When the New Jersey Marathon shut down in 2019, it left a gap. For a while, if you wanted a serious marathon in New Jersey, you had to look elsewhere.
Then, in 2023, Jersey City launched its own, and it’s already pulling in thousands of runners who want a flat, well-organized race that’s easy to get to and fast enough to chase a PR.
But how good is it, really? If you’re considering signing up, you’ll want to know how the course runs, what to expect on race day, and how it compares to other races in the area.
This guide breaks down the course, logistics, where to train, and more.
Breaking Down the Jersey City Marathon Course
This course is flat and built for steady pacing—but like any race, knowing the layout helps massively.
A well-placed course can make or break race day, and this one has fast downtown streets, open waterfront stretches, and long, quiet sections where pacing and mental prep matter.
Start and Early Miles: Fast and Controlled
Runners start on Washington Boulevard near the Newport PATH station, in the middle of Jersey City’s business district. The first few miles move through wide downtown streets, which helps spread out the field early.
This section has solid crowd support and plenty of room to lock into a steady rhythm without too many sharp turns.
Mid-Race: Liberty State Park is Scenic but Quiet
When runners reach Liberty State Park, the course shifts from city streets to long, open roads with waterfront views. It’s one of the most scenic parts of the race, but it also lacks spectator support—which means runners need to be mentally prepared for miles that feel quieter and more isolated.
For marathoners, this stretch is a key test on the second loop when the field has thinned out. If you rely on crowd energy, you’ll want to have a strategy in place for staying focused through this section.
Final Stretch: A Strong Finish Back into the City
After looping back toward Newport, the course brings runners into the city for the final push. The last miles offer more crowd support than the mid-race stretch, which helps fuel a strong finish.
The race ends at Newport Green Park, and runners who pace themselves well can take advantage of a flat closing stretch to pick up speed before crossing the line.
For a full breakdown of every turn and section, the official Jersey City Marathon course map is available on the race’s website.
The Jersey City Half Marathon: Who It’s For and What to Expect
The Jersey City Half Marathon gives runners a chance to take on half the distance but still get the best parts of the course.
It follows the same starting route as the full marathon, which means runners still get the downtown energy, wide streets, and waterfront views—without having to loop back for a second time.
For runners who want a fast, flat course, this is one of the best options in the area. There are no major inclines, and the open roads early on make it easy to find a rhythm without battling for space.
Like the full marathon, the course runs through Liberty State Park, which means long, quiet stretches with scenic views before heading back toward Newport for the finish.
The race draws first-time half marathoners, local club runners, and competitive racers looking for a personal best.
Not to mention, it’s a certified course, so it’s a strong option for those chasing an official time, but it also appeals to those using it as a tune-up race or stepping stone to a full marathon.
Where to Train for a Marathon in Jersey City
Training for a marathon in Jersey City is straightforward—there’s plenty of space to get in miles, a solid running community, and routes that match race conditions.
Whether you need uninterrupted long runs, a place for speed work, or a group to keep you accountable, the city has options that work for different types of training.
Best Places to Run
Liberty State Park is the best spot for long runs. The open, paved paths stretch for miles; the views are solid, and, most importantly, you don’t have to stop at traffic lights. It’s also part of the Jersey City Half Marathon course, so training here helps prep for race day conditions.
The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is ideal for faster training runs. The stretch from Morris Canal Park to Pier A Park in Hoboken is just over three miles, ideal for tempo efforts, race-pace workouts, or steady-state runs without interruptions. With the skyline on one side and the river on the other, it’s easily one of the best places in the city to run.
For structured workouts, Lincoln Park has a 400-meter track along with shaded park loops that work well for intervals or controlled effort runs. It’s also a good option for runners looking to throw in softer surfaces to break up pavement-heavy training.
Running Groups and Training Communities
Jersey City has an active running scene, and joining a group makes training more structured and social.
- Jersey City Runners – The largest local club, hosting weekly group runs for all paces and distances.
- The Grind Society Run Club – More structured, with speed workouts and long runs throughout the week.
- sam a.m. Run Club – Meets Wednesdays for a four-mile run through Liberty State Park, followed by coffee at their café.
- Chilltown Street Club – A community-based group that mixes running, yoga, and cycling meetups.
Future Prospects: 2025 and Beyond
The Jersey City Half Marathon 2024 is in the books, and as the race looks ahead to April 13, 2025, it’s clear that it’s growing fast.
In just a few years, it’s gone from a new event filling the gap left by the old New Jersey Marathon to a race drawing thousands of runners and getting serious attention.
What Could Change in 2025?
The race has gotten good feedback for its fast course and easy-to-reach location, but there’s still room to improve.
Runners have pointed out that on-course support could be better, especially in the later miles. More aid stations, clearer signage, and better crowd control near the finish could all make a difference.
Packet pickup is another area where things could run smoother. Long lines at the expo have been an issue, so extending hours or adding another location might help. Some runners have also asked for better post-race amenities—right now, the finish area is functional, but not much more than that.
Where This Race is Headed
This race is growing fast. The first year brought in around 6,000 runners from 15 different countries, and the 2025 race is expected to hit 9,000+. That puts it in a different league from your average small-city marathon.
If organizers continue making improvements, Jersey City could soon be home to one of the best mid-sized marathons on the East Coast.
