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Browse · New Jersey Marathon
Apr 2027 · est.Long Branch, NJSince 1997

New Jersey Marathon

The New Jersey Marathon runs a nearly flat loop course that finishes on the Long Branch boardwalk, making it one of the more straightforward PR setups on the East Coast.

FlatOpen
NEW JERSEY · US
New Jersey
APR 2027
estimated
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Race Overview

EST. 1997

The New Jersey Marathon is a straightforward race to recommend. It starts at Monmouth Park Racetrack and finishes on the boardwalk in Long Branch, running a flat loop through the Shore towns between. The course barely rises above sea level the entire way. If you want a course that gets out of your way and lets you race, this is a solid choice.

The one thing to plan around is the coastal exposure. When the wind comes off the ocean, it can make the back half feel like a different race. Run patient through the first half, and don't let the flat miles early on push you out ahead of your goal pace. Entry is open registration, no lottery, no qualifying time, so getting in is easy. Just sign up, show up, and run.

Field size
~2.3k
2,311 finishers
BQ rate
—
Not a BQ race
Time limit
—
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:23:56
Leif Fredericks
2018
Women
2:41:43
Caitlin Phillips
2018

The Course

Total ascent
—
Total descent
—
Net elevation
—
Highest point
40 ft
Lowest point
2 ft
Course shape
Loop
Start and finish in one place

With a highest point of just 40 feet and a net elevation of zero, this is about as flat as a road marathon gets. The loop course starts at Monmouth Park Racetrack and finishes on the Long Branch boardwalk. Expect steady, runnable terrain throughout. The main variable to plan for is coastal exposure: if the wind comes off the ocean, it can be a real factor in the back half of the loop. Pacing even splits is very achievable here, but don't bank on a tailwind saving you. Run the first half conservatively, especially if conditions are breezy, and the course will reward you late.

Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
46°F
High
60°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°
What to expect

Late April on the Jersey Shore runs mild but unpredictable. You'll likely start in the mid-to-upper 40s and finish around 60, which is comfortable racing weather. The real wildcard is the coastal wind. It can shift direction mid-race and add friction to stretches where there's no shelter. Dress in a light throwaway layer for the corral if it's damp, and don't let a calm first few miles fool you about the back half.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration with no lottery, qualifying standards, or charity requirements.

Register on RunSignup

Logistics

For runners travelling in
Closest airport
JFK
26 mi
from the start
≈ 41 min transferEasy transfer
What to expect

Long Branch is located on the Jersey Shore, roughly 50 miles south of New York City and 80 miles north of Atlantic City. Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 45 miles away. The race started at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport with the finish on the Long Branch boardwalk.

Frequently Asked

7 questions