I’d like to sign up for this race. Anyone out there done it? Is it any good? I’d like a low key event where I aim to PR (sub 3).
Thanks in advance!
I’d like to sign up for this race. Anyone out there done it? Is it any good? I’d like a low key event where I aim to PR (sub 3).
Thanks in advance!
Flat as a pancake. Not exactly an inspiring course. Can be windy along the shore. I’ve never done it, but I live near there and have ridden along parts of the course a billion times.
Like other poster said. I have run part of the course (not during mary) and is flat as can be but could be very windy. If the conditions are right you will PR there.
I’ve never the full, but have done the 1/2 for the past 3 years, PRing every time. The full is 2 loops of the half. As Ken mentioned it’s very flat, except for a short couple block-long bump at miles 9 & 22, with maybe 20-30 feet elevation. It’s just enough to break up your stride for a minute or two. The concommitant elevation loss occurs at 10.5 & 24.5, which acts as a great accelerator for the closing few miles. As flat as it is, the conditions can make or break the day. It can be just about freezing, raining, and blustery, or warm and still, but most likely, somewhat breezy.
I suppose it’s low-key compared to big-city marathons, but between the 1/2 and full, there are thousands and thousands of runners all crossing the same ~25 foot wide start line at the same time. Starting close to the line is a necessity for a smooth first couple miles (as they wind along the beach and through a neighborhood, making a handful of turns). If you’re going ~2:45-2:50, you might be running alone, with 1 or 2 half-ers, or if you’re lucky, a small handful of marathoners. If you’re closer to 3:00, you will probably have company, but you should have to trouble finding road to run on…especially on your second loop.
at least that’s my experience.
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i has same thought as you and i have the same pr goal for that race…pm me if you live in the nyc/northern jersey area and maybe we can get some training in
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I did the 1/2 a few years ago and not only is the course not inspiring, it’s also run through some of the worst areas of Long Branch. the marathon is two loops and it’s not a whole lot of fun the second time around.
Added to all of this is the fact that the race is simply out of the freaking way and close to nothing and you have what I call a “locals only race.”
Hmmm…sounds like a PR is doable, but life is about experiences too…
Any suggestions for other “spring marathons” in the area?
I live in CT.
Thanks to all who have posted so far.
Try www.marathonguide.com and see what is there…
Long Branch isn’t so bad you’re going to get mugged or anything, but when you spend a good bit of time looking for Bruce Springsteen and counting Camaro’s (I’m dead serious) you know it’s an interesting race…
Bob
I did it seven years ago. I thought it was an excellent event and I enjoyed it much more than the NYC Marathon. I also think its pretty nice to run alongside the ocean and through Sandy Hook. PR might depend on the wind - its a point to point course, so you could be running into a pretty good headwind for much of the race.
Chris - Just adding to the sentiments above, very flat, but weather can play a factor esp if you get a wind off the ocean. Another negative from a PR perspective, is there typically are very few athletes <3hrs (~20). I personally find it helpful to feed off other athletes when aiming for a PR & you may be relatively solo on the 2nd loop.
From a spectating perspective, I think it’s a great course. Living ~15mins from the start, I always head up there to spectate or pace, so I know it very well. Being that the course is (2) loops, you actually pass VERY close to the start/finish area 4x (2x on each loop), which makes it nice to see friends/family.
**Jon - **I imagine you & I have had different experiences at NYC as I’ve raced NY 5x & believe it’s honestly one of the best sporting events on the planet. To each his/her own I suppose ;o)
As for the course, it’s no longer pt-to-pt:
The old Jersey Shore Marathon was the reason that I started running way back in 1979. Two friends were running it and I was inspired to get going. I finally ran it on a cold, rainy day in 1984, The course was from Asbury Park Convention Hall to Sandy Hook and back. I finished before things got really bad but when a friend of mine finished I sware he was turning blue. In the early eighties Jersey Shore was the premiere fall marathon in the area since New York was still running laps around Central Park, but once NY came out of the park Jersey Shore faded fast. ‘85 or 86’ was the last one and it became a half running until sometime in the '90’s. I ran the present race in '99 and '04 on similar courses that ran north from the first pavilion at Sandy Hook, around Fort Hancock then south to the turn around in Deal. The first one finished at Long Branch HS and the second at the Sheridan hotel on Ocean Ave.
The new course looks interesting. I still wouldn’t expect much spectator support but I never needed that. I did think running Boston was amazing with the crowds but New Yorks crowd didn’t do anything for me. The poster who complained about running through the worst part of Long Branch must not remember NYC marathon in the 1980’s when NY wasn’t in such great shape. It was like the Tour of New York’s slums. I was there, I ran it in '86.
The two times I ran the new race, it was perfect weather. I’d say go run it. Run a PR and qualify for Boston. Keep running and enjoy yourself.