Galloway, N.J. – Get outside and explore the scenery around Stockton University as part of the G. Larry James Legacy Ride on Saturday, June 3.

The annual fundraiser bicyle ride raises money for student scholarships at Stockton and features three different lengths on scenic, flat, nicely paved roads through New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.

All of the rides begin and finish in front of Stockton’s Campus Center with the 12-mile ride going in a loop through Port Republic, the 30-mile ride into Egg Harbor City and Lower Bank, Burlington County, and the 62-mile course winding through Wharton State Forest to Chatsworth.

Larry James was a longtime coach and athletic director at Stockton and was the driving force behind the construction of the $17 million Sports Center. The track and field/soccer complex is named in honor of the former Olympic champion runner who won gold and silver medals in 1968 in Mexico City.

All three rides begin at 7:30 a.m. and will take place rain or shine. Each participant will receive lunch, a T-shirt and limited road support.

Registration is $50 per person or $85 for two riders until May 1. After May 1, registration increases to $55/$90. The registration fee is nonrefundable. Riders can also register the day of the race for $60, but the T-shirt size is not guaranteed. Ride-day check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Campus Center, 101 Vera King Ferris Drive, Galloway Township. All riders must finish the course by 2 p.m.

 

About G. Larry James

Larry James was the driving force behind the growth of Stockton athletics during his 36 years as coach, athletic director and dean. He is credited with helping to shape the identity and positive reputation of the University.

James arrived at Stockton in 1972 and coached track & field, the sport in which he was a legend nicknamed “The Mighty Burner.” His career as a world-renowned athlete included a gold medal in the 4x400 relay and a silver medal in the 400-meter dash at the 1968 Olympics as well as induction into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame.

James became the athletic director in 1980 and spearheaded the development of Stockton’s athletic program as the motivation behind such projects as the construction of the $17 million Sports Center, which was completed in 2000, and the steady expansion of the athletic department.

In December 2007, Stockton's track & field/soccer complex was renamed G. Larry James Stadium in his honor. A large touchstone landmark was placed beside the track, which Stockton athletes skim with their hands before entering the field of play. In addition, the G. Larry James Legacy Fund was created in James' honor to benefit deserving students. James succumbed to cancer on Nov. 6, 2008, after a lengthy battle with the disease.