FAQ's

Save The Date: May 1, 2011

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Q: Race Info - Distance, Start Time, etc.
A:

A full marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), and new this year, a proposed Half Marathon relay (13.1 miles broken into 2 stages of approximately 6.4 miles and 6.7 miles).

Age Limit - There is no posted minimum age limit for anyone above 14 years of age. 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 is 7:55 AM for wheelchair athletes in the Marathon; 8:00 AM for the Marathon Start; 8:25 AM for wheelchair athletes in the Half Marathon; and 8:30 AM for the Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay.

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

Q: Is there a Time Limit?
A:

Finish Time Details

Full Marathon Time Limit - The finish line will close at 2:30 PM. In addition, all marathon participants must be at the Brighton Ave. and Ocean Blvd. intersection (Mile 11.5) by 11:00 AM in order to continue the Full Marathon course. If arriving at that mark after 11:00 AM, participants will be asked to leave the course and directed immediately back to the Finish Line area.

Half Marathon Time Limit - The finish line will close at 12:05 PM. All half marathon participants must complete the course (13.1 miles) in 3 hours and 35 minutes from the starting gun, or less (by 12:05 PM). If you are unable to complete the entire 13.1 miles in less than 3 hours and 35 minutes, please either adjust your training plan to attain that level of performance or perhaps create, or join, a team for the NJ Half Marathon Relay.

Q: Are walkers or athletes with disabilities welcome?
A:

Welcome: Runners, Walkers and Athletes in Wheelchairs

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

In 2011, there will be several starting times, please be aware of when you are supposed to be ready at the Start Line.

The first start will be at 7:55 AM for our wheelchair athletes in the Marathon.

Then, immediately after, at 8:00 AM, will be the start for all other participants in the Full Marathon.

The wheelchair athletes participating in the Half Marathon will start at 8:25 AM.

All other athletes (meaning all remaining Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay participants) will start at 8:30 AM.

It is very important that all walkers and run/walkers start towards the back of their respective event start times.

Please pay attention to the race day announcements to determine your Start Line 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 we are moving back to a 1-loop course for the Marathon for 2011, we again welcome athletes who use wheelchairs to both compete in and complete our event.

Q: What are the course details?
A:

The course will be 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 or LBH.

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

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

The proposed course for the 2011 Marathon will be a 1-loop course that includes areas of Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, Deal, Allenhurst & Asbury Park.

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

Q: Where can I find help in my Training?
A:

There are a number of excellent training resources including:

ActiveTrainer - Get the best in online training, with a plan for both the Marathon and Half Marathon distance. The plans include calendars, tips, nutrition, recovery plans, etc!
Ask The New Jersey Marathon Coach - email questions to Coach Jack
A 14-week NJM/LBH Training Program (starting January 2010)
An on-course Training Run (20 miles or 10 miles) on Sunday April 11th, 2010. All registered runners will be given more details, via email, in time to register for this Official Training Run.
Other Training Tips and Sources of advice are available on our Training page

Q: Is there an official Race Expo?
A:

Yes - The Quality of Life Expo for The New Jersey Marathon Festival at the Shore will be on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30.

Location: The location for the 2011 Expo is still TBD. More details will be updated on the website as soon as possible.

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 all 10,000+ athletes to attend, plus many more thousands of spectators.

The Expo hours are tentatively sheduled for: Friday, from 1PM to 8PM; and Saturday, from 9AM to 6PM.

Official New Jersey Marathon Festival merchandise will be available for purchase at The Expo and also on Race Day.

Q: How do I register?
A:

Registration for the races opened in May, and is projected to close around mid-April, 2011. Registration for the new Half Marathon Relay is set to open in late July. We have sold out the event the last 2 years, and we expect to sell out the 2011 event as well - so REGISTER EARLY to guarantee your spot and save money!

Please note: We DO NOT expect to have any registration open at all at the Expo or during race weekend for the Marathon, Half Marathon, or Half Marathon Relays.

You may register online at any time prior to the close of registration, projected again to be approximately mid-April, although our race limit may be reached earlier.

You may register offline at any time, by printing out the registration form and mailing it in (address on application form). Mailed in applications must be postmarked on or before April 8th, 2011, to be considered valid. Offline forms will be available for download from the site shortly.

As this is an event that benefits several charities, we do not provide registration refunds. However, we are proud to offer our Race Deferral Program.

Q: Race Packet Pick-up Information - How do I receive my Bib / Timing Chip / T-shirt / Goodie Bag?
A:

These items WILL NOT be mailed to you, under any circumstances.

You may either pick them up at the Expo (location TBD) during the Expo hours (tentatively) of:

Friday, April 29: 1PM - 8PM
Saturday, April 30: 9AM - 6PM

For those participants not arriving until Sunday morning: The NJ MF 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 to you on race day.
Sign up for this reservation service will close on April 26th at 11:59PM EST.
To sign up for this Service, Click Here.

Q: How are the Events timed?
A:

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

The Half Marathon Relay 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).

Q: How do I get to Long Branch / Start Line?
A:

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 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.

Q: Where should I park on Race Day?
A:

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 vis 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 Monmouth Park Racetrack and the drop-off 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 12:30PM). 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 lot 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 the Event's control).

Q: Do you have a Gear Check / Bag Drop?
A:

Due to environmental concerns this close to the ocean, please note 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.

Q: Do you have Pacing Teams?
A:

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 Pacing Team 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 to 6:30 marathon time) and will help coach, entertain, encourage, and distract while getting you to the Finish Line in your goal time.

Do you have Half Marathon Pacers? Yes, but due to the different start times from the Full Marathon to the Half Marathon (Full - 8:00AM; Half - 8:30AM), we will have a limited number of Half Marathon Pacers. Check back as we get closer to the Marathon Festival Weekend for more information on Half Marathon Pacers.

What paces do you have? We will try to recruit pacers from 3:00 marathon time up to 6:30 and all of 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 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 pace group) 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 experiences 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 there 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 a pace team is free!

How can I find 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 a 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

Q: How does the Marathon Relay work?
A:

The new Half Marathon Relay will start at 8:30 AM on Sunday, at the same location as the Marathon and Half Marathon. It will be a 2-person relay team, with legs of approximately 6.4 miles and 6.7 miles.

We will update the site with additional details as they become available. Please check back often if you are interested in participating in the new Half Marathon Relay for 2011.

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.

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 (one male/one female)
Masters - All Male Team
Masters - All Female Team
Masters - Mixed Team (one male/one female)
Long Branch Resident Team
Monmouth Beach Resident Team

Q: Info about the Start Line procedures:
A:

Things to check - Be sure that: your race bib is on the front of your shirt / singlet and visible (so that you will receive your "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.

Q: Information for On The Course - During The Race:
A:

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 strollers, 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 or emergency personnel traffic on the course. We believe that there will be many 'distractions' along the course including: spectators, bands and the beautiful 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 and chocalate will be available at miles 17.5, 19.2 & 20.4. Please be prepared to carry your own favorite gel packs that you have been training with, and only take the GU if neccessary. We will have approximately 6,000 GU gel packs on the course.

High Energy Station - The Official on-course high energy station is located at approximately miles 19.2, and is stocked with high sugar foods, pretzels, and de-fizzed 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 the course, near each Fluid Station.

Q: Information for the Finish Area and Post-Event:
A:

The Finish Area is on the Long Branch Ocean Promenade (which is also the Start Area).

After crossing the finish line, keep moving forward through the chute. At the end of the chute you will be awarded your Finisher's Medal 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
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 and Race Bib.

Awards - Age Group Awards will be announced and presented inside the "Big Top" tent. While using 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 11:00 AM and continue until 3:30 PM. The return shuttles will be located on Union Ave. just west of Ocean Blvd. (where you were dropped off).

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