The AmeriHealth New Jersey Atlantic City Marathon weekend features four different race distances along the famous beaches and Boardwalk of Atlantic City. Beginning Saturday with a 5K and 10K and continuing with the half marathon and certified 26.2 mile marathon on Sunday. This race weekend offers something for every runner!
Over the past 60 years, the Atlantic City Marathon has become an Atlantic City icon as the third oldest marathon in the United States. Annually, this race attracts thousands from all 50 states, Washington DC and many countries around the world. But, while the event might be historic, there are plenty of new things happening this year!
As always, the course is filled with live music including radio stations, DJ’s and bands, not to mention hundreds of supporting volunteers and spectators. This year’s event will feature a huge finish line beer garden with sampling of craft style beer, live music and award winning finisher medals.
Marathon Course: 6.5 Hours / Half Marathon Course: 3.25 Hours
The 5K and 10K are walker friendly, however the marathon and half marathon course have strict course limitations. We ask that all runners and walkers that register for this event are prepared to complete the marathon during the time restriction listed above. Please indicate your anticipated finish time during registration.
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Great swag, flat course
A nice, flat course that made it pretty comfortable to run, and a good choice if you're going for a PB. The sweatshirt we got for the race was excellent … MORE
A nice, flat course that made it pretty comfortable to run, and a good choice if you’re going for a PB. The sweatshirt we got for the race was excellent quality, and the post-race finish festival was awesome with lots of goodies. My only real gripe was that the aid stations could have been a bit better organized, as there were times that I had to forgo a station because the attendants were unprepared.
Flat Course-Good Support and Bling
This was my first full Marathon so I have nothing to compare it to. I have done 15 halfs this year and those were my refernce point for this race. … MORE
This was my first full Marathon so I have nothing to compare it to. I have done 15 halfs this year and those were my refernce point for this race.
The packet pickup was over three days, the last two of which were held at Bally’s on the Boardwalk. Packet pickup was easy and well organized. The expo was small but had some quality vendors and i bought a few things as well as sampled some products.
On Saturday 10/21/2018 I ran the 5K. There were options when registering to run a 5K or a 10K to earn an extra medal for the King Neptune Challenge. The 5K course was easy and flat and all of it was on the Boardwalk. I took it easy because i was running the full the next day and finished in 28:30.
Race day the weather had deteriorated and there were winds of 20-30mph. The start was crowded but smooth and we ran out to the AC Expressway and through a tunnel for the first 5 miles or so. There were a few inclines but nothing major. Tracking was done at the 5K , 10K and 19 Mile. My friends told me later they had a hard time with the app which was not updating very quickly.
At mile 8 we returned to the Boardwalk and ran past the start line and south on the penninsula. There was great traffic control at all intersections, and the course was ,marked very well.
After leaving the Boarwalk we ran on some major avenues and eventually side streets before completing Mile 22 and heading back to the Boarwalk for the finish.
All the water stops had water and gatorade. there was plenty of help and several stops handed out GU. The finish was in front of Bally’s so there was some congestion with tourists on the Boardwalk, but I thought it was manageable.
I had a good experience and will probably do this race again. The medals were well made and the finish line had plenty of food and water as well as a medic tent with massages available.
Flat, Potentially Windy Race
Very flat race: You go up and down two overpasses and one tunnel in the first 5 miles and that's it for elevation. Expo was tiny. Pretty pointless having it. … MORE
Very flat race: You go up and down two overpasses and one tunnel in the first 5 miles and that’s it for elevation.
Expo was tiny. Pretty pointless having it.
Good support: Lots of doubled up aid stations provide sufficient support
Course can be a bit boring at times. Running down the boardwalk for miles before doing out and backs can be tough on your mind.
Post-race area was easy to navigate and conveniently located near restaurants. Massages, beer, bagels, soup, gatorade, bananas, water ice, and chocolate were offered.
One thing that needs to be fixed is the garage parking. Bally’s Casino was not prepared for the rush post-race. We were stuck on the 7th floor of the garage before my friend and I bailed on our ride back to the house we were staying at.
Boardwalk Half Marathon
Race had some pretty scenic moments, but I am glad I only did the half marathon. Towards the begining of the race you ran on the highway - cloverleafs and … MORE
Race had some pretty scenic moments, but I am glad I only did the half marathon. Towards the begining of the race you ran on the highway – cloverleafs and all. We had extra fans (annoyed motorists). Then you ran on the boardwalk which was lovely, but felt long. The course takes you past the finish at mile 8 for an out and back and you need to run around tourists.
Nice Boardwalk Run.. Nasty Town
This was was my 22nd state completed. The portion of the run off the boardwalk (about 6-7 miles) was a lot of bridges and viaducts, as well as one tunnel. … MORE
This was was my 22nd state completed. The portion of the run off the boardwalk (about 6-7 miles) was a lot of bridges and viaducts, as well as one tunnel. So don’t go into this race thinking it is flat. The last 5 miles is on the AC boardwalk, you run past the finish line at mile 11 and then come back. It got hot on the boardwalk, and there is not shade. There are walkers on the boardwalk while you are running. Nothing is blocked off just for the runners. Nice medal and good finish line goodies. Town is very nasty and did not feel too safe to walk around.
Best NJ Marathon option
only marathon I ever ran where a guy was getting arrested while we ran by; nice to be at the beach even though AC is not my favorite town; nice … MORE
only marathon I ever ran where a guy was getting arrested while we ran by; nice to be at the beach even though AC is not my favorite town; nice medal and the running club puts on a nice event every time!