Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area - Area E, Highlands NJ
Sunday, October 4th, 2026
🏃♂️ JERSEY SHORE HALF MARATHON AND 2 MILE RUN
📅 Event Date
Sunday, October 4, 2026
New start time: 8:00 A.M.
📝 Registration Information
- Capacity: 800 participants
- Virtual Race Option: available
🏞️ Venue Details
Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area, a scenic and historic 6-mile strip of land tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Sandy Hook Bay.
🏅 Race History
The Jersey Shore Half Marathon has a rich history, being one of the oldest distance events in New Jersey with the first marathon held in 1972. In 2026, it will mark the 53rd running of the half marathon!
📏 Course Details
- Certification: USATF-certified course
- Course Type: Flat and fast 2-loop course
- Good for: First-time half-marathoners and fall marathon preparation
🎁 Runner Perks
- Shirts: Complimentary long-sleeve race shirt
- Medals: Customized race completion medal
- Nourishment: Complimentary food and drinks after the race
🚗 Parking Information
Plenty of free parking is available within the park in LOT D, close to the start/finish area. Spectator parking is in LOT C.
💵 Half Marathon Registration Fees
- Early Bird: $80 from February 18-27, 2026
- General Prices:
- $80 by February 27, 2026
- $95 by June 30, 2026
- $110 by October 3, 2026
- $125 on October 4 and Event Day
🏃♀️ 2 Mile Registration Fees
- Early Registration: $25 by March 31, 2026
- General Prices:
- $30 by October 3, 2026
- $35 on Event Day
✨ Virtual Race Option
- Cost: $40 per person
- Deadline: Send results screenshot by 10/4
- Perks: Race shirt and other giveaways mailed after the race
📅 Pre-Race Kit Pickup
The Outpost Running and Walking Co.
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11:15 AM to 2:00 PM
🏆 Event Day Schedule
- 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM - Pre-registration bib & shirt pick up
- 8:00 AM - Half Marathon Start
- 8:05 AM - 2 Mile Start
- 10:45 AM - Awards Ceremony & Giveaways
🏅 Awards Information
- Cash Prizes: To the Top 3 Overall Male and Female Finishers
- Custom Age Group Awards: For the Top 3 finishers in each 5-year age group
- Finishers: Long-sleeve event tee and giveaways for all participants
- Medals: Custom finisher medal for all 13.1 finishers
💡 Safety Notes
1) NO HEADPHONES ON THE COURSE.
2) Strollers or pets are not allowed.
3) Strict 3-hour time limit on the Half Marathon course.
