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Atlantic City Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Atlantic City, NJ, USA
- Race Date: 10/18/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Atlantic City Marathon Description
Since 1958, the Atlantic City Marathon has been one of the oldest continuously run marathons in the country, third only to Boston and Yonkers. The out-and-back course starts and finishes on the Boardwalk at Michigan Avenue, tracing more than 10 miles of oceanfront boardwalk plus a tour through Ventnor, Margate, and Longport on Absecon Island. After a few small hills in the first three miles, the course flattens out completely, making it a popular choice for runners chasing a fast time or a Boston qualifier along the Jersey Shore.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Atlantic City Marathon Additional Details:
The finisher medal here is shaped like a large seashell, one that longtime runners rank among their favorite designs in the sport, and it comes alongside a custom tech shirt, drawstring bag, and free event photos included with registration. Aid stations appear frequently throughout with water, Gu, and a strong volunteer presence backed by medical support. But the real tradition happens after the finish: many runners kick off their shoes right there and walk straight into the Atlantic Ocean, a salty, informal victory lap that’s become as much a part of race day as the medal itself. Between the shell medal and the ocean dip, this race turns the finish line into something closer to a beach ritual.
Course Information
Profile: Very Flat
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hr 30 min (full), 3 hr 30 min (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 1,000
Marathon: 1,000
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 200 ft (Marathon), Unknown (Half)
Elevation Loss: 200 ft (Marathon), Unknown (Half)
Average Temperature
- Low: 43°F
- High: 66°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Atlantic City, NJ, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Landmark
Absecon Lighthouse
Visit New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, the 1857 Absecon Lighthouse, for panoramic city views — climb its 228 steps if you’re up for it, or simply enjoy the grounds below.
Museums & History
The Atlantic City Experience
Explore artifacts and stories from Atlantic City’s storied past at this free exhibit inside historic Boardwalk Hall — an air-conditioned, low-impact stop for recovering legs after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
The Wheel at Steel Pier
Take in sweeping ocean and skyline views without the climb aboard the Wheel at Steel Pier, one of the largest observation wheels in the country — an easy, seated ride.
Shopping
Tanger Outlets
Shop more than 100 stores tax-free on clothes and shoes at Tanger Outlets — a flat, easy way to spend a recovery afternoon without much walking after race day.
Sports & Entertainment
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Catch a concert or event at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, the historic arena that has hosted the Miss America pageant and countless legendary performances — a relaxed, seated night out.
Arts & Culture
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University
Browse original works by local and regional artists at this creative studio and gallery space downtown — an easy, indoor rest-day visit for tapering or recovering runners.
Outdoors & Trails
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Stroll or bike the five-mile Atlantic City Boardwalk, America’s original boardwalk, past shops, arcades, and ocean views — a flat, easy option for tapering or recovering legs after race day.
Food & Drink
Orange Loop
Explore the Orange Loop, a walkable arts-and-dining district blending eclectic restaurants, coffee shops, and local makers just blocks from the Boardwalk — easy, casual, and low-key.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Atlantic City Aquarium
See more than 100 varieties of fish and marine life at the Atlantic City Aquarium — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop that’s gentle on tired legs after race weekend.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Atlantic City Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Atlantic City Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
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