Spectator Tips and Suggested Viewing Locations
 

A truly successful marathon, half marathon and half marathon relay needs three components: Participants, Spectators and Sponsors. This section is devoted to you, The Spectator.

Our new single loop marathon course and our single loop half marathon course were conceived to be "spectator friendly" by allowing both residents and visitors to the city to watch the athletes at several points during the races.  The races start at 8:00am and end by 2:30pm.

Full Marathon Course Map Details will be Posted Soon

Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay Course Map

Parking near the Start / Finish area is limited and many of the local streets will be blocked starting no later than 7:30am on Race Day.  For Central Parking and Train and Shuttle Bus Transportation Information please click here.

Here are a few example of ways to view the athletes at several points during the races:

Start / Finish Area:  On the Ocean Promenade, a short walk across Ocean Blvd. (future location of the Broadway Arts Center) you are at mile 9.5, walk back across Ocean Blvd. to Pier Village and you are at miles 12.8 and 25.9, and / or a return to the Finish Area is a short walk north.

Pier Village is a great place to relax during the races.  It is full of shops and restaurants and is at / on the beach!

All of these locations area a casual (and short) walk apart.

For locals to the north Jersey Shore (especially Long Branch residents), there are two other great Spectator Vantage Points to help support the participants where support is needed most!

Brighton Ave., West End:  A beautifully tree-lined stretch is closed to traffic (park west of Second Ave.) and is at mile 11.5.  This avenue is full of shops and restaurants.  Plus, a bandstand, with live entertainment, is on the corner of Brighton Ave. and Ocean Blvd.  The beach is one block east.

If you make a simple plan before going to the race, it will make your experience almost as rewarding as the participant's, and your participation will enhance the experience fo ALL!

Please keep the following basics in mind:

• The Marathon Start Time will be 8:00 AM, with the Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay at 8:30 AM.
• The Half Marathon course is 13.1 miles long.
• The marathon course is 26.2 miles long so please remember to to encourage these athletes along the new single loop course.
• A NJ Transit train from either NYC Penn Station (making all local stops) to Long Branch or from Bay Head to Long Branch is a good way to commute to the races for both the athletes and spectators.  Check the NJ Transit schedule for departure times.
• Make a parking plan, and walk to your choice of viewing location from there.
• Bring:  paper towels, tissues, hard candy, gummy bears, or other small but appreciated amenities, for the participants - and especially bring a strong voice t cheer (or a noise-maker).
• Yell encouraging words, and unless you're within sight of the Finish Line, do NOT yell "ALMOST THERE!"

Every year there are about 30% "First Timers" for the Marathon distance of 26.2 miles.  Your support is in many cases vital to their ability to finish!

For sure, these "First Timer" participants will remember your support for the rest if their lives!  No Kidding!

No matter how many marathons these athletes complete in the years ahead, they will always remember their first marathon, and your encouragement could make the difference between it being a postive or negative memory.

The Band Locations along the course

These area are often fun places to watch the races.

Location                                              Bands

Promenade                                                                  

                  Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant                             Music Rehab                           

Corner of Atlantic Ave. & Ocean Blvd.                                                                  

       Investors Savings Bank                                      Kim Dalton              

         Pier Village                                                     Bar Flyz