The Jersey City Marathon & Half Marathon Marquee Experience at Newport

The Jersey City Marathon & Half Marathon, now in its fourth year, has quickly established itself as one of the fastest and flattest certified courses in the United States. With an elevation gain of virtually zero, this USATF-sanctioned race is a magnet for runners chasing a Boston Qualifier or a personal best. The course weaves through Jersey City's richly diverse neighborhoods—from historic districts to waterfront views—offering a genuine urban running experience that keeps about 14% of runners coming back each year.

Starting at 7 AM from the Newport area, the point-to-point route (the half marathon shares the starting line with the full) takes runners on a tour of the city's cultural tapestry. The field draws roughly 9,000 finishers from 48 states, creating a big-race atmosphere that still feels local. Aid stations and clear signage support the effort, and the flat profile lets you focus on pace rather than hills. This is a straightforward, well-organized event that delivers exactly what it promises: a fast, fair shot at your goal time in a setting that's anything but boring.