Atlantic City Marathon & Half Marathon
Atlantic City, NJ
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Established in 1958, the Atlantic City Marathon is the third oldest continuing marathon in the United States. The marathon course is noted for being fast and flat, including eight miles of oceanfront Boardwalk running! Each race weekend, Atlantic City hosts four race distances including the 26.2 mile marathon and 13.1 … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 18):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 69 | 66 | 57 | 63 | 66 |
| L (°F) | 39 | 45 | 42 | 47 | 37 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Maybe if I was a Gambler
A good race to knock off New Jersey in my 50 staes quest. It would be more of a desirable destination race for those who like to gamble. I dont, … MORE
A good race to knock off New Jersey in my 50 staes quest. It would be more of a desirable destination race for those who like to gamble. I dont, so Atlantic City didnt offer me much. Running along the boardwalk was very scenic, but i suggest you do a shakeout run the day before if you have never run on a wooden boardwalk. It wasnt until you got into thr communities south of A/C that there were a lot of people in the street cheering on the runners. Surprisingly few people along the boardwalk. Plenty of water stops. Race shirt and Neptune challenge shirt were nice drifits.
Boardwalk for miles
The boardwalk was interesting to run on for the race. Slightly unstable on certain planks, but we were right beside the beach. We went on the road for a bit … MORE
The boardwalk was interesting to run on for the race. Slightly unstable on certain planks, but we were right beside the beach. We went on the road for a bit through neighborhoods, but overall I thought it was a good representation of Atlantic City. I stayed at the host hotel, Bally’s. It was super convenient to just walk outside and be dumped right in front the start line. By far the EASIEST race logistics.
Fun Race on the Boardwalk
This was a fun race in Atlantic City. The race starts and ends on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. There are a couple bridges & overpasses in the first part … MORE
This was a fun race in Atlantic City. The race starts and ends on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. There are a couple bridges & overpasses in the first part of the race that add some slight elevation, but overall, this is a pretty flat course. From mile 7.5 to the end, the race is run on the boardwalk. The view of the ocean as you reach the boardwalk is amazingly beautiful…. especially if you are blessed to run on a sunny morning. However, be careful about your footing on the boardwalk, because there are a few loose boards. Also, the spectators tend to wander into the course because there are no barriers for most of the length of the Boardwalk. The mentally tough part of the race is that runners pass right by the finish line at about mile 9… and you have to keep going! The finisher medal is nice, and the race is well organized. Overall, this race is worth traveling to run.
Down at the Boardwalk
Pre race communication was sufficient. Expo was at host hotel Bally’s. It was smaller and race directors were great. Parking was $10 if you stayed at the hotel. Weather was … MORE
Pre race communication was sufficient.
Expo was at host hotel Bally’s. It was smaller and race directors were great.
Parking was $10 if you stayed at the hotel.
Weather was perfect. Beautiful day!
Course started out on boardwalk, then quickly went to city streets, next was a couple of ramps, then through a tunnel, it really leveled off after this, city streets for a few more miles then return to boardwalk which seemed to never end. I thought might have to dodge walkers and bikers on boardwalk, but it was a nonissue. Overall a good course!
Beautiful views of ocean and beach from parts of the boardwalk.
Aid stations were plentiful and well staffed.
Swag was a long sleeve dri-fit shirt and a cool spinner medal.
Post race had bananas, Powerade, Smart water, popcorn, and bagels with peanut butter.
I doubled this race with Baltimore Race Festival, the day before, so I was able to knockout 2 states.
I definitely recommend this race!
Beware of the boardwalk
-Beautiful views running along the Atlantic coast -half the race is on the boardwalk and it isn't the best maintained. Lots of loose boards and you have to keep your … MORE
-Beautiful views running along the Atlantic coast
-half the race is on the boardwalk and it isn’t the best maintained. Lots of loose boards and you have to keep your eyes down and watch your step
-Good course management at either end off the boardwalk but on the boardwalk there is a bunch of people walking across the course.
-For being in populated area there was very little crowd support. Most of the time just locals on the boardwalk staring and wondering why you are running around them.
-Course map listed a bunch of entertainment stations on course but there was only 1 live band on the boardwalk.
-Half and full marathon start together and it is a small chute and not organized for a 2,000+ people.
-water and gatorade and 1 or 2 stations had gel packs but no fruit or anything else so bring your own stuff.
Running this marathon is a gamble
This expo is the most difficult to find. The email says "Traymoor Ballroom" and gives an address, but poor directions finding it. Enter Bally's Casino from the Boardwalk side, walk … MORE
This expo is the most difficult to find. The email says “Traymoor Ballroom” and gives an address, but poor directions finding it. Enter Bally’s Casino from the Boardwalk side, walk past the slot machines, find an elevator and go up to the 6th floor. It took me 30 minutes to find, and it’s smallest, dullest expo I’ve seen 🙁
The race starts at 8am, and the sun is well in the sky. The first 5 miles run off the boardwalk, down some residential streets, into a tunnel and by a highway, before getting back near the ocean at mile 6. We run on the boardwalk itself from miles 8-12, run near some neighborhoods for 4 miles, turn around at 16, some more neighborhoods, then get back to the boardwalk at mile 22 and run back to the finish line at Bally’s casino (the same as the start line).
The Boardwalk is the pride and joy of Atlantic City, and the rest of the city and neighborhoods are mediocre. It’s a flat course, and today there wasn’t much wind, but there is so. much. sun. Bring a good pair of sunglasses because it’s going to melt you on the boardwalk.
Water stops were sufficient, actually! A reviewer last year said there weren’t enough, especially in the last 4 miles, but there were some every 1-1.5 miles today, including the home stretch. Very little fanfare, not many fans, and the boardwalk/streets were not closed down to outside walkers or cars.
Nice and flat.
The weather was great! Well done race, scenic views, and the medal is very nice! The race is well done. I stayed at Ballys where the packet pickup and the … MORE
The weather was great! Well done race, scenic views, and the medal is very nice! The race is well done. I stayed at Ballys where the packet pickup and the start line was a which made things easy for me. The hotel is older but served the purpose.
Atlantic City - yuck
This is the first state in my journey that really is just checking it off! We had elected to stay at the host hotel, which was Bally’s. For a room … MORE
This is the first state in my journey that really is just checking it off! We had elected to stay at the host hotel, which was Bally’s. For a room that was $300 a night. I was surprised to see that the room was pretty sketchy, really rough around the edges just like the hotel. They would not offer late check out they said I could rent the room by the hour, gross! The hotel of course is where the race starts so it’s convenient but I would’ve made a different decision had I’d known how yucky the hotel was. Very smoke-filled.
The race itself started on the boardwalk. Ran you straight into town. Not scenic – relatively flat. They ran you back up to the boardwalk all the way down where you run past the finish line, which I never enjoy, probably about a mile and a half, and then you turn around and come back to finish.
When the race was finished, they had some bagels and beer. I ate half a bagel and we got in the car and left. I would not do this one again but if you need to cross off New Jersey for something that’s likely convenient to airports etc. you could give it a look although I guess there’s probably better choices in New Jersey.
Great race flat but very windy
Great race but was very windy. It was only my second marathon but i ran a personal best. Only drawback is running on city streets there were many rough spots … MORE
Great race but was very windy. It was only my second marathon but i ran a personal best. Only drawback is running on city streets there were many rough spots including some pot holes you had to really watch where you were running.
Pretty good race
The host hotel was Ballys so thats where we stayed. The hotel it’s self is a little old and the casino are was smoky. Our room was pretty nice though. … MORE
The host hotel was Ballys so thats where we stayed. The hotel it’s self is a little old and the casino are was smoky. Our room was pretty nice though. My wife had done research and found the Balley Tower was supposed to be the best in the hotel. And from hearing from other runners it was. They said their room looked like it was still 1988. Packet pick up was super easy. right in the hotel on the 6th floor. expo was pretty small though. race day was pretty easy as well. starts and finishes right outside Ballys so i was at the start line literally 4 minutes from the time i left my room. The course was pretty nice as well. mile 1 was on the board walk then we ran though the city and neighborhoods for about 6- 7 miles or so. last 4-5 were on the board walk as well. Overall everything to do with the race was enjoyable. Honestly wasn’t impressed with the hotel for the price or the boardwalk area, it’s pretty run down. not 100 percent sure i would do or go to AC again, but if i did i would stay at Caesar’s Palace
Flat fast course
This is a flat and fast course. Prior reviews said it can be windy and it was. It can come from any direction and change and it did. Shirt is … MORE
This is a flat and fast course. Prior reviews said it can be windy and it was. It can come from any direction and change and it did. Shirt is nice. We stayed in Cape May and drove up for the race and if the casino scene isn’t for you, I would recommend that. Water support for the last 4 miles was non-existent.
Gorgeous race. Flat & windy.
I ran the AC marathon as a first timer. Expo was modest and quick which I appreciated. Nice long-sleeve tech shirt. Start was 7 miles through streets / suburbs, 8-16 … MORE
I ran the AC marathon as a first timer. Expo was modest and quick which I appreciated. Nice long-sleeve tech shirt. Start was 7 miles through streets / suburbs, 8-16 was almost all boardwalk– fantastic. 16-21 were very windy and challenging, long straightaways through streets. Wind in your face for miles. You get it at your back the final boardwalk stretch 22-finish so I think it works out. A huge PR for me so proud, highly recommend this race for New Jersey.
Great weather, beautiful scenery!
Great race…well organized, lovely scenery. A few small inclines up some ramps, & saw two people trip on the boardwalk, so keep your eyes open. Great medals, easy to get … MORE
Great race…well organized, lovely scenery. A few small inclines up some ramps, & saw two people trip on the boardwalk, so keep your eyes open. Great medals, easy to get food & beer after finish. Even went to the stretching tables. Highly recommend!
Windy course
The racecourse is relatively flat but often experiences significant wind due to its location on the Atlantic shore. The first 7 miles around Atlantic City have elevation changes, involving running … MORE
The racecourse is relatively flat but often experiences significant wind due to its location on the Atlantic shore. The first 7 miles around Atlantic City have elevation changes, involving running up and down on/off ramps. The rest of the course is flat and mostly follows an out-and-back route along the ocean, with a dry boardwalk that I found comfortable to run on.
Finding registration inside the hotel/casino where the race is hosted can be challenging. Casinos are typically easy to locate, but other services may not be as readily visible.
Staying at one of the casino hotels near the start is convenient, but accommodations further from the start may be more affordable. However, the area 1/2 mile from the start line may appear a bit run down if you’re not staying at one of the casino hotels. I appreciated the high visibility of security personnel at my hotel.
Travel to Atlantic City from Philadelphia (PHL) is a relatively easy one-hour drive and this race is a good choice for runners looking to complete a race in New Jersey, given the few races available, especially for those pursuing a goal of running a race in all 50 states.
Flat and windy
Expo is very basic. Picked up a nice thin tank top. Race gave a 3/4 zip pull over. The starts by going down the boardwalk and onto some highway areas. … MORE
Expo is very basic. Picked up a nice thin tank top. Race gave a 3/4
zip pull over. The starts by going down the boardwalk and onto some
highway areas. Drivers were very unhappy with the road closures. I was
not expecting the steep highway ramps. Then we went back onto the
board walk until around mile 12. Onto some streets and turned around
around mile 16. The wind was brutal from 16-18. Through the
neighborhood we got some breaks from the wind. Then we turned back
into at mile 21. Around 23 you are back on the boardwalk. It was 20+
MPH winds straight into the finish. My watch and many others measured
26.50+ miles. I was happy with my performance in the conditions. The
rain really came in after I finished and made the after party much
less enjoyable because we were all cramming into a crowded restaurant.
They shut down the free beer option early and the back of the pack was
not happy.
Windy, flat and then rainy course for 22
Simple swag with medium sized expo…. Late start both days. The course started on the boardwalk, went onto expressway with ramps, back to boardwalk, then onto highway for two long … MORE
Simple swag with medium sized expo…. Late start both days.
The course started on the boardwalk, went onto expressway with ramps, back to boardwalk, then onto highway for two long out and backs and finally back to boardwalk to finish. It was windy and then became rainy in 2022.
Plenty of course support of water, Gatorade and gels spaced every two-ish miles.
One free beer at the finish and nice solid medal!
Beautiful run with great and easy course
The ocean views on the course were amazing! It was an absolute perfect day for a half marathon and I enjoyed finishing the course on the Boardwalk, it made for … MORE
The ocean views on the course were amazing! It was an absolute perfect day for a half marathon and I enjoyed finishing the course on the Boardwalk, it made for an easy end to a long race!
Great race flat but very windy
Great race very well organized. Flat fast but very windy yesterday. Only concern was some of the streets were in bad shape in the neighborhoods. Had to keep yours eyes … MORE
Great race very well organized. Flat fast but very windy yesterday. Only concern was some of the streets were in bad shape in the neighborhoods. Had to keep yours eyes out for pot holes for sure. Small expo
Super windy but extremely flat!
Life’s a JOURNEY, make the most of it! Upon waking up over and over the night before the race from freezing in the car, I kept telling myself tomorrow morning … MORE
Life’s a JOURNEY, make the most of it!
Upon waking up over and over the night before the race from freezing in the car, I kept telling myself tomorrow morning you run right by the beach! Little did I know… oh what a run through that weather!
That’s life… sometimes it’s not what you expect and you have to make the most of it! The first few miles were windy, but the last 10 miles were wicked rain and horrible gusts of wind, it was tough trying to get footing on a wet boardwalk with wind blowing you away! The last 3 miles straight down the boardwalk was unreal and I kept envisioning walking and laughing down that boardwalk with our kids eating ice cream like we did 2 summers ago in Atlantic City. When I crossed the line shivers immediately set in it as it was wet, windy, and so cold. Life is all about perspective, as I have never been to the beach and been so cold, but was happy to have the experience and battle through! The zip up shirt we received is my favorite as I love the baby blue and the medal is outstanding… we definitely didn’t have baby blue skies but I am grateful for the adventure as the best marathons are the ones with the stories behind them! ❤️ Epic battle! Nice medal as well!
3rd oldest, do if a car ride away
Pros: By virtue of being 3rd oldest continuous marathon in the country it's worth it if not coming too far away. Con or pro I'm not sure, but a lot … MORE
Pros: By virtue of being 3rd oldest continuous marathon in the country it’s worth it if not coming too far away. Con or pro I’m not sure, but a lot of boardwalk running. Around 4 1/2 mi in the beginning and the last 3. Running on that is different and does take some getting used to. Overall not in bad shape considering the enormity of this boardwalk. Not totally but relatively flat. All the on course drinks and volunteers where great as I’ve found to be the case at every marathon I’ve ran. And of course plenty of places to stay overnight and stumble to the start line. You’ll pay a pretty penny but at least it’s conveniently available if you want that.
Cons: First time at this marathon, not sure if it’s always this windy in October in AC. But the wind was relentless after the turn at mi 16 and heading North. It totally zapped me of my energy reserves. 7 of the last 10 miles was a strong headwind and the last 4 was complete headwind. At this race pay close attention to hourly wind reports and plan your race accordingly and with respect. I checked the day before and thought I was going to have a tailwind coming home and was giddy. Wasn’t the case. They could have done a better job explaining where exactly the packet pick up was. I was one of many I met that day totally confused how to easily find it. The after race snacks were good and of the normal variety, but usually there’s bottles of sports drinks/shakes or similar. Here there was only the Gatorade cups as found on the course and bottles of water. No fault of the race, but with all that board walk running you’d think there would be great views of the ocean. But as I recall, most of that is blocked by high sand berms for protection obviously. It’s been a few years but I think the NJ Marathon up the coast offered a more scenic experience.
Overall not too bad, weather notwithstanding. I think when not running on or near the boardwalk it wasn’t any different in feel than any other run of the mill marathon. I’d say it’s a slightly unique marathon and should be considered on that alone if that’s what you’re looking for.