I have run the New Jersey Marathon twice now and I’m already registered to run for the 3rd consecutive time this coming April 26, 2015.
Running the 2014 NJ Marathon
Just a few feet from the finish line of the 2013 NJ Marathon
When I signed up for the first time back in 2013 it was a total random decision but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made since becoming a runner. 
Out of the 5 full marathons I’ve completed to date, my 2 NJ Marathon finishes were my fastest and this year I made it the entire 26.2 without ever hitting the wall! And I also met Jane through this race back in 2013. You know Jane….she’s responsible for convincing me to run the Jersey Girl Triathalon =)
Sally and Jane: 2014 New Jersey Marathon finishers…woot woot!
The course happens to be a fast, flat one that is very BQ (Boston Marathon Qualifier) friendly. It also takes you on the iconic Jersey Shore boardwalk in two locations. Now that the repairs have been done following Superstorm Sandy’s destruction 2015 will be the first year back on the boardwalk at mile 20 in Asbury Park. And the final 1/2 mile is on the boardwalk in Long Branch. Nothing more exhilarating than the view of the ocean to your right! 
The medals are pretty fabulous too! And you can count on there being a unique spinner in the center of the medal each year. I can’t wait to see the 2015 medal. I hear it’s in the works!!!
The medallion in the middle spins!
Another spinner! The star spins. Let Your Star Shine!
And how sweet was this post the night before the race… 
OK, so let me tell you about some of the details. There are 3 races to choose from:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- Half Marathon Relay (2 runners split the distance)
So basically that gives you the option to run 6.5 miles, 13.1 or 26.2. The races are held on April 26, 2015 and start in Monmouth, New Jersey at the iconic Monmouth Race Track. The weather in New Jersey in the Spring is usually great running weather. 50 degrees on average. The full marathon has a stretch from mile 16-24 that is an out and back so it’s very spectator friendly. My family waits at mile 17 and then at mile 22. There are lots of local residents who come out and cheer in front of their homes. Many blasting Bruce Springsteen! Even a few local bands set up along the course. And I’m happy to report that each year I’ve run I’ve seen so much progress in the restoration of the shore towns since Superstorm Sandy. So basically just think of the definition of the word resilient when you think of this race….resilient residents AND resilient runners. Am I getting you excited yet? Well great news! A few weeks back through social media I discovered that NJ Marathon was looking to hire some “street team members”. Basically street team members represent the NJ Marathon at vendor booths/tents at other races and race expos (Yep, I’ll be at the Philadelphia Marathon Expo in 2 weeks so if you’re running, come by the expo and say hi!). I inquired and within a day I found I had a new part-time job! How awesome? I get to share my love and knowledge of the race with other runners. And get paid for it! (Disclaimer: I’m being compensated to write this post as part of my job but all opinions and love of this race are purely my own I promise you that!)
And what does this mean for you? You can save 10% off the current race price by using the code NJM15Sally when registering. You can register here.
Below are some links to other posts I’ve written about my experience running the New Jersey Marathon. And if you have questions about the half or the half relay please comment below or shoot me an email. I have some friends who have run the half and would be more than happy to answer questions. 20 mile training run before 2014 NJ Marathon 2014 NJ Marathon Recap 2014 NJ Marathon Race Day post http://www.sweatoutthesmallstuff.com/nj-marathon-expo/ So now you know why you should run the New Jersey Marathon in 2015. =) Have any of you already run it? What year? How did you do?
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