I unfortunately was not able to check out the pre race expo and pick up my race bib. Thankfully, race management allowed for my bib to be picked up by someone else. Which leads me to how impressed I was with the steady updates of pertinent information the race emails contained leading up to the race (such as how to get your bib if you can’t make it to the expo). Everything a runner needed to know was included in a pre race email, on their website, or both.

The Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon was my first road marathon in over 10 years. Coming from running mostly trail races in the past few years, the crowd size made me a bit uneasy, but it was extremely well organized and very well managed. The aid stations were spaced well and well stocked with plenty of water, gatorade,and friendly volunteers; there is no need to carry fluids at this race! Also, I really appreciated the Honey Stinger gels as they are my preferred source of quick calories. The swag was well done also including a race shirt, some locally sourced salt water taffy, and one of the coolest medals I’ve received. The medal is made to look like a vinyl record and actually spins! Bravo there! The finish area had a festive vibe and the 26.2 brews offered were super refreshing. The shuttles at the finish made it extremely convenient to get back to the starting area where there was ample parking for the thousands of people. I was impressed that I did not have to wait in line at all to hop on a shuttle and be back at my car after a short bus ride.

The course overall was great also. Around the halfway point of the race, the course got a bit more interesting and scenic in my opinion. Rather than mostly running through neighborhood roads (my take on the majority of the first half), the second half really displayed more of the traditional Jersey shore scenery as the ocean and beaches were in sight and we began running stretches of the boardwalk. Along with the more attractive scenery came the out and back portion of the course. Seeing the fast marathon front runners still hammering hard after 20 or so miles kept me inspired and motivated to keep my pace up. I was shooting for a marathon PR at this race, and I realized while running it that this course was a perfect choice for a PR attempt. It is nothing but flat and fast!

If you’re looking for a marathon that encompasses the feeling of the Jersey Shore, look no further than the Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon. You won’t be disappointed.

Read my full race report at: https://www.beastcoasttrailrunning.com/2019/05/2019-novo-nordisk-new-jersey-marathon.html