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OCNJ Half Marathon

OCNJ Half Marathon: a flat, fast beachside race on the Jersey Shore boardwalk.

Race Date

Oct 4, 2026

Location

Ocean City, NJ

Standout79

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location
Ocean City, New Jersey
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

The Experience

The OCNJ Half Marathon takes runners through the classic Jersey Shore town of Ocean City, where the Atlantic breeze and boardwalk set the scene for a fast, flat race. Now in its 15th edition, the event has grown to nearly 2,400 finishers, drawing participants from 36 states and boasting a loyal 21% repeat rate.

The course is pancake-flat, tracing the island's streets and boardwalk – perfect for chasing a PR or a Boston qualifier. The typical winning time of 1:16:44 reflects a competitive field, but the easy terrain and forgiving conditions make it equally welcoming for first-timers. Expect plenty of local support as the community turns out to cheer along the route.

After crossing the finish, runners receive a commemorative T-shirt and can soak in the boardwalk atmosphere. Ocean City's beaches and family-friendly vibe make it a natural destination weekend, with the race serving as the centerpiece of a seaside getaway.

Race-provided description

I Want To

Apply For

Beach Wedding Permit Application

Boardwalk Entertainer Permit

Boat Ramp Pass

Catamaran Permit

Dog Park Pass

Employment

Overnight Parking Permit (https://www.ocnj.us/media/KnightBuilding/Parking/AirportLandsideParkingPermitForm2023.pdf)

Use of City Facility

Volunteering on City Board

Buy

Beach Tags (https://ocnj.myshopify.com)

Show Tickets

Veteran Banners

Contact

A City Department

City Council

Mayor

Check

Tide and Flood Level Predictions

File

Open Public Records Act Requests

column break

Pay For

Aquatic & Fitness Center Membership (https://ocnj.recdesk.com/Community/Membership)

Parking Ticket (http://www.njmcdirect.com/)

Taxes

Learn About

Affordable Housing

Capital Projects

CDBG Grant Program

City Surplus Auctions

COVID-19

Dedication and Memorial Programs

Dog Park

Economic Development Recommendations

Handicapped Accessibility

NJ Plastic Bag Ban

OCNJ CARE (http://www.ocnjcare.org/)

Offshore Wind Project

Parking

Schools in Ocea

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Quality Score

Standout79
Methodology
Heritage20/20

15 years running

Size15/15

~1,926 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

21% returning runners

Course & details5/15

6 timing sources

National draw9/10

runners from 36 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:16:44

Weather2/10

typical high 73°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

59°

Afternoon (High)

71°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

79%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the OCNJ Half Marathon?

The OCNJ Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Where does the OCNJ Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Ocean City, New Jersey.

What distances does the OCNJ Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the OCNJ Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The OCNJ Half Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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