Atlantic City was personally not my favorite place to visit (my sole opinion), but the marathon itself was a good one to run and cross New Jersey off the state list.

Several reviews online stated the course is “pancake” flat. This is not the case. Yes, MOST of the course is flat, but there are a few portions towards the beginning that take you up a few highway ramps that are a bit of a challenge. My Garmin noted a total elevation gain of around 200 ft by the race’ end. Not hilly at all, but not completely pancake flat.

Packet pickup was held at Bally’s Casino’s Grand Ballroom. Parking was easy (there were several lots and garages around…thought the area doesn’t seem that nice to walk in), and I breezed my way through the slot machines and card tables towards the expo area. I am not a fan of gambling, so I immediately got my bib and exited the building. I will say the swag they gave you (a hooded long sleeve shirt) is one of my favorites from any race I have run.

My only complaint about the race start was that it was position right on the boardwalk in front of a few of the casinos which constantly played loud advertisements from their speakers. Apparently the National Anthem was sung, but the speakers of the casinos were turned up so loud, that many of us not realize it until it was almost over. That made me sad and believe that should be addressed in future editions of the race. Luckily we were able to hear the starting gun and made our way down the boardwalk to begin the first mile of 26.2.

The experience as a whole was a fun one though. The pacing group was very good and it was fun to run along the boardwalk for 6-7 miles of the race. I'd recommend running it for New Jersey...just stay out of the Atlantic City area other than on race day.

You can read my whole race report at https://runningriddles.com/races/2019-atlantic-city-marathon-in-new-jersey/.