I saw this race last year and was so excited when I saw the course was similar to a half I ran in NJ. I talked some others into joining … MORE
I saw this race last year and was so excited when I saw the course was similar to a half I ran in NJ. I talked some others into joining me in 2024 and was extremely underwhelmed with the race. This race had around 7500 participants in the half and full and a crazy amount of attendees from other countries and states. Unfortunately, the best part of the course was removed (running through Liberty State Park where you could see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline). Like another reviewer stated, the course had no memorable sites. I will say the crowd support was pretty impressive in parts and the volunteers were amazing. It did seem that the organizers cared more about getting attendees rather than the actual race details. The expo location wasn’t even announced until 4-5 days before the race. Who doesn’t have a location nailed down when you’re expecting that many people in your city? Then the location was in a tiny hotel with maybe 6 vendors. It really was just a bib and shirt pick-up and I was kind of disappointed with the shirt 😬. The race and expo were both just off the PATH rail line, so ease of getting there was great. Just beware that on Sundays, the train comes every 40 minutes instead of every 10. The start line was fairly organized with corals and although extremely congested, I thought it went well. Only every other aid station had Gatorade but there were several stations with GU. The medal was pretty cool. I’m guessing it depicted the Performing Arts Center, but not positive. After crossing the finish line, I received a banana and bottle of water and that was it! I did find a box that had the foil blankets and had the forethought to grab one for when my friend crossed. Mind you, although I’m slow, I still crossed an hour before the cut-off. As I was watching the finish line, I saw the crew putting away the boxes of space blankets and water. Keep in mind that the race wasn’t over, the weather had changed from hot to raining, and there were still many people on the course, and within the stated cut-off. There was no party at the finish line, just my sad banana. This race could be great and I really had such high hopes that it would be, but it’s not a race I would recommend without some well though-out changes. The potential is there though, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
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Just meh
I saw this race last year and was so excited when I saw the course was similar to a half I ran in NJ. I talked some others into joining … MORE
I saw this race last year and was so excited when I saw the course was similar to a half I ran in NJ. I talked some others into joining me in 2024 and was extremely underwhelmed with the race. This race had around 7500 participants in the half and full and a crazy amount of attendees from other countries and states. Unfortunately, the best part of the course was removed (running through Liberty State Park where you could see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline). Like another reviewer stated, the course had no memorable sites. I will say the crowd support was pretty impressive in parts and the volunteers were amazing. It did seem that the organizers cared more about getting attendees rather than the actual race details. The expo location wasn’t even announced until 4-5 days before the race. Who doesn’t have a location nailed down when you’re expecting that many people in your city? Then the location was in a tiny hotel with maybe 6 vendors. It really was just a bib and shirt pick-up and I was kind of disappointed with the shirt 😬. The race and expo were both just off the PATH rail line, so ease of getting there was great. Just beware that on Sundays, the train comes every 40 minutes instead of every 10. The start line was fairly organized with corals and although extremely congested, I thought it went well. Only every other aid station had Gatorade but there were several stations with GU. The medal was pretty cool. I’m guessing it depicted the Performing Arts Center, but not positive. After crossing the finish line, I received a banana and bottle of water and that was it! I did find a box that had the foil blankets and had the forethought to grab one for when my friend crossed. Mind you, although I’m slow, I still crossed an hour before the cut-off. As I was watching the finish line, I saw the crew putting away the boxes of space blankets and water. Keep in mind that the race wasn’t over, the weather had changed from hot to raining, and there were still many people on the course, and within the stated cut-off. There was no party at the finish line, just my sad banana. This race could be great and I really had such high hopes that it would be, but it’s not a race I would recommend without some well though-out changes. The potential is there though, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Nothing remarkable
It was an ok race, but nothing really stood out. I don't always pay attention to the entire course, but I usually remember some things. I really don't remember anything … MORE
It was an ok race, but nothing really stood out. I don’t always pay attention to the entire course, but I usually remember some things. I really don’t remember anything about the course or race.
The expo and packet pickup were in a hotel. It was a convenient location based on where I was staying, but it was very narrow where the vendors were and the line to pick up the bib and shirt. The expo was pretty basic. Not a big deal to me, but I thought there would be more based on the size of the race and location.
The race started close to 7. I was in the 6-7 min/mile corral and it was very congested the first few miles. I had a hard time getting settled into a good pace. There were a decent amount of spectators, but I didn’t see any water or any of the NY skyline. The course was just a little boring.
I didn’t use any water stops, so I didn’t pay attention to how many there were. The finish had a few refreshments and food items. They need to give bags to carry everything. It wasn’t a bad race, but it was just ok.
The medal was ok and the shirt was a nice material, but an ugly color. It reminded me of the uniforms from the movie Dodgeball.
Overpriced, but a good choice for NJ
Until the Jersey City Marathon came along, I struggled to find a good race option for my NJ marathon. Most other races in the state get pretty uninspired reviews (why, … MORE
Until the Jersey City Marathon came along, I struggled to find a good race option for my NJ marathon. Most other races in the state get pretty uninspired reviews (why, NJ?). Happily, Jersey City proved to be a solid choice.
The course itself was MOSTLY flat and fast, as advertised. There’s a couple little hills, including a sneaky one at mile 19/20 that took the wind out of my sails. Still, I was well ahead of PR pace for most of the race. It’s a little congested at the start as you navigate some narrow corridors, so keep that in mind for the first 2-4 miles.
Swag was nothing special. Basic yellow short-sleeve race shirt (I actually kinda like it). Finishers medal was of the swings-open variety that is so trendy lately. Virtuallyf no expo swag…some goodies would have been nice, especially for the steep price.
Crowd support was pretty good throughout. If you have friends and family cheering you on, the course is VERY friendly for moving about and catching your runner at multiple points along the race. I think I saw my cheering section 6-7 times.
Aid stations were sufficiently spaced and adequately stocked (water and Gatorade at most stops, though the claim of Gatorade at all but one stop proved incorrect). Don’t recall seeing many portapotties, but I wasn’t looking.
All in all, a good race. Price was way too high for what you get. I guess that’s just inflated NYC metro cost. Whatcha gonna do? Race needs a big name sponsor to improve the value proposition or lower the cost. Still…seems like this race is quickly emerging as the best of the limited options in New Jersey, and it’s a fine choice for your Garden State marathon.
Room for improvement
I had high hopes for this marathon in only its second running. The marathon is two laps, but it doesn’t seem to be the same exact lap. The course had … MORE
I had high hopes for this marathon in only its second running. The marathon is two laps, but it doesn’t seem to be the same exact lap. The course had the potential to be so much better—we could have run along the river for amazing NYC skyline views. We went into Liberty State Park, but we were nowhere near the water so there were no glimpses of the Statue. Instead, it was mostly a tour of neighborhoods, parking lots and industrial buildings.
Water stations were too far apart (about 3 miles), which was not sufficient on such a warm day. And Gatorade was only offered every other station. I would have packed my own beverages if I had realized this sooner. Volunteers were overwhelmed by the hordes of runners and struggled to keep cups filled and ready.
The course was crowded. There were a lot of half marathoners and we started together. It was crowded until we finally split at mile 13.
I stayed in the Doubletree within walking distance, so did not use bag check or transportation to the start.
Medal was ugly and odd—I’m not sure about the significance of the theater it depicts?
New race with a lot of potential
I ran the Jersey City Marathon in April 2023 - it's first time. It wasn't perfect, but the race has a lot of potential. The course is two loops - … MORE
I ran the Jersey City Marathon in April 2023 – it’s first time. It wasn’t perfect, but the race has a lot of potential.
The course is two loops – although it doesn’t follow the same exact loop each time. But it starts in downtown, goes through Liberty State park, and then meanders through the neighborhood before ending in downtown. The views from the park are great, as well as the view coming back into downtown.
The crowds downtown were great, but the portion of the race in the park was a little quiet. This is probably due to the road closures, making it hard for spectators to get down to the park. Just be prepared for a quiet stretch.
The course is pretty flat, although there are a few small hills coming in and out of the park.
The start was well organized, with multiple corrals and plenty of porta potties. Things started on time.
One major downside to the race was the parking situation. Everyone had to park in the parking garage at the Newport Mall, and it was gridlock getting in. I almost missed the race, and I heard some people were late because of it. Definitely take mass transit or stay at a hotel if you can.
The other issue with this year’s race was that the chute at the end routed you away from the post-race party. The organizers claim this was the city’s doing, but there wasn’t any signage to make it clear which way to go. Almost no one made it to the party because of that. Hopefully they can fix that for next year.
Other than that, the race has great potential. There was a large, fast crowd with friendly pacers.
Room to Grow
The inaugural Jersey City marathon was an enjoyable race and course. I do hope this becomes an annual race but also that it grows into a better event. I'll break … MORE
The inaugural Jersey City marathon was an enjoyable race and course. I do hope this becomes an annual race but also that it grows into a better event. I’ll break down different aspects of the race and how it was organized.
The Expo – the expo was in a beautiful location near the waterfront. But the expo was teeny tiny. There were hardly any vendors there and little if any swag for sale. I did appreciate how quickly I was able to go in/out. The area has little street parking so you may have to park in a garage.
Race Start/Course – It was exciting. Plenty of people and we were given a proper sendoff by race officials and Jersey City mayor. It was raining a lot and it remained that way for most of the run. It was a bit packed at first, like most races, but I feel it thinned out after a mile. The course was in/around downtown Jersey City and you also go through Liberty State park and you see Statue of Liberty. There indeed were a few potholes but nothing dangerous. Also there were tons of puddles but obviously that was mother nature’s fault. The miles were properly marked. I did not see 2 or 3 of them. I don’t know if they were missing or I just missed them. Also the mile markers were a bit on the small side but nothing that bothered me. Just an FYI.
Crowd Support – It was a mix of crowd support. Certain areas you had great support and other times it was non-existent. I am sure the rain had something to do with that.
Stations – water/electrolyte stations were properly manned with wonderful volunteers and I never felt there were too few stations. It was perfect. I didn’t like that they used Powerbar electrolytes. It’s not something I wanted to try for the first time during a marathon. Because of that, I stuck to water. I just didn’t want to take a chance that it might mess up my stomach. So, stick to water or bring your own electrolytes. I believe they also had a gel station but since I brought my own, I don’t remember how many gel stations there were.
End of the Race: The end of the race was exciting and awesome. Again, great support and solid volunteer work. My BIG issue with this race was the lack of post-race goodies. There was water and…well…that was really it. I mean, really? No bagels? No pretzels? No fruit? Anything? That was disappointing. You run 26.2 miles and you expect some sort of nourishment afterwards. I believe there was post-race entertainment but I did not go so I can’t comment on that.
Conclusion- nice fast, flat course, great volunteers, decent crowd support, nice medal, Expo can be improved and post-race snacks need a mega upgrade
Flat course
This was the first year for this race. The expo no thrills, could have done better with little effort. The staging area was good, but there should have been some … MORE
This was the first year for this race. The expo no thrills, could have done better with little effort. The staging area was good, but there should have been some porta potties on the same side as the coorals. The course was flat, no thrills and you had to watch for pot holes. The finish line could have been better with little effort. Just water, no food and no direction as to where to go. I do have to say the volunteers were awesome at each water stop. Thank you to all who helped us during this rainy day.
Great Inaugural Race w/Great Potential
Course was a double loop w/an out & bk, so the sights were constantly changing. Plus running by Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty round mile 5 was fun! … MORE
Course was a double loop w/an out & bk, so the sights were constantly changing. Plus running by Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty round mile 5 was fun! Medals are beautiful & only 2nd to RunDiz (had a window that opened up). Hydration stations were on point & crowd support (despite a very rainy first half) was quite good. Would definitely do this race again.
Flat and fast
I ran the inaugural marathon. The race was decently well organized, nice flat course that was pretty interesting overall (especially views of Statue of Liberty), and volunteers/spectators were great for … MORE
I ran the inaugural marathon. The race was decently well organized, nice flat course that was pretty interesting overall (especially views of Statue of Liberty), and volunteers/spectators were great for an early race in the rain. I imagine spectators would be even better in nicer weather. I had a huge PR so certainly can’t complain!
The expo was painless, though the shirt is not my favorite (boring block letter design). I never saw finish snacks either, think they were in a separate finish area but should have been in the finish chute. Pretty decent medium sized marathon!
Nice inaugural event
I participated in 2023, their inaugural event. As far as I'm concerned, it went well without any issues. The course is interesting enough. The highlights for me was seeing the … MORE
I participated in 2023, their inaugural event. As far as I’m concerned, it went well without any issues. The course is interesting enough. The highlights for me was seeing the Statue of Liberty very clearly (I even stopped on the side of the road twice to take pictures) , and seeing the skylines of NJ and NYC. I also enjoyed running through the neighborhoods of Jersey. People were friendly and cheering. Jersey people are noisy and fun. The course is flat and most of the time feels like you are running slightly downhill. There are two downsides to the course: 1) It is a little narrow for the first couple of miles so it gets congested, but this is somewhat common for city races. 2) There are many rough neighborhood roads with potholes. It was a rainy day so trying to avoid the puddles was like running a trail race. I enjoyed it, but if I were doing it for a PR/BQ time, I could see where this would not be ideal.
note: I can’t accurately report on the race swag because I missed the expo and had to pick up my bib race morning. I got a tech-shirt which is fine. Did not get purchase anything.