How do I register for the Atlantic City Marathon?

Registration is open to all runners through RunSignup. It opens in November and stays open until the race reaches capacity, so signing up early is a good idea.

Is the Atlantic City Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a certified Boston qualifier. The course is USATF certified, so a qualifying time here counts toward your Boston application.

What is the course like elevation-wise?

The course is extremely flat. The highest point is just 22 feet above sea level and the lowest is essentially at sea level, making it one of the flatter marathon courses in the Northeast.

What is the time limit for the race?

The time limit is 6.5 hours from the start.

How big is the field?

Recent editions have had roughly 970 finishers, putting it in the mid-size range for a regional marathon.

What should I expect from the weather in October?

Expect a cool start in the low-to-mid 40s and temperatures rising into the mid-60s by the time you finish. Wind off the Atlantic is the main wildcard, particularly on the exposed Boardwalk sections.

Where does the race start and finish?

The race starts and finishes on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in front of Bally's Casino. Most boardwalk hotels are within walking distance of the start, which makes logistics straightforward.

Sun, Oct 18 · 2026Atlantic City, NJSince 1958

Atlantic City Marathon

The Atlantic City Marathon runs a flat loop through a coastal New Jersey city, finishing on the famous Boardwalk with the ocean at your back. It is a genuine PR course for runners willing to race the conditions in mid-October.

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ATLANTIC CITY · US

Atlantic City

SUN, OCT 18

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 1958

Atlantic City is a flat, fast loop that starts and ends on the Boardwalk in front of Bally's Casino. The course stays low the entire way, barely rising above sea level anywhere. You'll run through the city and along the coast, and the finish back on the Boardwalk with the ocean behind you is the moment that sticks. It earns the hype, especially if you've been grinding through the back miles.

The main variable here is wind. The Boardwalk stretches are exposed, and an ocean breeze that felt fine at the gun can turn into a wall in the later miles. Pay attention to the forecast the night before and plan your effort accordingly. For goals, this is legitimately one of the flatter marathon courses you'll find in the Northeast in the fall. Open registration through RunSignup, and it fills up but isn't a brutal ticket to get. If you want a PR-friendly fall race without a lottery headache, this one is worth a close look.

Field size

~971

971 finishers

BQ rate

5%

Near national average

Time limit

6:30

Standard cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:29:22

John Campagna

2021

Women

2:50:37

Savannah Carnahan

2021

The Course

Total ascent

—

Total descent

—

Net elevation

—

Highest point

22 ft

Lowest point

1 ft

Course shape

Loop

Start and finish in one place

This is about as flat as a certified marathon course gets. The highest point is barely above sea level, the lowest point is at sea level, and net elevation is zero. The loop design means no meaningful climbs or descents to plan around. Pacing implications are almost entirely about the surface and conditions rather than terrain. Portions run on or near the Boardwalk, where wind off the Atlantic can be a real factor, especially in the back half. Turns in the loop can interrupt rhythm, so use them to reset rather than surge. On a calm day this course sets up well for even-split racing and a PR attempt.

View official course map Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

43°F

High

66°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Mid-October in Atlantic City means a cool morning and a comfortable afternoon, but the temperature range can be wide on any given day. You'll likely start in the low-to-mid 40s and finish closer to the mid-60s, so dress in throwaway layers you're happy to shed. The bigger variable is wind off the Atlantic. On a calm day the conditions favor fast running. On a breezy day the exposed Boardwalk stretches will slow you down whether you want them to or not. Check the forecast the night before and adjust your target pace if the wind is up.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration available through RunSignup. Entry closes when the race reaches capacity.

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Frequently Asked

7 questions

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