Jersey Shore Half Marathon and 2 Mile Run

JERSEY SHORE HALF MARATHON AND 2 MILE RUN

Sunday, October 4, 2026

New start time: 8:00 A.M.

REGISTRATION

• Full Registration: Registration for this year's in-person race is now FULL!
• Virtual Option: The Virtual Race Option IS available.

EVENT LOCATION

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!

PARKING INFORMATION

• Location: Plenty of free parking is available within the park in LOT D, close to the start/finish area.
• Accessibility: Spectator parking is in LOT C.
• No Shuttle: No shuttle needed: all parking is available this year in LOT D.
• Plan Ahead: Please plan to arrive early, carpool if possible, and park in Lot D.

HALF MARATHON REGISTRATION

• Early Bird Pricing: $80 early bird "throwback price" discount to the first 100 entrants starting from February 18-27, 2026.
• Standard Pricing:
  • $80 by February 27, 2026
  • $95 by June 30, 2026
  • $110 by October 3, 2026*
  • $125 on October 4 and Event Day*

2 MILE RUN REGISTRATION

• Pricing: $25 early registration discount by March 31 for the 2 Mile Run.
• Standard Pricing:
  • $30 by October 3, 2026*
  • $35 on Event Day*
• Course Information: The 2 Mile Race will begin 5 minutes after the half start - flat and fast out and back course.

PRE-RACE BIB/SHIRT PICK-UP

The Outpost Running and Walking Co.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
11:15 AM to 2:00 PM

Participants are strongly encouraged to pick up bibs and shirts on Saturday if at all possible to save time on race day. During Saturday packet pick-up, random giveaways will be held throughout the day. Join us at THE OUTPOST to get race-ready with discounts and free items.

EVENT DAY SCHEDULE

October 4, 2026
6:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Sandy Hook, Lifesaving Station Between Lots D and E

• 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM - Pre-registration bib & shirt pick up at the Lifesaving Station
• 8:00 AM - Half Marathon Start
• 8:05 AM - 2 Mile Start
• 10:45 AM - Awards Ceremony & Giveaways at the Lifesaving Station

AWARDS

• Cash Prizes: Minimum of $225, $175, and $150 to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female Finishers.
• Custom Awards: Custom Age Group Awards to the Top 3 finishers in each 5-year age group.
• All Runners: All runners (13.1 and 2 Mile events) will get a special long-sleeve event tee and other giveaways from our sponsors.
• Finisher Medal: All 13.1 finishers will receive a custom Jersey Shore Half Marathon 2026 finisher medal.

COVID-19 SAFETY NOTES

• No Headphones: NO HEADPHONES ON THE COURSE, PLEASE!!
• No Strollers or Pets: For the safety of all, we cannot allow any strollers or pets at the race.
• Time Limit: There is a strict 3-hour time limit on the Half Marathon course.

FOLLOW US

Follow us on Instagram and X at @theshoreac, and at The Shore Athletic Club on Facebook and LinkedIn. For updates and photos, visit our website at www.shoreac.org.

MORE INFORMATION

• Race Photos: Race photos available for purchase from Jack McCoy Photography.
• Charity Partnership: We are proud to partner again with the Sandy Hook Foundation.
• Corporate Partnerships: Participants can enjoy discounts throughout race weekend.
• Post-Race Party: Join us at Off The Hook in Highlands for a free domestic draft beer or soda with your race bib.

REGISTER NOW!

For more details and to register, visit here.