A Time to Run: Remembering RFH’s Keith McHeffey

The following was originally posted in 2017 in remembrance of Keith McHeffey. It is being posted again as a reminder that the annual race to honor his memory and help others, The KDM 3-Mile Run, is set for Saturday.

Keith McHeffey and friends
Photo/courtesy of Gregg Kennedy

He was raised in both Rumson and Fair Haven. He was an RFH graduate. He was a friend to many. He had a gift for making people laugh and love life. Then he lost his life in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was Keith McHeffey.

Since his untimely death, friends have gotten together and started a tradition — an annual fundraising run in his name known as the KDM 3-Mile Fun Run/Walk, the proceeds of which benefit various youth-oriented activities, scholarships and sports in Rumson, Fair Haven and Sea Bright, where McHeffey grew up and spent much of his time enjoying life.

Registration for the March 16 run, which starts at 11 a.m. in Sea Bright, is in full gear.

Known as a well-rounded, adventure-loving athlete, McHeffey “spent his life giving of himself to others. Now, we are giving back to the community in his good name. His life was a testament on ‘how to live,'” the mission statement on the KDM Foundation website says.

“The memory of Keith’s wit and humor serves as an inspiration to all of those fortunate enough to have been a part of his life,” another statement added.

So, the Retro Pic(s) of the Day honor Keith McHeffey with a look back at him and his RFH buds and a solo shot doing something he loved to do.

RIP, Keith. You are remembered. Run on …

Click here to register for Saturday’s KDM 3-Mile Run.

About the run …

The KDM 3-Mile Run/Walk is a seasonal annual race for everyone, from those who just want to participate to serious runners.

The run (or walk, if you so choose) has been held in Sea Bright since 2002. All meet in front of, or near, Sea Bright Borough Hall on Ocean Avenue to get set. The run is a 1.5 mile trek each way to Monmouth Beach and back to Sea Bright right on Ocean Avenue.

There is a packet and shirt pick-up on the Friday night before the race, or March 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Road Runner Sports, Shrewsbury.

— Elaine Van Develde

Photo/courtesy of Gregg Kennedy