BERKELEY — About 600 runners and walkers set out from Veteran's Park for the annual DARE Classic 5K road race this morning to raise money for the township Police Department DARE program and the Municipal Alliance.

Both organizations work to educate children on the dangers of using drugs and
alcohol.

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It wasn't much longer than a quarter of an hour that Mark Mellea, 46, of Manchester, and Chris Peters, 53, of Barnegat, crossed the finish line in a tie for first place.

"Well, Mark helped," pull me to the finish, Peters said.

Matthew Singh, 12, of Toms River took first in the one mile fun run. He followed up
with finishing the 5K race in just over 18 minutes.

Following the race, runners, walkers and their supporters listened to music, played volleyball, and ate breakfast at Veterans Park.

Proceeds from the DARE Classic are used to purchase prizes to give to children who win DARE contests the officers hold throughout the year, Officer Scott Selby said. Prizes include basketballs, Frisbees, portable fans, backpacks and hats, all with the DARE logo.

"This year we were able to give away a brand-new DARE bicycle and helmet to the top winner of the DARE Anti-Tobacco Poster Contest," he said in a recent interview.

Papa said 275 fifth-graders at the Berkeley Township Elementary School participated in the poster contest this year and the top poster was created by Tayla Edler, a student in Josephine Violante's class.