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☰
New Jersey Marathon Runner Comments
Back to New Jersey Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 464 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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R. C. from New Jersey
(5/1/2017)
"Good but not great marathon event" (about: 2017)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 New Jersey Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my second NJ Marathon with the first being 2004 when the start was in Sandy Hook. That course was better than the current version. The current course, while flat and fast, in my opinion has too many turns through neighborhoods and several 'sidebars' in which you vear off the main drive to simply run around a block and back to the main drive again. It also passes through some depressing areas of urban blight in Long Branch and Asbury Park. Spectators are sparse but very energetic when encountered. Expo was underwhelming. Race organization was well done with start and finish areas easy to manage as a participant. Plenty of aid stations. Post race food was a bit subpar. Overall a decent event. | |
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j. s. from Nassau, Bahamas
(5/21/2016)
"Recommended" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a point to point course which creates a problem for slower participants. There is ample parking at the start but when I completed the race - I was not able to get a shuttle back to my car. I finished in 6:33. I would suggest the last shuttle leave at least 30 minutes after the end of the race. Given that it was windy and rainy there could be some adjustment to that. The course is flat and the volunteers were at every station when I passed in spite of the weather. I thank them. They were very enthusiastic. The absence of spectators is not a big deal for me. The course was scenic - not boring. The boardwalk was windy though but it was pretty. The expo was very nice. It was a nice size and they were giving away samples as well as pre-race photos. One of the samples given away was Munk Pack and I used it on the course, I like it very much and have since purchased it for other marathons. | |
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K. M. from Philadelphia, PA
(5/12/2016)
"Fair course but a difficult weather day" (about: 2016)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my first full that wasn't Philadelphia (which I have done twice). The transition from a 'big city race' to a smaller one was quite shocking. I usually train by myself (long runs as well), so I didn't anticipate the lack of crowd support having an effect on me, but I think it did. There is definitely something to be said for the spectator lined streets you get with bigger races, who supply that extra bit of motivation that can be important (especially later in the race). I am truly thankful for the spectators who DID come out to cheer, given the weather was downright awful. I hate to admit the weather influenced my race day experience, but to say otherwise would be a lie. It was cold, wet, and in some portions of the course extremely windy, and there were NO heat wraps at the Finish. (They were handing out tiny dish towels, which were sadly insufficient given that runners were completely soaked.) I was so cold once I stopped running I was literally shaking uncontrollably. My biggest complaint in terms of organization (other than the lack of heat wraps) would be the porta potties at the start. I would expect lines of that magnitude at a large race, not one this size. I stood in line for nearly 25 minutes. I was told by others in line they had delayed the start the previous year to accommodate the hundreds of runners still in line, so I didn't fret...that is, until I heard the horn blow for the first corral at almost exactly 7:30 (race start time). I was able to squeeze into my corral at the VERY last second as the horn blew, but had to literally sprint from the porta potty across the lot to the start. The course was mostly flat and well supported, the volunteers were troopers in that weather and very friendly. I agree with the previous comment about stretches of precarious footing...there was one section in which the potholes were so bad, I couldn't even believe we were running on it. I was lucky to catch a ride with some fellow runners getting dropped off at the Start, so I didn't have to deal with the nightmare that was the parking lot. I would absolutely budget arriving at least 90 mins early to park, gear check (another long line), and stop at porta potties. Not as important as race day itself but I suppose still worth mentioning is the swag...there were no little giveaways in the goodie bags other than your shirt. Kind of a bummer. Despite the logistical issues with parking & porta potties, this was a fair course with spirited volunteers, and it will always hold a special place in my heart as I did manage to BQ despite the weather conditions. | |
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R. C. from Montclair, New Jersey
(5/2/2016)
"A 'Shore' Thing" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 New Jersey Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Organization was top-notch, with plenty of volunteers to guide you from packet pickup, to the starting line and through the race. The volunteers who manned the water tables, parking, baggage and finish line were the true heroes on this cold and rainy day. Crowd support was surprisingly strong in spots, race starts at Monmouth Park, where you can watch the horses do their morning jog before summoning your inner Thoroughbred. The first half winds through fairly non-descript suburban streets; it's only in the second half that one sees some of the Jersey Shore landmarks; Asbury Park, Convention Hall, the Stone Pony, the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove. The course is closed to traffic, so runners can take the flatter, middle of the road, which helps. Finish on the boardwalk in Long Branch. Expo had everything you need and don't need Plenty of water, Gatorade, GU and bananas on the course. Seemed like there was ample food at the finish. Could have used a larger changing tent, or more of them, at the finish. Shuttle from the finish to the start, a short 15-minute ride, was smooth. All told, a well-organized event, which thanks to the small army of volunteers, came off well on a challenging day. | |
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P. R. from New York, NY
(5/2/2016)
"Flat Course for BQ" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This year's NJ Marathon was held under crummy conditions - drizzle, cold, and wind - but it became totally pleasurable running with a pace group. My 3:55 pace leaders Paul and Alex kept us on pace to finish 30 seconds under goal. Flat course with many turns so be sure to look ahead to run the shortest line to the turn. Still, my Garmin recorded an astonishing 26.46 miles. Good course support but few fans until close to the finish. Chartered buses from NYC make this an event we city folk can get to without an overnight stay. BQ alert! Thirty seconds under your BQ time will not get you in these days, so run with a group having a goal at least 5 minutes faster than your BQ time. | |
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P. R. from Connecticut
(5/2/2016)
"Great flat course, no-frills race." (about: 2016)
2 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this race in 2016 and was unsure going into it based on reviews, but it sounds like the race directors incorporate feedback and make improvements year over year. I would say this is a smaller, no frills race, but has all of the essentials you need to have a good, safe race. Course: the course is very flat with elevation only really at bridge crossings. Waved start and I didn't encounter any bunching as with some larger races. Spectators are sporadic, but very supportive and energetic. Great scenery in quaint neighborhoods and along the ocean. Footing was a little precarious in some places (uneven pavement, unmarked potholes, boardwalks). Very well supported course with water/Gatorade every 1-1.5 mi, with toilets. Course splits at ~11 miles and there were bananas at miles 13 & 23; Gu at mile ~7-9 and then it seemed like every aid station after 13, which is nice if you don't know when you want it. There are a lot of turns, which is nice in the mid-teen miles, but after 20+ there is a lot of dodging in and out of the board walk which becomes a nuisance. The expo was small, as was the post-race; but had all the essentials. Got water, Gatorade, a Philly soft pretzel, banana, taffy, granola bar and fruit packet after the race. And a free massage! Very disappointed there were no foil blankets, especially in 47 degree rainy weather. They have a bag policy that if very strict on paper, so I didn't bring much, and ended up cold/soggy after. I parked at the start line and my boyfriend to the shuttle to the finish. He said the bus driver had no idea where he was going, got stuck in traffic, and let them off a half mile away. But he had 3.5hrs to figure it out. Parking was easy, but expect some traffic in the morning, a very slow left turn only lane - budget an extra 15-30 mins! | |
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T. R. from Bethel, Connecticut
(10/23/2015)
"Pretty good marathon" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A lot of twists and turns on the course at about 17-21 miles made it hard. The post-race spread for runners was non existent. I expected more. Well organized, loved everything about it except for those 2 things. | |
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C. D. from Connecticut
(5/15/2015)
"Worthwhile, well run event" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 As I drove down to the New Jersey Marathon on a beautiful morning, the signs and radio frequency and police all told of a nicely organized event. The rest of the day proved that the event organizers had thought out most things and it was appreciated. An unexpected treat was watching the thoroughbred horses train in the early morning light at Monmouth Park as we slower creatures stayed warm in the clubhouse. The early miles were crowded and the later miles were sparsely populated - such is the half marathon/marathon event. Sunny and enjoyable flat course. Worth your consideration. | |
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C. S. from NJ
(5/4/2015)
"A great course for a fast run, beach finish" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 New Jersey Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my fifth time at the NJ Marathon and I appreciate that every year, the director takes into consideration comments from years prior and improves on the race. With repairs from Sandy ongoing at the shore, it is also nice to see the course adjust as needed. Loved to have the Asbury Park boardwalk back this year. The course is flat and the race is very well organized. The marathon and half-marathon started together this year and with the wave starts, there were no problems with crowding. At the start, you are allowed to wait inside the race track which is such a huge benefit - indoor toilets. Also, it was fun to pass the time watching the horses warm up on the track before the race. Loved finishing on the Long Branch boardwalk and running the last few miles with a beautiful ocean view. Spectators are few until the end, but the ones who come out are great. On course support was also perfect. Loved the orange slices. End of the race was well organized and easy to find the shuttles back to the parking lot. The race director communicates a lot with participants and heed the advice to arrive early. | |
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m. k. from NYC
(4/28/2015)
"Great Jersey Hospitality" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The New Jersey Marathon 2015 Being my fist NJ marathon experience I was skeptical about the race but they far exceeded my expectations. Course: Flat with minimal terrain change and some spots running on the boardwalk, so watch for any loose planks. The neighborhoods were beautiful to run through especially on the second half of the race. The half marathoners leave at about the 11.5 marker, but there are many full marathoners, so you are never alone. Ran by the Stone Pony, Asbury Park and through a building that was built on the boardwalk ( I guess it counts as my first indoor marathon) Plenty of GU, water, Gatorade, oranges, bananas on the course , so no need to carry your own unless you need a specific item that you train with. Volunteers were fantastic. Great New Jersey hospitality. It would have been nice to run a least 1 mile (one loop around) on the racetrack or even change the finish to the racetrack finish line. The racetrack bugler at the start for each corral was a great touch. Expo: Small at Monmouth Park Racetrack. It is a shame that the horse racing does not start until May but you can go over to the simulcast center in the clubhouse to watch and bet on out of town races. Swag: Long sleeve runners shirt in a bright yellowish color. The post-race food was a little sparse. Bag with banana, taffy (3 pieces) granola bar, water, some new post-race protein drink, and some nice fresh pretzels. Massages were available post-race and vendors with other food for sale. The bus ride back to the start area was very well run, organized, quick and convenient. Very nice perk supplied by the organizers. The prize was the enormous finishers medal. Square medal with inner spinning section. This is by far the largest medal I have ever received in 30 marathons. True highlight of the day. Parking & staging area: I did not use the parking facilities as I stayed at the Holiday Inn and walked to the start (30 minutes) Hotel is nice and convenient for the race (rates for the Saturday basically double from the normal rate, but the hotel does have some morning snacks for the runners and a very nice indoor heated pool to relax in). Security is at the entrance so no bags unless you have items loose in the bag given to you at the expo. Runners' number must be visible to enter. Runners can stay inside the racetrack to stay warm and use the bathrooms, but the lines are really long. The port-o-potties outside were plentiful but again long lines (20 minutes) close to race time. Overall - Do this race if you like a flat course with great people. If the weather was as nice as this year you can easily sent a BQ or a PR. |
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