From Jersey City to Atlantic City to Augusta, and more.
There’s something unexpectedly refreshing about New Jersey’s marathon scene. While it might not have the high-altitude mystique of Colorado or the coastline drama of California, what it does have is a surprising amount of variety packed into a relatively small space.
From oceanfront miles and skyline views to quirky loops through fairgrounds with hot food waiting at the aid station, the state’s races are anything but dull. If you’re piecing together your 50 states journey or just on the hunt for a race that’s a little different, these three marathons show why New Jersey deserves a spot on your running calendar.
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What are the Best Marathons in New Jersey?
Atlantic City Marathon
Atlantic City | Oct 19, 2025
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (60m)
Participants: 971 Finishers
Price: $120-$150
The Atlantic City Marathon has been around since 1958, quietly earning its spot as the third oldest marathon in the U.S. It’s a race with history, but it doesn’t try to impress with big crowds or flashy production. Instead, it offers a flat, fast course that loops around Absecon Island, passing through Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, and Longport. A good chunk of the marathon (over 10 miles) is run on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, which sounds dreamy but can be unpredictable. Look out for loose planks, screws sticking up, and you might need to dodge a pedestrian or 2. Still, the ocean views and salty air give the race a charm you don’t get inland.
The course starts near the casinos, heads through residential neighborhoods, then doubles back for a long finish stretch along the shore. It’s certified as a Boston Qualifier and is also part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Rankings, so it draws runners looking to post fast times. But don’t expect a massive crowd or endless cheering sections – support along the route is pretty sparse outside the beach towns. What it lacks in fanfare, though, it makes up for in ease of logistics. Staying at a boardwalk hotel like Bally’s means you’re just steps from the start line, and you can always wait inside a casino, use real bathrooms, and stay warm before heading out.
There are some quirks to keep in mind: the boardwalk surface can be a little rough, wind is always a possibility near the coast, and the sun can be relentless if the weather doesn’t cooperate. But if you’re chasing a PR or just checking off New Jersey on a 50-state quest, Atlantic City is a solid, straightforward option – just maybe do a shakeout run on the boardwalk first.
Jersey City Marathon
Jersey City | Apr 13, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 383 feet (116m)
Participants: 2,995 Finishers
Price: $225
Still relatively new on the scene, the Jersey City Marathon has quickly earned a spot on the radar of runners chasing fast times or a spring Boston Qualifier. Now in its third year, the race features a USATF-certified course that’s flat, fast, and urban, with a double loop format that runs in reverse the second time around to keep things from feeling stale.
The course winds through the city’s waterfront, downtown neighborhoods, and Liberty State Park, offering views of Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. While some parts can feel a bit quiet and gritty, others come alive with local spectators and solid volunteer support. Aid stations are spaced roughly every 2–2.5 miles, although later into the run, there might be some gaps in the later miles and variability in hydration options.
With the start and finish in the Newport Green area, logistics are pretty runner-friendly. Public transit via PATH is a smart choice, and there are several hotels within walking distance. The expo has improved year to year, though still on the smaller side.
The swag isn’t for everyone (previous years’ shirts have been a bit hit or miss), but the fast course and early-season timing make it a solid pick for a PR attempt.
3 Days at the Fair
Augusta | May 12–17, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 521 feet (158m)
Participants: 47 Finishers
Price: $125
Calling this race a “marathon” barely scratches the surface. 3 Days at the Fair isn’t just a race – it’s a full-on endurance festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, where you’ll find everything from 5Ks to multi-day ultramarathons, all sharing a certified 1-mile loop that’s flat, paved (with a touch of gravel), and surprisingly friendly for repeated laps. The marathon distance? That’s 26 loops, with a quirky “out-and-back” start to get the distance exact. It’s a Boston Qualifier, too.
The vibe is low-key and welcoming, with heated restrooms, showers, and a food station that serves actual meals (think: breakfast quesadillas, burgers, vegan options). You’ll pass the aid station every mile, making it easy to grab food, check your progress on the live display, or even pop by your tent or RV setup just off the course.
There’s no fancy scenery, just fairgrounds, some sun, and lots of looped miles, but what draws people back is the sense of community, the unusual swag (monogrammed bathrobes, rain jackets, Yeti cups), and the relaxed, choose-your-own-adventure format. It’s the kind of race where the guy flipping pancakes at 2 a.m. might also be chasing a 200-mile lifetime award.
What Kind of Course Suits You?
Not all marathon courses are created equal, and New Jersey gives you a little bit of everything. Your experience can change dramatically depending on the type of course you choose, so it’s worth thinking about what kind of runner you are.
If you like variety and fast miles, you might prefer a city course with long, open stretches. Races like these are often point-to-point or feature a single big loop, giving you a sense of forward momentum. You’ll pass neighborhoods, waterfronts, cheering squads—and while it’s not always consistent terrain, the constant change can help distract from the grind.
But maybe you like knowing exactly what’s ahead. That’s where looped courses come in. On a one-mile loop, for example, every bathroom, aid station, and incline becomes familiar. You can dial in your pacing, stash your gear right next to the course, and mentally break the race into bite-sized segments. There’s less guesswork, fewer surprises—and for some, that’s a big mental win.
Then there’s the middle ground: an out-and-back. It offers a predictable route but with changing scenery. Seeing faster runners coming back your way can be both motivating and humbling. Either way, it gives you checkpoints to look forward to, and it’s a good way to mentally split a race in half.
New Jersey has all three styles. Whether you’re after predictability, flow, or visual variety, there’s a race that’ll match your rhythm. And if you’re not sure which you prefer yet, there’s only one way to find out: run a few and see what sticks.
Running Solo, With Friends, or With the Same People for 26 Miles
If you’ve never thought about how social your race experience is going to be, New Jersey offers a full range.
At Jersey City, the field is big enough to find your pace group and still have breathing room. There’s a blend of solo runners and local crews—expect some friendly chatter but also plenty of quiet miles. It’s a solid choice if you want to focus without feeling isolated.
Atlantic City creates its own sense of community through the double out-and-back layout. You’ll pass other runners multiple times, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch some encouragement or high-fives on the return stretch. The energy stays up without ever being overwhelming.
And then there’s 3 Days at the Fair, which basically feels like a pop-up village of ultra runners. You’ll see the same faces over and over again, and by the end of the weekend, you’ll probably know their names, their go-to aid station snack, and how many miles they’ve logged. It’s one of the most communal marathon settings you’ll find—perfect if you like a race where you don’t feel like a stranger for long.
Concluesion
New Jersey’s marathons don’t try to be flashy, and maybe that’s the point. They’re dependable, well-run, and have more personality than you’d expect.
Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifier, looking for something ultra-flexible, or just want to run by the ocean without dealing with huge race crowds, these events deliver.
And thanks to short travel times between towns, you can squeeze in race day logistics without too much stress.
Low-key doesn’t have to mean forgettable.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
