am.
> Winners claim their prize after 10:30 am from the raffle manager inside the event tent.
> Prizes not claimed by 11:15 am will have new winning tickets drawn.
PRIZES:
Item Estimated Value
1. Gift card (2) Turning Point Restaurant: $ 40 each
2. Free race entry: Adult XC Series $ 50
3. Free race entry: Youth XC Series $ 50
4. USATF backpack $ 60
5. Basket + 2 free coffees Booskerdoo $ 80
6. Free race entry: Sheehan + Polar Bear $ 90
7. Gift Certificate The Outpost $100
8. Gift certificate: Sneaker Factory $100
9. Products + gift card Middletown Wellness $125
10. Discount on test Momentum BioAnalytics $225
11. Basket + 5-class pack: FLX FLO Pilates $350
> Each runner will be given 5 tickets at bib pickup.
> Tickets can be placed in any of the raffle boxes.
> Winning tickets will be drawn and posted at 10:30 am.
> Winners claim their prize after 10:30 am from the raffle manager inside the event tent.
> Prizes not claimed by 11:15 am will have new winning tickets drawn.
PRIZES:
Item Estimated Value
1. Gift card (2) Turning Point Restaurant: $ 40 each
2. Free race entry: Adult XC Series $ 50
3. Free race entry: Youth XC Series $ 50
4. USATF backpack $ 60
5. Basket + 2 free coffees Booskerdoo $ 80
6. Free race entry: Sheehan + Polar Bear $ 90
7. Gift Certificate The Outpost $100
8. Gift certificate: Sneaker Factory $100
9. Products + gift card Middletown Wellness $125
10. Discount on test Momentum BioAnalytics $225
11. Basket + 5-class pack: FLX FLO Pilates $350
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***** BIG BANG MILE SCIENCE FESTIVAL *****
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***** BIG BANG MILE SCIENCE FESTIVAL *****
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Enjoy our Science Festival on Science Avenue during the Big Bang Mile. We will have up to 10 booths on various topics of scientific interest. Stroll among the booths and strike up conversations with the presenters!
Science Avenue Schedule:
8:00 am Science Avenue booths open.
11:30 am Science Avenue booths close.
Science Booths:
1) Sports Science VO2 Max & Metabolic Testing Momentum Bioanalytics (Dr. Marc DeVito)
2) Electronics Integrated Circuit Manufacturing Mr. Rick Westerwick
3) Communications Camp Evans -- Mall of Museums InfoAge Science and History Museums
4) Astronomy Backyard Stargazing S*T*A*R Astronomy Club
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6) Aeronautics Model Airplanes Jersey Coast Sport Fliers
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8) Zoology Kim's Critters Ms. Kim Anicito
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10) (HYAA home base)
Science Avenue Schedule:
8:00 am Science Avenue booths open.
11:30 am Science Avenue booths close.
Science Booths:
1) Sports Science VO2 Max & Metabolic Testing Momentum Bioanalytics (Dr. Marc DeVito)
2) Electronics Integrated Circuit Manufacturing Mr. Rick Westerwick
3) Communications Camp Evans -- Mall of Museums InfoAge Science and History Museums
4) Astronomy Backyard Stargazing S*T*A*R Astronomy Club
5)
6) Aeronautics Model Airplanes Jersey Coast Sport Fliers
7)
8) Zoology Kim's Critters Ms. Kim Anicito
9)
10) (HYAA home base)
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***** BIG BANG MILE SCIENCE TALKS *****
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The Big Bang Mile Science Talks will be held on Sunday, July 12, at Bell Works in Holmdel. There will be two talks. Per custom, one will be on cosmology and the other on nuclear fusion energy. For more information, please visit the website here.
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***** BIG BANG MILE SCIENCE TALKS *****
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The Big Bang Mile Science Talks will be held on Sunday, July 12, at Bell Works in Holmdel. There will be two talks. Per custom, one will be on cosmology and the other on nuclear fusion energy. For more information, please visit the website here.
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THE STORY BEHIND THE BIG BANG MILE
The Bell Works building was once a primary location for Bell Laboratories. “Bell Labs” attracted top-notch scientists to conduct basic research that might advance telephony. Two such scientists, Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, studied radio signals from space in support of the Telstar project. In 1964, to their surprise, they observed a background noise coming from every direction in the sky. Wherever they pointed their radio telescope, they measured the same frequency and strength of microwave radiation.
Puzzled, Penzias and Wilson conferred with colleagues. Princeton University astronomer Robert Dicke revealed they had found evidence for the Big Bang. This is a theory that the universe started with an explosion 13.8 billion years ago. For their important contribution to science, Penzias and Wilson were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1978. The radio telescope used by Penzias and Wilson still stands today. It is located on top of Crawford Hill, about 2 miles northwest of the Bell Works facility. A nearby plaque explains its significance. It is worth a visit.
Shore Athletic Club dedicates the Big Bang Mile Race to scientists everywhere. We hope that runners draw inspiration from this story to learn more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and perhaps even pursue a STEM career. Aim high!
The Bell Works building was once a primary location for Bell Laboratories. “Bell Labs” attracted top-notch scientists to conduct basic research that might advance telephony. Two such scientists, Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, studied radio signals from space in support of the Telstar project. In 1964, to their surprise, they observed a background noise coming from every direction in the sky. Wherever they pointed their radio telescope, they measured the same frequency and strength of microwave radiation.
Puzzled, Penzias and Wilson conferred with colleagues. Princeton University astronomer Robert Dicke revealed they had found evidence for the Big Bang. This is a theory that the universe started with an explosion 13.8 billion years ago. For their important contribution to science, Penzias and Wilson were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1978. The radio telescope used by Penzias and Wilson still stands today. It is located on top of Crawford Hill, about 2 miles northwest of the Bell Works facility. A nearby plaque explains its significance. It is worth a visit.
Shore Athletic Club dedicates the Big Bang Mile Race to scientists everywhere. We hope that runners draw inspiration from this story to learn more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and perhaps even pursue a STEM career. Aim high!
2026 CHARITY PARTNER
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Holmdel Town Hall basement
4 Crawfords Corner Road Holmdel, NJ 07733 |
732-946-6799
[email protected] |
HYAA Mision Statement:
Holmdel Youth Activities Association (HYAA) is committed to providing youth programs that maintain the highest standards and guarantees a fun, positive experience for everyone involved, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. The goal of Holmdel Youth Activities Association is to develop and promote the ideals of responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork and fellowship within a safe and positive environment. These goals are accomplished by providing structured programs designed to educate both participants and parents in all aspects of the sport. The individual growth of our community's children is enhanced through the spirit of competition, discipline and fair play and HYAA is committed to this purpose.
The Holmdel Youth Activities Association is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations to it qualify for tax deductions.
Holmdel Youth Activities Association (HYAA) is committed to providing youth programs that maintain the highest standards and guarantees a fun, positive experience for everyone involved, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. The goal of Holmdel Youth Activities Association is to develop and promote the ideals of responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork and fellowship within a safe and positive environment. These goals are accomplished by providing structured programs designed to educate both participants and parents in all aspects of the sport. The individual growth of our community's children is enhanced through the spirit of competition, discipline and fair play and HYAA is committed to this purpose.
The Holmdel Youth Activities Association is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations to it qualify for tax deductions.
Results from prior Big Bang Mile races:
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Scenes from the 2021 Big Bang Mile and Science Festival
Scenes from the 2022 Big Bang Mile and Science Festival
Scenes from the 2023 Big Bang Mile and Science Festival
Scenes from the 2024 Big Bang Mile and Science Festival
Scenes from the 2025 Big Bang Mile and Science Festival
Thanks to our 2026 Sponsors:
Galaxy Funding:
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Quasar Funding:
Susan and Scott
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Supernova Funding:
Mr. Rakesh
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John
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Nova Funding:
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Star Funding:
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Comet Funding:
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