A full marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), and a marathon relay (26.2 miles broken into 4 stages which vary between approximately 3.5 miles and 9.7 miles).

Age Limit - There is no posted minimum age limit for anyone above 14 years old. We rely upon the common sense of the parents or guardians; however anyone 14 or younger interested in participating in the NJM, must have their parent or legal guardian call the Race Director prior to registering. His number is: 732-578-1771

The Start Time 8:45 AM for Wheelchair athletes and 9:00 AM for all others: The New Jersey Marathon (NJM), The Long Branch Half Marathon (LBH) and The New Jersey Marathon Relay (NJMR).

Please allow adequate time to arrive at the Start Line, check your Finish Line Bag, etc.

Finish Time Summary:

Full Marathoners must finish prior to 3:30 PM. All full marathon participants must complete the first loop (13.1 miles) in 3 hours 20 minutes (gun time).

Half Marathoners must finish prior to 12:35 PM. All half marathon participants must complete the course in 3 hours 30 minutes, or less.

Finish Time Details:

Full Marathon Time Limit - The finish line will close at 3:30 PM. In addition, all marathon participants must complete the first loop (13.1 miles) in 3 hours and 20 minutes, or by 12:20 PM. After 12:20 PM the northern sections of the on-course support will begin to shut down and the course will begin to reopen to traffic. Any marathon participants who arrive at the 13.1 mile mark after 12:20 PM (3 hours and 20 minutes chip time) will be asked to leave the course.

Half Marathon Time Limit - The finish line will close at 12:35 PM. All half marathon participants must complete the course (13.1 miles) in 3 hour and 35 minutes from the starting gun, or less (by 12:35 PM).  If you are unable complete the entire 13.1 miles in 3 hours and 30 minutes, please either adjust your training plan to attain that level of performance or perhaps create, or join, a team for the NJ Marathon Relay.

Athletes of all abilities (runners, walkers and athletes in wheelchairs) are welcome to participate, as always!

Starting in 2010, the race will start in three waves:
The first wave will be our wheelchair athletes who will start at approximately 8:45 AM.
The second wave will start at 9:00 AM and will consist of those athletes who anticipate completing the course in an average pace of between 5 min/mile and 8:59 min/mile.
All other athletes will start after the second wave clears the start area. (9 min/mile pace and higher)

It is very important that all walkers, runners and run/walkers line up relative to their expected finish time (pace per mile), and in the proper corral.

Please pay attention to the race day announcements to determine your start details. This will enhance your experience during the race start as faster participants will not have to avoid bumping into you during the 10,000 person start.

As in all of our previous events, we welcome athletes who use wheelchairs to complete our event, as apposed to compete in our event.

Please Note: Because our course is an exact 2 loops, with the same start and finish lines, the half and full marathons create an unsuitable situation for either pushrim or handcrank wheelchair athletes who want to compete in these events.

The course is USAT&F certified, which allows runners to use it to qualify for the following year's Boston Marathon.

Qualification is NOT required for entry into the: NJM, LBH or NJMR.

The course starts and ends on the oceanfront Promenade, just north of Pier Village and the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, opposite The Great Lawn.

It is a 13.1-mile loop which travels through many of the business districts and neighborhoods of Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Oceanport.

It is a 2-loop course for both the NJM and the NJMR participants, and a 1-loop course for the LBH participants.

The course has no significant hills. Most of the course is virtually flat (with a few very gentle rolling stretches and three bridge crossings). This is a relatively flat, fast course!

There are a number of excellent training resources including:

• Ask The New Jersey Marathon Coach - email question to Coach Jack,
• A 14-Week NJM / LBH Training Program (Starting January 2010),
• An on-course Training Run (20 miles and 10 miles) on Sunday April 11th, 2010. All registered runners will be given more details, via email, in time to register.
• Other Training Tips and Sources of advise are available on our Training Tips page

Location: The Ocean Place Resort & Spa located at One Ocean Boulevard, in Long Branch, NJ 07740.  The web site is at: http://www.oceanplace.com/

This comprehensive 2-day running related expo is free, and open to the public, as well as to all participants in The New Jersey Marathon Festival. We are expecting 10,000 athletes to attend, plus thousand of spectators.

The Expo will be held on Fri. from: 1PM to 8PM and on Sat. from 9AM to 6PM.

Official New Jersey Marathon merchandise will be available for purchase.

Registration for the races began on July 1st 2009, and is projected to close on or before mid-April 2010.

Please Note: We DO NOT expect to have any registration at any time during The New Jersey Marathon Festival.

You may register on-line at any time prior to the close of registration, projected to be on or before the end of April.

You may register off-line at anytime, prior to the close of registration, projected to be on or before mid-April, by printing out the registration form and mailing it in (address on application form).

As this is an event run for charity, we do not provide registration refunds. However, we are proud to offer our Race Deferral Program.

These items WILL NOT be mailed to you.

You may either pick them up at the Expo at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa during any of the following times:

• Fri. from 1PM to 8PM,
• Sat. 9AM to 6PM, or

For those participants not arriving until Sunday morning; The NJ Marathon organization is proud to present a Marathon Morning Race Packet Pick-Up Service in partnership with Bosco's Buddies.

For a nominal donation to Bosco's Buddies, volunteers will have your Race Packet ready for you on Sunday morning at The Ocean Place Resort & Spa, near the bag drop area .  The details are below.

Please Note:

• Only advanced reservations will guarantee that packets will be available on race day.
• Sign-up for this reservation service will close on April 26th at 11:59pm EST.
• To sign up for the Service Click here.

The NJM and LBH events will be timed using a D-tag timing strip which attaches to your shoe laces. There is no need to return it to us after finishing your event.

The NJMR event will also be timed using a D-tag timing strip which attaches via a velcro strap (to allow transfer of the timing strip between the relay team members).

Driving - The main routes to central parking are: The Garden State Parkway (Exit 105), Route 18 (Exit 13B), and Route 35. Route 36 heads east from these three main routes and the entrance to Monmouth Park Racetrack is along Route 36.

Train - There are regularly scheduled NJ Transit trains from NYC Penn Station and from Bay Head, NJ, with additional pick-up points along the route.  It is best to purchase a round trip ticket to/from Long Branch Station in order to get the best price.

Click on the NJ Transit logo to view the train schedule

The Long Branch station is approximately 3/4 of a mile from the Start Area. There will be lots of signs, starting at the station, to lead passengers along the way to the Bag Drop and Start Areas.

The Main Parking Area for the Sunday Races, will be at Monmouth Park Racetrack, at 175 Oceanport Ave, in Oceanport.  There will be plenty of free parking and a free shuttle service to and from the Start / Finish Area.

Access to Monmouth Park Racetrack is via Rt. 36 (the main access route from either: Exit 105 of the Garden State Parkway, Exit 13B of Rt. 18 or Rt. 35). Get Personalized Driving Directions to Monmouth Park Racetrack.

Shuttle buses will transport athletes, spectators and volunteers from Central Parking to the drop off point, near the Start Area, between the hours of 7 and 8 AM.

There will be additional buses from Central Parking, for both spectators and volunteers, starting again at TBD until TBD. These buses will be making continuous loops between between Monmouth Park Racetrack and the drop of point near the Start/Finish Area.

The return trip to Monmouth Park Racetrack will begin at TBD and continue until TBD. The return shuttles will be located in front of the Host Hotel (near the original drop-off point).

There is also limited parking for New Jersey Marathon participants only, at 7-Presidents Oceanfront Park, in Long Branch.  These spaces are limited and vehicles will not be allowed into the park after 8:30 AM and will not be allowed out of the parking area until the last athlete has passed the park exit (could be as late as 12:30).  Get Personalized Driving Directions to 7-Presidents Oceanfront Park.

Please help us keep cars away from our course, for both safety and convenience by taking advantage of the free and unlimited parking at our Main Parking Area (see above).

Handicapped Parking
The closest handicapped parking to the start / finish area on race day, will be at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa (the north side of the parking lots near the ballrooms). We believe that the Resort will be charging a parking fee, and may fill up quickly (the earlier the better). This location is adjacent to the start / finish area.

There are also handicapped parking spots in Pier Village, which is on the course and is less than 1/4 mile south of the start / finish area. While these spaces are free, they are posted as a two hour limit (the limit may be waived for that day, but that could change and is out of our control).

Due to environmental concerns this close to the ocean, please note that there WILL NOT be any mylar blankets (heat sheets) handed out at the Start / Finish Area. Please bring a finish line bag with appropriate clothing to put on after your event.

There will be a finish line bag drop off area, inside the Ocean Place Resort & Spa. Please bring your bag to the drop off area. Please DO NOT leave valuables in your bag as we cannot be responsible for the contents of your bag. Please DO NOT leave your bag around the Start / Finish Area.  Bags left outside and unattended may be confiscated due to Homeland Security requirements.

The Official Pacers will be wearing bright pacing bibs on their front and back and carrying pennants with the group time.

At the Start Area, look for the signs that show the various pace times. Your pacer(s) will meet you at the appropriate sign.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions......

What is the New Jersey Marathon Pace Team? The NJM pace team is a group of experienced runners that run an even pace (from 3:00-6:30 marathon time) and will help coach, entertain, encourage, and distract while getting you to the finish in your goal time.

Do you have Half Marathon Pacers? Yes! Since the marathon and half start at the same time all NJM pacers are also pacing the half. If your goal time is to finish the half in 2:00 follow the 4:00 NJM pace team. They will be finishing the half in 2:00.

What paces do you have? We will try to recruit pacers from 3:00 marathon time to 6:30 and all the Boston Qualifying times.

How come there isn't a pacer for my goal pace time? Check back as we get closer to the marathon on our Pacing Team page. We are continually recruiting. We try to recruit for almost all the Boston Qualifying Marathon Times. If there isn't a pace team leader for your pace time, line up at the start according to your goal pace (e.g. if you are pacing 3:35 line up behind the 3:30 pacer) and you'll find others unofficially pacing for your time.

Do pacers maintain an even pace? Yes! As much as possible, NJM pacers will do even splits for every mile.

Do the pacers start out exactly on pace? Our pacers are experienced marathon runners. At the start it may be a little crowded and therefore it will take a mile to settle into the pace. But, the pacers will not take you out too fast and as much as possible they will maintain even splits.

How do I join the NJM Pace Team? And is their a fee? You can sign up at the expo, this gives us an idea of how many people to expect. Or you can join us at the start. Joining the pace team is free!

How can I find the Pace Team Leaders at the start? 30 minutes before the start, all the pace team leaders will line up according to pace carrying large yellow signs with their marathon finish time over their head. They will be wearing bright colored pacer t-shirts and carrying fluorescent orange pennants displaying their pace time throughout the course.

If I join the Pace Team does that mean I have to stay with them the whole way? Not at all. If at some point you feel that you have the energy to go faster in the second half or are looking to do a negative split you are entirely free to go ahead. If you are having a bad day and cannot maintain pace, slow down (especially if you are struggling early on). If you have questions about the appropriate pace team for you come talk to us at the Expo, or consult the race results predictor on MarathonGuide.com.

I've used the Galloway Method to train for the marathon, will it help to join the pace team? Absolutely! Although the pace team leaders will be doing even splits, you will see your pace team leader many times through the course, sometimes you will be ahead and sometimes behind.

Additional questions? Email the Pace Team Coordinator

The Marathon Relay will start at 9:00 AM on Sunday, at the same location as the Marathon and Half Marathon.

You may watch your team member start and then relax before the next hand off.

It is suggested that runners get to the correct transition area (see below for locations) at least 30 minutes before the current runner is due to arrive. You and your team will need to determine the proper time for the next runner to arrive at each of the transition areas.

The Transitions - Well before hand-off, the waiting team member should check in with the transition manager (at the proper Transition Area). This allows the race committee to keep track of who is on or off the course. There are two transition areas: Transition Area # 1 is at the eastern edge of Broadway and Transition Area # 2 is at the Gazebo, on the Boardwalk, in Pier Village.

Each team will be issued one Timing strip. This should be attached by a Velcro strap (supplied with timing strip) to the current runner's ankle. In the transition area this timing strip/velcro strap will serve as your baton - simply release it from the current runner and strap it to the next runner's ankle. This is the hand off.

The 4 legs of the 4-person race are as follows:

There is a short (1/4 mile) distance between the two transition areas.

• the first team member will complete 9.4 miles (from the Start Line to Transition Area # 1 - on the eastern end of Broadway),
• the second team member will complete 3.5 miles (from Transition Area # 1 to Transition Area # 2 - at the Gazebo in Pier Village),
• the third team member will complete 9.6 miles (from Transition Area # 2 to Transition Area # 1),
• the fourth team member will complete 3.7 miles (from Transition Area # 1 to the Finish Line).

The 4 legs of the 3-person race:

Any combination of course legs may be combined or substituted. There is a short (1/4 mile) distance between the two transition areas.

For example, a 3 person team may decide to run the legs as follows:

• the first team member could complete 9.4 miles (from Start Area to Transition Area #1 - on the eastern end of Broadway),
• the second team member could complete 3.5 miles (from Transition Area # 1 to Transition Area # 2,
• the third team member could complete 9.6 miles (from Transition Area # 2 to Transition Area # 1),
• the any team member could complete 3.7 miles (from Transition Area # 1 to the Finish Line), or as an alternative,
• the third team member could complete the 13.3 miles from Transition Area #2 to the Finish Line).

Variations of the above example (3 person team) are encouraged. Use your judgment to plan out the race strategy and ask questions of the Relay Director and / or Relay Staff if you are unsure. Remember, mixed teams MUST have one female team member who completes at least one of the legs.

Any substitutions / changes in Relay Category, from original registration, must be made in writing before April 15, and may require an additional $10 fee.

Relay Categories:

• Open - All Male Team
• Open - All Female Team
• Open - Mixed Team (at least one female)
• Masters - All Male Team
• Masters - All Female Team
• Masters - Mixed Team (at least one female)
• Long Branch Resident Team
• Monmouth Beach Resident Team

Things to check - Be sure to check that: your race bib is on the front of your shirt / singlet and visible (so that you will receive you "official" marathon photo), and the timing strip is securely fastened.

Amenities at the Start Area - Bagels, water, Vaseline, sunscreen and Port-a-Johns.  Greeters and a Help /  Info Desk will be available to provide direction and last minute answers to questions.


Lining Up - Please line up relative to your expected finish time, with the faster finishers closer to the start line. Signs with predicted finishing times will be on display at the Start.  Using the times on the pacing team pennants is often a good way to judge where to line up. If you don't have an idea of your finishing time, it is usually best to line up near, or at the back.  Your cooperation will ensure a smooth and timely start.

Official Pacers - The Official NJM Pacers will be wearing bright placing time bibs on their front and back and carrying pennants.  Look for the signs that show the pace times.  Your pacer will meet you at the appropriate sign.

Timing Mats - Please avoid the timing mats while waiting for the start of the race.

Switching Races - There are NO CHANGE OF EVENTS at the start. Your timing chip will time you for the event length for which you registered. Changes of event must take place no later than one month prior to race day.

Clothing - Please Note: All discarded clothing will be donated to charities. We cannot return clothing discarded either at the start or along the course.

Animals / children in a stroller, bikes, etc. - For safety and insurance reasons: animals of any kind, regular or jogging strollers, bikes, and in-line skates are not permitted on the course.

Headphones - The New Jersey Marathon organizers STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you DO NOT use your headphones during the races, for safety reasons. We all need to be aware of our surroundings, which include fellow runners and the possibility of errant traffic on the course. We believe that there will be many 'distractions' along the course including: spectators, bands and the scenery.

Fluid Stations - The Official on-course fluid stations are located approximately 2 miles, or less apart.  Each station will have Gatorade (Endurance Formula) first, and water second. Fluid station signs will notify you prior to a station. Oranges, bananas and GU will also be available at some locations.

GU Energy Gels - (vanilla & chocolate) will be available at multiple locations. Please be prepared to carry your own favorite gel packs that you have been training with, and only take the GU if necessary. We will have approximately 9,000 GU gels on the course.

High Energy Stations - The Official on-course high energy stations are located at approximately miles 19.2 and 22, and are stocked with high sugar foods, pretzels and de-fizzled cola.

Medical Aid - EMT ambulances will be stationed at strategic locations along the course in addition to the volunteer medical personnel from Monmouth Medical Center who will staff our Med Tent and Large medical facility (central part of the course).

If you become sick, extremely fatigued or injured, each fluid station will have communications to race officials. It is best if you DO NOT leave the course; however, if you do, you must notify an official and hand in your number! In addition, bicyclists will be patrolling the course to both assist, and seek assistance, as needed! A "sweep van" will pick up anyone needing medical aid.

Port-a-Johns -There are an abundance of toilet facilities at the Start / Finish Areas, as well as on the course, near each Fluid Station.

The Finish Area is on the Long Branch Ocean Promenade and is co-located with the Start Area.

After crossing the finish line, keep moving forward through the chute.  At the end of the chute you will be awarded you Finisher's Medal and Hat and then proceed to the Reunion Area to meet your supporters.

There are showers and massages available in the Ocean Place Resort & Spa. The massage is free, on an ongoing basis, and the showers are available for a $15 fee.

Post Race Celebration - Courtesy of:

• Tuzzio's Family Restaurant (Long Branch),
• Shop Rite Supermarkets,
• Shop Rite Supermarkets,
• The Hot Bagel Bakery of Oakhurst

All Finishers are invited to celebrate their accomplishments, under the "Big Top" adjacent to the Finish Line, with a free bowl (or two) of classic vegetarian stew, fresh fruit, yogurt and fruit drinks. To be served, simply show your: Finisher's medal, Race Bib or Finisher's Hat.

Awards - Age Group Awards will be announced and presented inside the "Big Top" tent. While under the "Big Top" tent please stop by the Awards Table to view the ongoing results and perhaps to claim your trophy! Awards will be based upon Gun Time, not Chip Time. Chip Time is acceptable for Boston Marathon Qualification.

Race Photos - Official Race Photos will be available from Brightroom at: www.brightroom.com

Shuttle to Central Parking - The return trip to Monmouth Park Racetrack will begin at TBD and continue until TBD. The return shuttles will be located on Broadway and Union Ave.(opposite the main entrance of Ocean Place Resort Hotel) just west of Ocean Blvd.