New Jersey is the fourth smallest state in the nation, but is the 11th most populous. While you may picture Snooki and the rest of the Jersey Shore crew when you think of New Jersey, this tiny state has a lot more to offer than that. Despite the population to size ratio, New Jersey still has a great deal of scenery to catch your attention–if you’re lucky, you may get to see some spectacular sites while running a marathon.
Ocean Drive Marathon
The Ocean Drive Marathon has taken place every year since 1999. The race commonly takes place between Cape May and Sea Isle City. The majority of the race proceeds benefit several charities including: The Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County, The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, The Marine mammal Stranding Center, High Schools in Cape and May Counties.
The Course
The Ocean Drive Marathon course is about as flat as it gets. The course starts sea level and has a max elevation of only 32 feet. The total gain for the course is 61 feet. If you choose to participate in this marathon, don’t expect to have flocks of spectators–the race is fairly small and March is not a very popular month to pack up the kids and head to the beach. Several runners mentioned that the most difficult part of the course was actually the wind. Register for the race here.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“I love smaller races like this. For runners expecting glitz, glamor and fan-lined streets you’ll be disappointed. For seasoned runners who mean business and want a PR, this is the place for you. The course is dead flat except for a few bridges. The scenery is nice and beachy. Race day for me was chilly, windy, foggy and misty. Rain pounded later finishers. The food at the finish could be better. The massage tent was awesome. Transport back to the start was good. I had a great time and would definitely do this race again. Great small race and nice medal.”-Daniel Moran, Marathonguide.com
“I did this race on my quest for 50 states. Loved it. The race director ED, was very quick to return my emails. Organization was perfect. I took the early start which wasn’t advertised but I had read it in an earlier comment. Traffic control was even available for the early starters. We stayed at the Jetty Motel at the end of Beach dr in Cape May and it was convenient, close to the start. The race was right on the ocean and through some pretty residential areas. Point to point which is my favorite. Shirts and medals were OK. The town of Cape May was scarce but quaint. We enjoyed our visit.” -J.L., Marathonguide.com
New Jersey Marathon
The New Jersey Marathon takes place on a Sunday, usually in April. The Friday and Saturday leading up to the race include a two-day Health & Fitness Expo that is open to all runners as well as the public. During this expo, there will be guest speakers that give runners and the public the latest in running including injury prevention, recovery, health, nutrition, and hydration. The New Jersey Marathon partners with Move for Hunger and during the expo, they will be holding a food drive to benefit food banks across the country. Get registered here.
The Course
The New Jersey Marathon is a point to point race that takes the runners through the neighborhoods and business districts of Oceanport, Monmouth Beach, Long Beach, Deal, Allenhurst, Loch Arbour, Asbury Park, and Ocean Grove. The course is described as fast and flat. As an added bonus, it is a Boston Qualifier!
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“Well, as far as the course goes, bravo. It was just too hot to PR, but that was no fault of anyone but Mother Nature. It was flat and I loved the neighborhood feel. A big thanks to all of the people who gave up their hoses to help us deal with the heat. I wanted to say, “Thank you” to the woman around mile 20 passing out ice water. She was wearing a mask and looked as if she was undergoing chemotherapy. You inspired me to keep running, although I wanted to stop. I went from wanting to qualify for Boston, to finishing, to being happy to be alive. Thanks to all of the volunteers..”- J.C., Marathonguide.com
“I have run 9 marathons and I have run this race 3 times, once along the shore road in 2004 and twice with the two-loop course (in 2006 and 2008). Both of the last two times I have qualified for Boston, and they are my two best times. The course is extremely flat and well planned out. There were plenty of water and nourishment stops and (unlike NYC) it was easy to pull off to the side to drink. I stayed in a hotel in Asbury Park and found the short ride in and parking were simple. A shuttle was also offered. The volunteer staff was wonderful and Art does a great job at putting this marathon together. It had enough runners to get the feel of a major marathon, but it’s small enough so you don’t get caught in the crowd. It’s a great race to try and run a qualifying Boston time.”- P.A., Marathonguide.com
AmeriHealth New Jersey Atlantic City Marathon-Atlantic City
The AmeriHealth New Jersey Atlantic City supports many local charities as well as the Milton and Betty Katz Early Childhood Scholarships Programs. Several runners mentioned that they had all of the on-course support they needed during the race and that they run was very scenic and interesting. In addition, the runners walked away with some pretty awesome swag. Sign up here!
The Course
The AmeriHealth New Jersey Atlantic City Marathon is USATF Certified, and in 2016, the course became an out and back route that started and finished at Michigan Avenue. Many runners have mentioned that the organization of this race was top notch! There are around 5,000 people who participate in the event.This course is described as “flat and fast” and if the weather cooperates, you should have no problem setting a new P.R.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“The course is generally flat & easy. You begin & end at the same spot on the boardwalk. First 7 mi takes you through the north end of AC. Then the next 4-5 mi are on the boardwalk which at this time of day it’s OK. Then you do an out & back to Margate. Last 3 mi are on the boardwalk which was a bit crowded especially at the last mile, but unfortunately it wasn’t blocked off from pedestrians. If it wasn’t for the strong winds from the lingering storm I would have gotten a PR. The after race food was great!!!! Rita’s water ice, Philly soft pretzels, Johnson’s popcorn, Honest Ade, & orange slices. The best spread I’ve had at a race. The medal was awesome too!!! It has a blinking light for the lighthouse & it’s a bottle opener too. Definitely recommend this race.” -J.L, Marathonguide.com
”Just ran today’s AC marathon, and can’t say enough about how well-organized and nice this event was. If you like a smaller marathon, this is a good one for you. Nice expo considering the size of the event. Great women’s fit shirts – finally a race shirt that actually fits me. Very supportive volunteers. Not tons of spectators once the 1/2 marathoners are off the course, but the people out there were great, and I never felt like I was alone on the course. There were also always enough other runners around that I always had company. Great finisher medal, which included a lighthouse that actually has a little light that you can turn on – I wonder how many people didn’t even notice this. All in all, I have only positive things to say about the AC marathon.”- S.B., Marathonguide.com
Watchung Reservation Trail Marathon
All of the proceeds from the Watchung Reservation Trail Run go directly to the New Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter. Given that this is a winter race and the fact that this is a trail run, don’t count on any cheering fans standing on the sidelines–you won’t find any! This marathon is low-key and takes place in a beautiful nature reserve so you can enjoy the snow-draped trees and landscape as you run by. Find out more on their website.
The Course
The course for the Watchung Trail Run is a fairly technical one. If you are used to road races, any trail run will be a totally new experience for you. This course is described as having many turns, elevation changes, and rocks. In addition, don’t be surprised if you find yourself trekking through snow and mud! This race takes place in the winter and it is not uncommon for the temperature to be in the low single digits at the start of the race so dress warm and be prepared for cold weather!
Credit: NJ Trail Series
Reviews
“4 degree start and ankle high snow. One of the hardest of my 30 races to get ready for as it was brutally cold. 4 laps for the marathon and you were able to pass your bag/car to change clothes and grab food. It did warm up to a balmy 12 degrees by my forth lap. This is super no-frills and that’s what I love about the NJ trails series. Overall it was a great experience and oddly enough I over-dressed and had to strip off everything by the 2nd loop to change all my clothes. I’d do it again in a heartbeat! loved running thru the snow and not seeing anyone for miles at a time! Fun!!”-C.B., Marathonguide.com
“The course is a winding trail through the Watchung reservation. It is not for first time trail runners…it is a technical, partly single track trail. There are lots of rocks, mud, frequent elevation changes, turns, sometimes snow, and, the markings are not always completely obvious. If you LIKE trail running, and don’t mind inclement weather, you may love it.”-R.G., Marathonguide.com