Registration: Registration was quite simple for this race and is linked with Athlinks for easy tracking of results. Registration prices can vary greatly between $100-$125 online based on when you register. As it gets closer to the race online registration prices increase, as it happens with most other races. Very limited registration at the expo.

Expo/Packet Pickup: The New Jersey Marathon had multiple packet pick up days, and one especially mid week for all locals at the Asbury Park Brewery. I attended Saturday's pick up which was held at Monmouth Park (the start of the race). It was nice to see where we were starting from and to best plan out my strategy/route from the hotel for race morning. The expo had race technical gear, sweatshirts, etc. for sale as well as some last minute fueling. Packet pickup was super organized and took less than 3 minutes. They used a "fluid bib assignment" which basically means that bib numbers weren't assigned until you arrived. So the wonderful volunteers looked you up, entered the next bib in the pile into the computer, and slapped a corral sticker onto it. Overall, super smooth in my opinion.

Swag: All runners received a short sleeved high quality t-shirt in men's or women's cut. They are not technical shirts, but I actually really love the design and have already worn it twice. I really love the feel of it. All half marathon and marathon finishers also got a GORGEOUS medal! They really outdid themselves in my opinion! The medal is super heavy, I love it! They had specific colors for all races, which I think was cool as well.

Start Line: The start line was split into 7 corrals with pace teams scattered throughout. Every runner was seeded into corrals by projected finish time and a sticker was placed on the bib when you got your packet. However, there was no real patrolling of the corrals. I felt overall, everyone kind of stuck to where they should be. There was a wave start with each corral going approx. 2-3 min apart to decrease congestion.

Course: The course was super fun and flat (maybe 2 "big" hills to get over a bridge). The half marathon course took runners through residential and industrial areas and then with about 2 miles to go made the turn onto the Asbury Park boardwalk. Crowd support along the route was AMAZING! There were so many people out in their driveways with amazing signs. So many cowbells! I really appreciated how enthusiastic the residents of each town were. They definitely kept me going.

Aid Stations: There was an aid station every 1.5 miles (or so). They were well stocked with water at every station and Gatorade at every other station. There was 2 station with blocks and gels. The volunteers at the stations were so wonderful and encouraging.

Parking: Parking was free at the start line (Monmouth Park race track) and was well coordinated on race morning. There were limited parking passes which were available for purchase for the finish line area. Honestly, with all of the road closures, I don't think I would have wanted to park at the finish line. I think it would have been super tough/taken a long time to get out of the area. There were free shuttles back to the starting area, which took approximately 10 mins. My shuttle driver was amazing, so friendly!

Other: If you're not from the area (like me) and had to get a hotel, I would highly recommend booking early. The hotels mentioned on the race website sold out fast and were quite expensive. I was lucky and found a hotel in a nearby town (Colts Neck) for an inexpensive rate.