I ran this race in 2014, which also happened to be its first year in existence. The race starts at the end of where the boardwalk shops stop, by the Sawmill. We had no trouble finding parking on a side street, a few blocks from the start. Getting our packets, because we got there very early, was quick, although later in the morning it looked a bit crazy. The shirts were great looking long-sleeve, dri-fits in super fun patriotic colors, and I've worn it many times since.
The race itself begins along side the boardwalk, down on the street, and then turns up onto the boardwalk itself for the second half: straight out and back. Not the most exciting, and you can't actually see the water over the dunes, but the atmosphere itself is great. The crowd was supportive, and even better, all of the military folks in and around the race make it what it is. I ended up being pushed (mentally, LOL) to the finish by a Marine holding a flag, who kept telling me that I could keep up with him. I was fighting hard to, but did! That cameraderie was so nice. At the end, it got a little bit messy as folks slowed down right over the line and crowded the boards. Overall, it was an enjoyable, flat race with great spirit and I will do it again.