Ocean City Holds First Annual Half Marathon and 5K Run

OCEAN CITY — The city of Ocean City will hold it’s first annual Half Marathon and 5K Run on Sun., Oct. 3rd at 9 a.m.
The Longport Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.. There will also be traffic control and detours along the entire course. Race Starts at Ninth St. and Atlantic Avenue and concludes 13.1 miles later in the 600 block of Boardwalk.
Race participants will enjoy a fast, challenging and scenic course that winds through the streets and boardwalk in Ocean City.
“This race was modeled after the well-known Fenton Carey Half Marathon, one of the first half-marathon races in this area” stated Wendy Moyle, manager of Recreation Programs for the City of Ocean City.
“This race takes advantage of the beautiful fall weather in Ocean City and runners will get to see the uniqueness of our island—everything from the downtown stores to the Gardens residential homes. And the view from top of the Longport Bridge is spectacular and will be especially rewarding to the participants since it’s their last hill as they head toward the Ocean City boardwalk,” she added.
Registration for the half marathon takes place now through October 2nd. There is no race day registration for the Half Marathon. The first 400 pre-registered runners will receive a commemorative race day t-shirt.
Families of four or more receive a discount on their registration. Race day registration for the 5k is from 7am-8:30am. Participants can register by calling 609-525-9317 or by visiting the race website at www.ocnj.us and clicking on the Recreation Tab and choosing recreation special events.
A pre-pasta dinner supplied by the Ocean City Restaurant Association kicks off the Half Marathon and 5K Run event on Saturday evening from 5:30-7:30 at the Ocean City High School.
Participants and their families can enjoy a healthy pre-race meal and get to meet other runners. The cost is $10 for Adults and $7 for children. Registrants must RSVP for the dinner by calling 525-9317 or emailing lrumer@ocnj.us.
Sponsorship opportunities for the race are still available. Many local businesses and organizations are sponsoring water stations. Volunteers who are not runners are also still needed.
The committee is also looking for singers or performers who are willing to donate their time to entertain on their own along the race route.
The race proceeds will benefit Ocean City Recreation scholarships and programs. For more information, please visit www.ocnj.us or contact Lisa Rumer at 609-525-9317.