How do I enter the Jersey City Marathon?

Registration is open through RunSignUp on a first-come, first-served basis until the race fills. The race has sold out recently, so check for open spots early and register as soon as they become available.

Is the Jersey City Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a certified Boston qualifier. Roughly one in six finishers has crossed with a BQ-standard time, which reflects the flat, fast nature of the course.

What is the course like in terms of elevation?

The course is a multi-loop design with a net elevation of zero. Total gain and loss are modest at under 400 feet each, and the highest point is well under 100 feet, so there are no significant hills to manage.

How big is the field?

Recent editions have had around 3,100 finishers, making it a mid-size race with a manageable, community feel on course.

What is the typical race-day weather?

April race days typically start in the mid-40s and climb into the low 60s. The waterfront setting can bring wind off the Hudson, so check conditions the night before and plan layers for the start.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Jersey City Marathon course is USATF certified, so finish times are valid for Boston qualifying submission.

Apr 2027 · est.Jersey City, NJSince 2023

Jersey City Marathon

Jersey City puts a legitimate PR course in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline, with open registration and a layout that rewards patience and even pacing.

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JERSEY CITY · US

Jersey City

APR 2027

estimated

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Race Overview

EST. 2023

Jersey City is a legitimately fast course sitting just across the Hudson from Manhattan. It's a multi-loop layout that starts and finishes at Newport Green, which puts you right on the waterfront with the New York skyline directly in front of you. The loops are flat, the net elevation is zero, and the course is USATF certified. It's a genuinely good setup if a PR or a Boston qualifier is what you're after. Run the first loop like you're saving something for later, because the repetition catches up with you.

This is still a young race, so the field is mid-sized and the experience has a neighborhood feel compared to the big-city giants. Getting in is open registration through RunSignUp, though the race has been selling out, so check early and sign up when spots open. If you're coming from outside the area, EWR is close, PATH gets you to the start quickly, and staying in Jersey City or Hoboken keeps logistics simple. It's a smart pick if you want a shot at a fast time without fighting for a bib.

Field size

~3.1k

3,111 finishers

BQ rate

17%

Above national average

Time limit

6:30

Standard cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

The Course

383 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑383 ft

Total descent

↓383 ft

Net elevation

↑0 ft

Highest point

68 ft

Lowest point

4 ft

Course shape

Multi loop

Start and finish in one place

The course is a multi-loop design with a net elevation of zero, meaning whatever you climb you also descend. Total gain and loss are modest, spread across the loops rather than concentrated in one big obstacle. The highest point barely clears 65 feet, so there are no true hills. What matters for pacing is the repetition: loops can flatten your focus, and splits you bank early can feel expensive by lap three. Surface and exposure are worth scouting, given the waterfront location and potential for April wind off the Hudson. Run the first loop conservatively. Even conditions tend to reward even effort here.

DIFFICULTYFLATPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

View official course map Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

45°F

High

61°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

April in Jersey City runs cool at the gun and mild by the finish. You'll likely start in the low-to-mid 40s and warm into the low 60s over the race. That range is good for fast running, but the waterfront location means wind off the Hudson is a real variable. On a calm day this is about as favorable as spring racing gets in the Northeast. On a gusty day the exposed stretches will cost you. Check the forecast the night before and dress accordingly for the corral.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration on RunSignUp. The race is currently sold out for 2026. Entry is available through open registration when spots are available.

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Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

EWR

7 mi

from the start

≈ 11 min transferOn the doorstep

What to expect

Jersey City is 15 minutes from Newark Airport (EWR) via PATH train (2.75 per ride). Use PATH's Newport or Pavonia/Exchange Place stations to reach the start at Newport Green. Stay in Jersey City or nearby Hoboken for easy pre-race logistics. Street parking can be challenging; pre-book parking garages near Newport.