Jersey Shore Half Marathon and 2 Mile Run 2026

Description

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 100 entrants starting from February 18-27, 2026.

$80 by February 27, 2026 $95 by June 30, 2026 $110 by October 3, 2026* $125 on October 4 and Event Day* (credit card or Venmo only on race day, if spaces are available)

* - This year's race is limited to 800 participants. Registration did fill up and close out last year in August!

2 MILE REGISTRATION $25 early registration discount by March 31 for the 2 Mile Run

$30 by October 3, 2025*

$35 on Event Day* (* - credit card or Venmo only on race day, IF any spaces are available. the 800 person cap includes the 2 Mile)

The 2 Mile Race will begin 5 minutes after the half start - flat and fast out and back course.

REGISTRATION + PERSONALIZED TRAINING PLAN $160 by February 27, 2026 $175 by June 30, 2026 $190 by October 4, 2026

VIRTUAL RACE OPTION

$40 per person.

Send us a screenshot of your results by 10/4, and we will include you in the results.

A race shirt and other giveaways will be mailed to you after the race.

PRE-RACE BIB/SHIRT PICK-UP

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

THE OUTPOST RUNNING & WALKING CO. 32 Church Street in Little Silver

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. The first 80 USATFNJ club members to register (using the code USATFNJCLUB at check-out) get an $8 discount. Stay tuned for a possible shake-out run that day as well.

EVENT DAY SCHEDULE October 4, 2026 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Sandy Hook, Lifesaving Station Between Lots D and E (New spot in 2024 and back again for 2026!)

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 9:30 AM to 11:45 AM - Enjoy complimentary refreshm