Update #10

Final Preparations

1. Review all travel info, registration/packet pick-up info, parking info on the web site.
2. Review the weather forecast.
3. Take a look at our New Participant Handbook.
4. Set-up your gear bag for your post marathon clothes.
5. Give you favorite running (walking) shoes a rest during the week so that their fresh for Sunday.
6. If you coming, as we hope, with a support crew, review the great spectator vantage points.

Watch the race on-line!

NJ Discover will stream live video of the New Jersey Marathon on NJDiscover.com on May 2, 2010.

Portions of the race and expo will also be placed on Facebook, YouTube, and the New Jersey Marathon website for everyone to enjoy! The race will be available on NJDiscover.com 24/7 for 6 months!

Our entire volunteer Staff has worked for months to help make your experience at our 14th annual NJ Marathon Festival both rewarding and unforgettable. Please take the time and THANK as many of our nearly 1,000 volunteers as well as our thousands of residents who will be out there cheering you to the Finish Line!

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #9

Parking Plan for Marathon Sunday:

Arrival Time / Route	Recommended Location for Parking
5:00AM - 7:00AM From all directions	Use Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park* or Long Branch free street parking west of Ocean Blvd.
7:00AM or later From Rte. 36 NJ GSP Exit 105	Follow Police directions from Rte. 36 for free parking at Monmouth Park Racetrack. Free primary shuttle buses will take participants, spectators and volunteers to the start**
Additional Busing for Spectators and Volunteers from Monmouth Park Racetrack	Secondary busing to the Start/Finish Area will begin after Primary busing ends (soon after 8:00AM) and continue till the close of the marathon.

*Parking at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park will close promptly at 8:00AM or earlier, if full.

**Primary shuttle busing for participants, spectators and volunteers will be from 7:00AM till 8:00AM.

Note:

1. Depending on traffic delays, it could take as much as 15 min. to shuttle to the Drop-Off Area, on Union Ave. between Liberty St. and Rockwell St., and another 5 minutes to walk to the Host Hotel/Start Area.
2. Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay start time is 9:00AM. Plan accordingly!
3. Return shuttle buses will begin at about 10:30AM and continue till about 4:30PM.
4. The shuttle bus drop-off and pick-up (for the return) will be in the same location on Union Ave. between Liberty St. and Rockwell St. This location is a very short walk to the Start/Finish Area. Volunteers, Long Branch Police Explorers and signage will assist you from drop-off to Start Area and back.

Taking the Train:
There is no more convenient way to come to and leave from the races.

Go to www.NJTransit.com to confirm the times at your local train station for (e.g., Train #7217 from NYC Penn Station & Train #4716 from Bay Head) along the North Jersey Coast Line to Long Branch arrival time: 7:42AM and 8:00AM respectively. Please check the schedule as it may change as of May 1st.

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

The Long Branch station is approximately 3/4 of a mile from the Start Area. There will be signs, starting at the station, to lead you along the way to our host hotel and Start Area.

Reminder:
There is no Packet Pick-up on Race Day unless you reserve this service in advance thru Bosco's Buddies, until April 26th, at: www.boscosbuddies.org. The donation of $25 for this service may be tax deductible.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #8

Bib / timing chip / T-shirt pick-up at the Runners Expo:

The 2-day Expo, April 30, May 1 will have official NJM merchandise at great prices, last minute needs for Marathon Sunday, product samples, guest speakers and more.

The Quality of Life, Heath & Fitness Expo at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa , One Ocean Blvd., Long Branch is the location for your Bib / timing chip / Event T-shirt Pick-up.

Hours of Operation: Fri., April 30, 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Sat., May 1, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Steps for Race Packet Pick-up:

Step 1: At the entrance, Full and Half runners (and walkers) need to look-up Bib #'s from the Alpha Listing. Relay Teams have their Team Names on their Bibs, and will go directly to Packet Pick-up. **

Step 2: Approach the Packet Pick-up Volunteer closest to your Bib #.

Step 3: Announce your Bib # (or Team Name) and confirm your name with the Volunteer.

Step 4: You will receive your Bib with the D-Tag attached from the same Volunteer.

Step 5: Your Bib has a ticket attached for your event T-shirt (indicating your T-shirt size).

Reminder: Changes to your event end on April 1.

**If you are doing the pick-up for a friend or family member, be prepared to complete a short form that will be kept on file.

Reminder: There is no Packet Pick-up on NJM Sunday unless you reserve this service thru Bosco's Buddies at www.boscosbuddies.org. The donation of $25 for this service may be tax deductible.

Upcoming Update: A Parking Plan for Marathon Sunday.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #7

Our Many and Varied Charities:

The New Jersey Marathon is proud to benefit many children's charities as well as The NJRR Youth Foundation. A complete list of charities is posted on our web site, as well as an Optional Pledge Form to benefit the NJRR Youth Foundation, Inc.

We estimate that more than $4 million will be raised by the fund raising charities by using the NJM Festival of events. Team In Training for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is by far the number #1 Charity Training Program! They will have about 500 participants that will raise well over $1.2 million.

Fundraising:

If you would like to be a part of our very own Optional Sponsorship Program to our NJRR Youth Foundation, please go to the "Fundraising" page of this website and download the printable fund raising form. Every penny of the donations raised will go to "inner city" youth programs and the rewards to you go far beyond the free Tees, Gift Certificates and free entries!

Upcoming Updates:

• How to make bib #, timing chip and event Tee pick-up at the 2-day Runners Expo easy for you and the volunteers!
• A Parking Plan for Marathon morning or how to keep 5,000 cars out of Long Branch and away from the NJM course.

Reminder:

• Don't forget to "Verify Your Registration" online, from the "Home" page. All corrections should be made now and not on NJM Weekend.
• If you live near the NJM course you may want to join the NJRRC as it stages a 20 mile training run (10 Miler for LBH participants) on the course, on Sunday, April 11 (go to www.njrrc.org for more details). Free to all!
• There is no Packet Pick-up on Marathon Sunday unless you reserve this service thru Bosco's Buddies at www.boscosbuddies.org. The donation of $25 for this service is tax deductible.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #6

Wave Start, Pacing & Bibs:

2-Wave Start:

To help insure a safe start, we are instituting a 2-Wave Start.

Wave 1: All runners with an expected Finish Time of 2:15:00 to 3:30:00 for the Full or 1:10:00 to 1:45:00 for the Half will line-up on the Promenade (closer to the ocean).

Wave 2: All runners and walkers with a Finish Time of longer than 3:30:00 for the Full or longer than 1:45:00 for the Half will line-up on the street adjoining the Promenade.

Wheelchair athletes will get about a 5 min. earlier start (8:55AM).

Wave 2 will go off immediately behind Wave 1 as it clears the Start Line (about 4 min.).

Pacing Leaders:

If you have a goal time for either the Full or Half then please get in touch with one of our many experienced Pacing Leaders prior to NJM Weekend and then meet some of our Pacing Leaders at the Pacing Booth at the Runners' Expo.

The Pacing Leaders accomplish two important roles. They set a steady minute per mile pace specific to your goal time and, just as important, they get you into the correct location in the Start Line. Please use the very visible Pacing Banners to find your correct start location.

If you are a walker (Full or Half) PLEASE line-up near the back of the 2nd wave start. This is for both safety and enjoyment reasons for all!

Remember: Your official net time begins not at the "gun" Start but when your D-Tag (attached to your shoe) hits the mat at the Start.

Example for Half Marathoners: If you are looking for a 2 hour goal time then line-up with the 4 hour Pacing Leader.

All Official Pacing Times are aligned with the Official Boston Marathon Qualifying Times.

For more info on Pacing, click on 'Pacing Teams' on the Navigation Bar on the Home Page.


Bibs:

Bib Numbers:
NJM: colored blue
LBH: colored green
NJM Relay: colored gold

The top portion of your Bib will have a Baggage Tag. Please remove this tag and attach it to your gear bag that will be dropped-off by you inside the Ocean Place Resort Hotel - Atlantic Ballroom. Please note that we are using a proven and rather simple system for Baggage and it should be reviewed (see Event Update #3).

Wear your bibs on the front of your Tee or shorts so that our official photographer, Brightroom Event Photography, will be able to get your photos both on the course and at the Finish Line.

Please Note: Each Relay participant will get two Bibs. The "Marathon Relay" Bib must be worn on the back and the very unique Relay Bib number on the front.

There will be no personal names used on Marathon Relay Bibs, only Team names.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #5

D-Tag Timing & Scoring:

We are proud to be using the latest in timing chip technology, the D-Tag.

Securely attach the D-Tag thru the laces of your shoe, following the directions on the D-Tag.

Your time will be recorded at the Start Line, multiple locations on the course, and as you cross the Finish Line mats. The chip must pass within one foot of the mats to insure activation and recording.

Your Final Longest Training Run:

If you happen to live within driving distance of Long Branch and would like to do your last long training run (Full or Half) on the New Jersey Marathon course, along with many others, then check-out the April 11 Sunday Training Run organized by the New Jersey Road Runners Club (www.njrrc.org).

• This training run is free to all and will start from Shore Runner store in Pier Village, Long Branch, at 7 AM for the 20 Miler, or at 8 AM for the 10 Miler. We are expecting more than 300 participants and will therefore use "wave starts" of about 15-20 per wave. Remember, this is a training run and it is vital that everyone adhere to running against traffic, obey all traffic signals, be aware of your surroundings and, as always, be upbeat and happy!
• The course will be well marked at each turn, with Fluid Stations (Gatorade, water, GU) at key locations or approximately 2 mile intervals.
• Light refreshments will be on hand afterwards.

Lastly, to review all previous Race Director Updates please click on the various 'Update #s' above.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #4

Registration Confirmation:

If you have not as yet done so, please click here on ' Verify Your Registration ' to confirm that your registration info is accurate. It's easy to do and will eliminate any confusion at the Expo and Packet Pick-up.

Marathon Relay:

The Relay segment of our NJM Festival is expected to come very close to our 250 Team limit, but regardless we are closing Relay registration at midnight April 18.

Some of the reasons we are excited about the NJM Relay:

• allows both the youngest and oldest to get the marathon experience.
• allows businesses to sponsor their employees.
• allows for whole families to work together.
• allows for 26.2 miles to be fun and achievable for the casual runner/walker.

Relay Logistics:

Registration: Team Captain (or a team member) may go directly to the Marathon section of Packet Pick-up on Friday or Saturday, April 30 or May 1. Announce your Team Name to receive the complete packets for all team members.

Marathon Sunday:

• Please wear your Team name on the front of your Tee and a second bib with "RELAY" on the back of your Tee.
• All team members may go to the Start Area to watch the Start as their first team member begins the marathon.
• The next team member to participate must then walk across Ocean Ave. to Transition Area #1, located on Long Branch Ave, just off Broadway.
• After the first transition the next team member must go to the Pier Village Gazebo on the ocean front boardwalk to Transition Area #2.
• After the second transition the next team member must go to the Transition Area #1 location for the third and final transition.
• 3-person teams will follow the same general pattern described above but one team member will have to run two of the legs (the team decides the order which works best for them and all actual transitions must occur at an official transition area, as described above)
• All Finishers' medals and hats will be given to the last runner/walker at the Finish.

Approximate Distances for each leg of the certified 26.2 miles:

Leg #1: 9.4 miles; Leg #2: 3.5 miles; Leg #3: 9.6 miles; Leg #4: 3.7 miles

At the Transitions:

Each Team Member will have his / her own D-Tag (timing chip). Please adhere to directions from Relay Staff as to the proper transition procedure.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #3

Saturday Family Running Events and Mini Fair:

If you happen to be in or near Long Branch on the day before Marathon Sunday please consider bringing your children, your nieces/nephews and or in some cases your grandkids to our Saturday morning, May 1st, events. These events are devoted to Families and kids of all ages!

Please go to: www.njmarathon.org/saturday_events.html for the entire schedule

All proceeds will benefit many local charities.

Baggage Drop-off on Race Morning:

Thanks to our host hotel, Ocean Place Resort & Spa, we will again be using the Atlantic Ballroom for your bag of warm clothes for after your triumphant finish. As always, due to environmental concerns this close to the ocean, there WILL NOT be any mylar(space blankets) at the finish line.

Baggage System: Plan to attach a tag that will come from your Bib # to your bag prior to drop-off. Simply enter the correct doors labeled "Half" or "Full/Relay" and drop your bag in the corral marked by the last digit on your Bib #.

Example: Bib # 1456 is dropped in corral 6; Bib # 6542 is dropped in corral 2.

This system has been put in place for its simplicity. You drop the bag and you return to the same corral for pick-up. After your event, security at the exits will check your Bib # with your tagged bag.

As always, please do not leave valuables in the baggage. We can not be responsible for lost car keys, cell phones, little black books, money, etc.

Reminder: There is no Packet Pick-up on Race Sunday unless you reserve this service thru Bosco's Buddies. To make a reservation prior to April 26th at 11:59pm EDT Click here. The donation of $25 for this service may be tax deductible.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #2

On the Course:

I am pleased to report that we will again be using Gatorade-Endurance Formula (lemon lime) at each of our Fluid Stations with Gatorade served first and water second.

Fluid Stations: Most Fluid Stations are less than 2 miles apart and will be staffed by many returning and experienced service organizations and charity partners. Special THANKS to PODS, The Best Moving and Storage Solution Ever, for serving each and every Fluid Station, www.pods.com!

Energy Gels: GU, energy gel (vanilla and chocolate) will be at multiple locations. Please be prepared to carry your own favorite gel packs that you have been training with and only take a GU if necessary. We will have 6,000 packets on the course.

Oranges: Located at about mile 10 and mile 23.
Bananas: Located at about mile 9 and mile 22.

High Energy Food Buffet: Pretzels, M&M's, de-fizzed cola and more will again be located at about mile 19 and 23.

We will have a very large number of portable toilets at the Start/Finish along Madison Ave. (north-side of our hotel) adjacent to the Start/Finish line on the Great Lawn area as well as along the course. On the course they will be located at or very near each and every Fluid Station. Please do not relieve yourself on private property!

I know many of you train with iPods or headphones. The organizers strongly recommend that you leave your headphones at home for safety reasons. You need to be aware of your surroundings w/r to fellow runners passing and the possibility of errant traffic on the course. Besides, with so many distractions along the course, the need for your favorite music really becomes secondary!

Lastly, we will again have timing clocks, large mile markers at every mile and D-Tag timing mats at the Start/Finish and multiple locations on the course.

Cheering Zones and Live Music:

This year we are attempting to have Cheering Zones at key locations to add to an expected 10 live music along the course.

Registrations Update:

We are closing in on 7,000 total registrations for the Full and Half with 100 Relay Teams. We are projecting closing registration in early April with 6,000 for the Half, 3,000 for the Full and 1,000 Relay participants.

Registration Confirmation:

Please go to the Home Page and click on "Verify Your Registration" to confirm that your registration info is accurate. It's easy to do and will eliminate any confusion on NJM Weekend and Packet Pick-up.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director

"In Our Minds, You're All Kenyans"

Update #1

With ten weeks remaining before the start of our New Jersey Marathon Festival I will be sending all registered participants a series of brief updates that I hope will make your participation in our 14th annual event more enjoyable ... and less stressful!

We are currently ahead of last year's record registration and do expect to close registration for all events by early April, after reaching our self-imposed limits of 10,000. Please pass the word to your running friends!

Quality of Life-Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pick-up.
Location: Our Expo is located in the Monmouth Ballroom of our "host hotel", the Ocean Place Resort Hotel, One Ocean Blvd, Long Branch 07740.

Hours:
Fri., April 30th, 1pm - 8:00pm
Sat., May 1, 9:00am - 6:00pm

Directions: NJ Garden State Pkwy. to Exit 105; Follow Rte. 36E; Turn right at 7th traffic light (Broadway); Take to end (Ocean Blvd.); Straight across Ocean Blvd to the Ocean Place Resort & Spa.

Note: There is no Packet Pick-up on Marathon Sunday unless you reserve this service prior to April 26th at 11:59pm EDT. To make a reservation Click here. The donation of $25 for this service may be tax deductible.

Expo Vendors:

A nearly complete listing of vendors will be posted on our web site prior to Marathon Weekend.

Course Update:

For the very first time in 14 years, our USAT&F certified course will be visiting the beautiful Boro of Oceanport (Home of Monmouth Park Racetrack)! A special Thanks to the police departments from Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Oceanport for working so closely with our NJM Staff!

The next update will have much more course info.

Registration Confirmation:

Please go to the Home Page and click on "Verify Your Registration" to confirm that your registration info is accurate. It's easy to do and will eliminate any confusion on NJM Weekend and Packet Pick-up.

Running regards,

Art Castellano, Director