OCNJ Half Marathon, 10 Miler & 5K
Ocean City, NJ
- Half Marathon, 10 Miler, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The OCNJ Half Marathon features spectacular views of Ocean City, NJ through various neighborhoods, the downtown business district, and most importantly our award winning beaches and boardwalk. The course will provide a comfortable, safe, and secure running route, but to also showcase some of the unique areas of our City … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 04):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 81 | 74 | 79 | 57 | 82 |
| L (°F) | 56 | 52 | 53 | 47 | 70 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Such a great local beach town run!
I had the best time running the OCNJ Half Marathon. You get to run through every essential aspect that makes OCNJ special. Asbury street, bridge into the island, dog beach, … MORE
I had the best time running the OCNJ Half Marathon. You get to run through every essential aspect that makes OCNJ special. Asbury street, bridge into the island, dog beach, high school, local homes and boardwalk. Beware of fire hydrant hose while running…. you get soaked! This can cause chaffing while running.
Great Half Marathon in OCNJ
The OCNJ Half Marathon also has other events that day such as a 3K and a 10 miler (non-competitive run/walk). The scenery encompasses downtown OC then running over and a … MORE
The OCNJ Half Marathon also has other events that day such as a 3K and a 10 miler (non-competitive run/walk). The scenery encompasses downtown OC then running over and a bridge and back with the ocean on both sides, seeing the Gardens, onto the OCNJ Boardwalk with the ocean and beach just to your left, running south then finishing on the aforementioned boardwalk. There are spectators at every change of scenery with water stations, etc….
Great course with amazing views
Well organized! Signed up to race again. Easy packet pickup and smaller crowd so not an overly crowded course to weave through. Medals are really cool MORE
Well organized! Signed up to race again. Easy packet pickup and smaller crowd so not an overly crowded course to weave through. Medals are really cool
Consistently pleasant and great vibes
This race is challenging in the beginning and then smooth sailing at mile 4. Beautiful views and beach vibes keeps you motivated! The staff and accommodations are great - plenty … MORE
This race is challenging in the beginning and then smooth sailing at mile 4. Beautiful views and beach vibes keeps you motivated! The staff and accommodations are great – plenty of restroom and hydration options. Highly recommend!
Beach = easy, fun easy course
This is the beach I went to as a child. This beach has a lot of memories for me and was extra special to add to my half marathon “collection.” … MORE
This is the beach I went to as a child. This beach has a lot of memories for me and was extra special to add to my half marathon “collection.”
Packet pick up was super easy, with a special designated parking lot for those who just wanted five minutes to grab and go. For those with more time, there was the additional fun of shopping for extra merchandise and catching a Jeep display on the boardwalk. Hundreds of them, almost all decked out with a theme.
The race itself was a good combination of boardwalk, residential area, and closed main roads, including a small bridge to the next town. Many supporters along the route, including the fire department with their big ladders supporting an American flag over the street. Small town USA, and I loved it. May return for another race.
Post race food was fun and delicious boardwalk fare, and despite my finish towards the end of the pack, there was plenty of food for us. The later finish was frustrating in that they ran out of medals, and had to mail them to the participants who missed one.
OCNJ will always be one of my favorite locations; add this race to your “collection” and you won’t regret it.
Scenic, well run race. A great NJ race!
This is an organized race that started right on time with scenic views. You run through town, neighborhoods, over the bridge (the only hills), and the boardwalk. It is a … MORE
This is an organized race that started right on time with scenic views. You run through town, neighborhoods, over the bridge (the only hills), and the boardwalk. It is a mostly flat course! There was lots of crowd support and plenty of aid stations. I liked the shirt (feel and color), the medal, and the towel I won for placing in my age group. The goodies after the race represented the popular boardwalk businesses – pop corn, taffy, doughnuts, Italian Ice, and pizza along with a variety of drinks – but no chocolate milk☹️. The staff I talked to were very nice and they would laminate award certificates after the awards presentation. The weather was perfect although a little breezy. If you are looking for a NJ race, I’d recommend this one!
Smaller, well supported, fun race
This race is mostly flat except for the bridge between miles 2-3 and again between miles 4-5 (out and back). The bridge looks daunting but it wasn’t too bad and … MORE
This race is mostly flat except for the bridge between miles 2-3 and again between miles 4-5 (out and back). The bridge looks daunting but it wasn’t too bad and it’s nice that it was near the beginning.
The race has a nice medal and there were tons of water stations on the course. The volunteers were awesome and the community also came out to cheer.
I recommend this race!
Yes yes yes
This was a well organized race that I’d recommend to anyone who is pursuing 50 states (half) or a runcation. The course is a mix of well maintained paved roads, … MORE
This was a well organized race that I’d recommend to anyone who is pursuing 50 states (half) or a runcation. The course is a mix of well maintained paved roads, a long bridge with views of the water and coastline and the boardwalk. The course had course marshals and aid stations. The aid stations were well organized and they gave out Gu around mile 8. The boards on the boardwalk were in good condition too.
The day before expo was about 1.5 mile from the boardwalk area start line. It basically just had bib and shirt pickup. The ladies shirt was a long sleeve v-neck which was true to size.
The race ends on the boardwalk near the Music Pier. On the pier runners were offered soft drinks, electrolyte drinks, water, bananas, other fruit, pizza, soft pretzels ,Italian ice, brownies and other pastries, and a little bag with caramel corn and salt water taffy in it. I had never seen so much post race food. The medal was nice with images of the boardwalk on it.
We stayed at the Atlantic per a RaceRaves user suggestion. The hotel was a very short walk to the start and finish line.
beautiful scenery, good overall race
This was my New Jersey choice in my 50 state challenge and it was a good one! I flew into Atlantic City (actually to Philadelphia where American Airlines provided a … MORE
This was my New Jersey choice in my 50 state challenge and it was a good one! I flew into Atlantic City (actually to Philadelphia where American Airlines provided a bus system called Landline to the AC airport). The car ride to Ocean city was about 30 minutes. The only negative I have were the accommodations. There are no new and modern hotels in Ocean City. All there were to choose from were motels and Air B & B’s. Although my motel had an outside entrance and was about 100 years old – it was suitable for a one night stay. The packet pickup was easy and the shirt was a long sleeve that I will definitely wear. There were many reasonable and really good choices of places to eat. The little town is very cute and family friendly. The race began at 8:30 (too late for me) and there was a table of last year’s shirts for sale that morning. The race started toward a bridge that led out of town and the scenery was beautiful but there was a huge hill going over and coming back. The 2nd part of the course was on the boardwalk (I tripped and fell and made a scene but got back up with bloody knees and finished the race) and then through some residential areas and looped around again on the boardwalk to the finish. The medal was great. There were plenty of water stations and good crowd support. I didn’t experience the after party because I had to get back to get ready to leave. Overall, well organized. There aren’t alot of choices in New Jersey and I would highly recommend this one.
Fun run along the NJ boardwalk
Beautiful run across the bridge and an out and back along the NJ boardwalk. Excellent boardwalk food at the end - pizza, taffy, caramel corn and Italian ice. Good course … MORE
Beautiful run across the bridge and an out and back along the NJ boardwalk. Excellent boardwalk food at the end – pizza, taffy, caramel corn and Italian ice. Good course marking and police support.
Boredwalk Run
That’s not a typo. The race was well organized. Flat, flat, flat except the bridge. But while you would think the extended portions on the boardwalk would be scenic, I … MORE
That’s not a typo. The race was well organized. Flat, flat, flat except the bridge. But while you would think the extended portions on the boardwalk would be scenic, I found them to be boring and a tough mental game. Weather was perfect on our race day. There is no expo … just a packet pick-up. Good shirt, but no other swag.
My Favorite Half Marathon
This half marathon is on the top of my favorites list. What an awesome event! The race starts through the beach neighborhood, over & back on a steep bridge, run … MORE
This half marathon is on the top of my favorites list. What an awesome event! The race starts through the beach neighborhood, over & back on a steep bridge, run on the boardwalk, through another neighborhood, and then finish on the boardwalk. Nice medal and race t-shirt.
What a great race!
This was such a fun race to do! Other than a bridge at the beginning, the course was nice and flat. Race production was very well run and they had … MORE
This was such a fun race to do! Other than a bridge at the beginning, the course was nice and flat. Race production was very well run and they had the best snacks at the end! I loved the race shirt, it’s so soft! One of my favorites to wear. The medal was also great. I know it’s supposed to be a part of a series, but it looks good on it’s own too. If you need a half to check off New Jersey for your 50 states challenge, this is the one to do.
Very scenic course, ocean breeze!
Tropical Storm Ophelia was an uninvited guest, windy and rainy before the race. But the weather got better during the race and managed to see a few peaks of sunlight … MORE
Tropical Storm Ophelia was an uninvited guest, windy and rainy before the race. But the weather got better during the race and managed to see a few peaks of sunlight during the race which was awesome. So a little about Ocean City, NJ. It is a dry city so no alcohol at all in the city, this naturally weed out the rowdy people, etc so it’s a much more friendly vibe beach town as compared to other beaches on eastern shore. We stayed at a cheap hotel 1 block from the start, they allowed us to check out late so that we could take shower and freshen up after race. Packet pickup was simple, no line what so ever. I never really been a runner that judges a race by swag, but the swag was just a basic long sleeve shirt and standard medal. Again, not that important to me. The course was very pretty, only elevation is on a bridge, running on the boardwalk with some spectators cheering is awesome. I would recommend this race to everyone!
Great race and perfect for families
This race course is very flat except for a small out and back incline over a bridge. As usual there was some wind along the way and it never seemed … MORE
This race course is very flat except for a small out and back incline over a bridge. As usual there was some wind along the way and it never seemed to be a tailwind no matter which direction I was going.
Pros:
– flat, fast course – good opportunity for a PR if the weather is good
– great crowd support
– one of the best after race spreads, many of the boardwalk food places donate samples (not healthy but yummy)
– nice shirt and medal
– well organized, family friendly event
Cons:
– a number of the miles weave through the neighborhoods so not very scenic
– running on the boardwalk which is not closed is a little dicey at times
Overall great race. Great place to take the family with lots of activities for the non-runner. I would go again.
Beautiful course
The view on the course is beautiful. The course is decently organized, and many aid stations. The only thing confusing was the starting line, since it's not same as the … MORE
The view on the course is beautiful. The course is decently organized, and many aid stations. The only thing confusing was the starting line, since it’s not same as the finish line.
My second time doing 5K event. Fun event
Wonderful location, 5K is run on boardwalk, ocean views are fabulous. Great local support with high school volunteers cheering you on with signs and manning the water stations. The OC … MORE
Wonderful location, 5K is run on boardwalk, ocean views are fabulous. Great local support with high school volunteers cheering you on with signs and manning the water stations. The OC mascot, a mollusk, gives high fives over the finish line. The medals are all finishers and snacks are local, soft pretzels, carmel corn, salt water taffy and water ice. Plenty of water. Overall vibe is fun and family oriented.
well managed race with an ocean view
Very well managed, lots of water stops, nicest cops, many hotels you can walk to the start from , or free parking at the start. Many people came out of … MORE
Very well managed, lots of water stops, nicest cops, many hotels you can walk to the start from , or free parking at the start. Many people came out of their houses to cheer everyone along the course. No shade on the course, and a light ocean breeze occasionally
What a well put together race!
Swag great. Volunteers great. Course great. This race is all you could want in a perfect one. Plenty of water, Gatorade, energy gels and cool towels. Perfect. MORE
Swag great. Volunteers great. Course great. This race is all you could want in a perfect one. Plenty of water, Gatorade, energy gels and cool towels. Perfect.
Probably the most waterstops ever
This race takes place in the ocean side town of Ocean City, NJ. I stayed in a motel (HarrisHouse) that was on 12th and the race started at 9th, so … MORE
This race takes place in the ocean side town of Ocean City, NJ. I stayed in a motel (HarrisHouse) that was on 12th and the race started at 9th, so that worked out well and they allowed me to stay parked until I finished the race. Packet pickup was easy, nothing major, but I was ok with that. The race started at 8:30 for the half and 10 miler, they had a 5k that started about 20 minutes later. The route was nice with an over and back bridge crossing that was pretty. The only 2 real hills in the course involved the bridge. The rest of the course was through neighborhoods, beautiful beach houses with equally beautiful yards. Then we ran down the boardwalk. It was roped off to try to keep pedestrians out, so that really helped. As the title of this review says, water stops were a plenty!!! Only one ended up running out, but they had Gatorade, which I don’t care for, but it was ok. They had a contest running for the best waterstop. One, I think #4, had a lady dressed as a squirrel, yes, in the heat, with signs saying they are nuts. They had gels as well. The volunteers were very friendly and motivating, especially the children. One young boy must have been around 5 or so and he was so excited to be handing cups of water, another around 7, was encouraging us to stay hydrated and enjoy the run. It was awesome! After running the boardwalk, you turn back onto the street and go out and back, then finish the last 2 miles or so back on the boardwalk. Some of the course had no spectators, but most had at least a few people out in their yard or on their balcony yelling encouragement or clapping, thanking us for running. There were a couple stops with wet, cold washcloths. One lady brought water out from her house. Everyone was very nice and the police officers along the route were just as kind, very encouraging and friendly. At the finish, medal, orange slice, which I needed more of, water and they gave out socks with “run OCNJ” on them. I failed to mention the zipper jacket that they gave at packet pickup for the 10 year anniversary. Then you head to the music pier for pizza, awards ceremony, a bag with popcorn and a soft pretzel, bananas, bagels, and what looked like fritters. I was in desperate need of more orange slices, but there were none to be found, as I had been told, so I went back out and found a medical person who was carrying cups with orange slices. They also had PT’s doing massage/stretching. I stayed to cheer the final few people in and quite a few of the earlier finishers came back and ran them in…which I thought was awesome. One family came to support a lady who appeared to be struggling, they were filming, and her young son just kept saying he loved her. It was awesome. All in all, this was a nice race, I enjoyed it. I thought I was going to finish sooner than I did, but the last half did not go as planned. Nothing to do with the race, just my mind of its own left leg. I would recommend this race.