I have raced this race 4 times, and will race it again in 2016 as #5. The course is flat, and parking is abundant at Monmouth Racetrack. The road coming into the race can back up in the morning, so be certain to leave early! This is a very large race, but for such a large race it is well organized. Interestingly, after 4 go-rounds at this race, every single year, the race shirts have run small - the XXL fits like a glove on my usually-XL-sized body. Always lots of port-o-potties at the start, and along the course - ample aid stations and local folks out on their front lawns cheering! As for the race itself, I love (being a slower runner) that I always have company, even at my 12 minute mile pace. The best part of the race is that it hits the "circle" in long branch (before you turn up toward Siperstein's, etc), where crowds gather - right around mile 9, where you really need the support. Some years there have been bands here too. This is a great pick me up, to keep you moving. Last year, there was even oranges at mile 10 - a very welcome sight! I also enjoy that the marathoners run with the half-ers until mile 11, where the halfies turn up toward the boardwalk. This means lots of company and fun! When the race turns up toward the board, at the Surf Taco, it can get quite windy. It feels like you are getting close to the finish, because you're one long straight shot away (straight up the boardwalk), but in reality you aren't close until you hit Pier Village. Then it is all out time! The wind can play a role once you are on the boards, but overall, the view is worth it. The race has tons of volunteers at the end waiting to give you your medal, and the "chute" to the finish is always CHARGED with energy - so many people hanging over the rails cheering, a race announcer pumping everyone up! The food afterward is average but abundant - usually a baggie prepared for you with a banana, cookie, something along those lines. Baggage check has been organized well. One issue can be busing back to your car - some years the lines have been long, other years, it was quick and painless. You just never know! If you are lucky enough to have a spectator to meet you, just have them drive you back to your car at Monmouth Park!

This race takes place on the campuses of Rutgers University, in New Brunswick. The Expo is in their Recreation Center, and is usually well attended. The T-shirts are RU colors usually (red/black), which is fun. Logistically, you can either park at the start line or the finish line - which are about a mile walk from one another. I've chosen to park at the finish all three times I've completed this race, since I'd rather be close to the car AFTER two hours of running! They run buses from the finish line back to the start in the morning prior, and each year I've gotten there early and had no trouble with the busing. Once at the start, it has been fairly well-organized. There is music and an announcer. Then you are OFF onto the Busch campus of Rutgers. You'll weave through Busch and Livingston, through some more scenic dorm areas and other areas that seem a bit warehouse-y. Port-o-johns and aid stations are pretty abundant. Once you hit Livingston, there will be lots of students manning your aid stations and cheering. The course in general has some rolling hills - nothing huge, but they just keep coming. Around mile 10 you turn into the College Ave campus and Bucceleuch Park, which has its own set of hills. However, once you exit the park, it is GAME TIME! You can sprint into the finish down College Ave, with lots of folks cheering you on. The medals have been nice and sparkly, as well - great bling! In addition, CGI does a great job with food at the finish - usually something a little bit more exciting than just a banana: they've had pretzels, pasta salad, fun additions to the usual. Overall, good race, a little hillier than I'd like, but well organized and full of spirit.