Highlands, NJ | Sunday, October 4, 2026Registration Open
JERSEY SHORE HALF MARATHON AND 2 MILE RUN Sunday, October 4, 2026 ** New start time: 8:00 A.M. ** Registration for this year's race will have a capacity of 800 participants. Virtual Race Option is available. SANDY HOOK - GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA The Jersey Shore Half Marathon, hosted by the Shore Athletic Club, has a rich history that makes it one of the oldest distance events held in New Jersey and the surrounding areas. The first Jersey Shore Marathon was held in 1972. In fact, 2026 will be the 53rd Running of the Jersey Shore Half Marathon! This USATF-certified course (adjusted and re-certified in 2026) is a very flat and fast 2-loop course! The Jersey Shore Half Marathon will also be a USATF-NJ Grand Prix points race. Sandy Hook is a scenic and historic 6-mile strip of land tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Sandy Hook Bay. Racing on Sandy Hook is a great place for a fast 13.1; a friendly place for first-time half-marathoners; and a great way to prepare for your fall marathon! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sandy Hook and the area when you are done! All entrants will receive a complimentary long-sleeve race shirt, discounts and giveaways from our sponsors, and a customized race completion medal. Complimentary food and drinks will be available to all runners after the race. Plenty of free parking is available within the park in LOT D, close to the start/finish area. Spectator parking is in LOT C. No shuttle needed. The races start and finish on the main park road located very close to the entrance of parking LOT E. All parking will be available this year in LOT D. Lot C will be available if needed for spectators and for overflow parking. Please plan to arrive early, carpool if possible, and park in Lot D. *- Please use the boardwalk or blacktop multi-use path to make your way to/from Lot D and the start/finish area. Please do NOT walk on the roadway at all. HALF MARATHON REGISTRATION $80 early bird "throwback price" discount to the first 10