The New Jersey Marathon is an annual marathon that takes place in and around Long Branch, NJ. It is owned by US Road Sports and Entertainment Group. The race has been hosted since 1997. In 2011, there were over 10,000 participants from every corner of New Jersey, 40 states and 10 countries in the New Jersey Marathon.
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History
The New Jersey Marathon was preceded by the Jersey Shore Marathon which was held from 1972 to 1985. The Jersey Shore Marathon took place in November which was too close to the New York City Marathon and the Jersey Shore Marathon ended in 1985.
In 1995, the idea of staging a world class marathon was promoted and a feasibility study showed great interest within the racing community. By 1997, the dreams of a world class marathon returning to the Jersey Shore became a reality and the first New Jersey Marathon was held on April 27, 1997. Over 1,000 runners registered for the race and over 800 of them finished.
The marathon became a summer time staple at the Jersey Shore until 2005 when race officials were told by the governing body of Sea Bright, NJ that they could no longer use Ocean Ave., a critical section of the course, in the town for the race. Sea Bright officials cited safety concerns as the reason for the banning of all sporting events on the road.
Fortunately, this was not the end for the New Jersey Marathon. The city of Long Branch opened its doors to the race, and it has been held here since 2006. In 2006, in order to honor the host city, the Long Branch Half-Marathon was created.
The Course
The New Jersey Marathon course is a 21.0975-kilometre (13.1094 mi) loop that is run once for the half marathon and twice for the marathon. The race starts and ends on Ocean Ave. in the Pier Village neighborhood of Long Branch.
After the start, the runners proceed north on Ocean Ave. to Atlantic Ave. where they turn west. They then turn north on West St. then east on Columbia Ave. and then north on Riverdale Ave. where they enter Monmouth Beach. After a short portion of the course in Monmouth Beach is completed, the runners cross the Patten Ave. bridge going south and back into the city of Long Branch.
The runners then head east on Atlantic Ave. until they reach Long Branch Ave. where they head south again. At Broadway, the runners go west to Third Ave. where they continue south until Franklin Ave. where they head east. At Second Ave., the runners continue southbound to Brighton Ave. where they head east back onto Ocean Ave.
On Ocean Ave., they continue south to Lincoln Ave., the southernmost street in Long Branch. Here they head west and go around Lincoln Square and then back east on Lincoln Ave. to Elberon Ave. where they head north once again.
Elberon Ave. ends at Lake Takanassee at which point the runners go east on South Lake Drive back to Ocean Ave. The runners then continue north on Ocean Ave. until they reach the finish line where the course is repeated.
Course Highlights
The New Jersey Marathon course travels through seven distinct neighborhoods, including, North Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, Downtown Broadway, West End and Elberon. The race also goes through four business districts.
The course is fast and flat with only one minor elevation change of 28 feet (8.5 m) at around mile eight. The course offers ten miles (16 km) of oceanfront views and over 30,000 spectators. The course is also USAT&F Certified, making it a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Past Champions
Men
Women