Course Description

The 2010 New Jersey Marathon Festival, Long Branch Half Marathon and The NJ Marathon Relay will consist of 10,000 participants from every corner of NJ, over 40 states and as many as 10 other countries.

A few of the course highlights: begins and ends on the Long Branch oceanfront Promenade, just north of Pier Village and the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, turns inland just past the 1 mile mark and tours through the Jersey Shore towns of Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Oceanport, travels through 8 distinct neighborhoods and 4 business districts, ocean views for more than 10 miles (full marathon), 5 miles (half marathon) fast and flat (with one elevation change of 28 feet (7 meters) during miles 4,8,17,21, see the course elevation profile below, live bands featured along the course to provide plenty of music for both the athletes and the spectators, nearly 30,000 cheering spectators along the course, closed to traffic for up to 6.5 hours, with plenty of course marshals, and police, to maintain a safe and worry free race course.

Please remember, over 1,000  volunteers are along the course to make the day a safe and enjoyable experience for both the athletes and the spectators.  They greatly appreciate a kind word, whenever you can summon the energy! Without the enthusiastic support of our volunteers, we would not be able to hold these races!

Course Elevation Profile

Lowest course elevation: 15 ft. / 4.6 m Highest course elevation: 59 ft / 18 m Net course elevation gain / loss: 0 ft. / 0 m

Small Course Map

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Typical Race Day Weather:

The Long Branch Area normally sees cool to moderate temperatures on race day, averaging between 50F and 85F.  Be prepared for: rain, fog and / or bright sunshine as the weather at the Jersey Shore can be variable this time of year.  It is normally good race weather!

Course Entertainment:

Bands will be stationed at 7 locations throughout the course.

Important Course Information:

The finish line will shut down at 3:30 PM. All full (26.2-mile) marathoners must complete the first 13.1-mile loop in 3 hours 15 minutes, or less. All full marathoners who are at the 13.1 mile mark after the time limit will be instructed to leave the course, as the course will begin to be re-opened to traffic and on-course support will begin to shut down. Not Allowed for Safety and Insurance Reasons:  Headphones, strollers, bikes, in-line skates and animals accompanying athletes are not permitted on the course while the races are in progress. The course is USAT&F certified and can be used as a Boston qualifier.

On-Course Amenities:

The official on-course fluid stations are located approximately 2 miles apart (or less).  They are not co-located with the mile markers. A High Energy Food Station will be located at approximately mile 19, and will be stocked with high sugar foods, pretzels and de-fizzed cola. There will also be: Bananas at miles 4.4, 7.3, 17.5 & 20.4. GU at miles 17.5, 19.2 & 20.4 Orange slices at miles 9.7 & 22.8 There will also be Digital Clocks, Medical Aid Stations, Entertainment and Porta Johns (located near the fluid stations) along the course.