Things To Do

The Atlantic City Marathon is the 3rd oldest marathon in the US. Moving into its 53rd year, the AC marathon is getting a face-lift with a new course route and some added amenities, which include 2-day Sport & Fitness Expo, over 20 on-course Cheer Zones and an all new Start/Finish Line.

It's a well kept secret that the AC Marathon is one of the top U.S. marathons for runners that are looking for a fun, small to mid-sized race. This race is a Boston Marathon qualifier and is USA Track and Field Certified. It can be a very fast if the Atlantic City weather-especially the wind-participates. In addition, it can serve as a great training run for those runners training for the ING-NYC, Marine Corps or Chicago marathons (or if you have been shut out of Philly!).

Runners from all over the country and from several different countries have found what many of the regional runners have known for years about one of the top U.S. marathons. With the views of the beach, running on the Boardwalk (voted one of the nation's best beach boardwalks) and passing Lucy the Elephant, Historic Boardwalk Hall and one of the most convenient finish lines in the sport, the only thing left is to try your luck in one of the 11 casinos when the race is over.

The AC Marathon is “The First Festival of Running” and prides itself on offering a distance for everyone; with a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run/Walk and a Kids Run, we are sure to provide you with an event that will challenge you.

Aside from the actual running of the race, the marathon offers live entertainment, an unbelievable Pre-Race Dinner, custom finisher medals, a great finish line food area and many more extras that make it one of the top U.S. marathons.

The April Fools 7K and 11K were launched in 2011 as a part of the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series. This year the Atlantic City Marathon introduces the Inaugural April Fools Half Marathon.  The Half Marathon begins on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and runs south into the beach communities of Ventnor, Margate and Longport before returning to Bally's Dennis Court Yard.  The finish line includes finisher medals for all half marathon runners, awards for top finishers, live entertainment and complementary BEER for runners!

Are you a first-timer marathoner? No problem.

The Atlantic City Marathon Race Series offers these
“Top 10 Training Tips” for first-time runners:

1. Give yourself 8-9 weeks to train for a half marathon, 12 weeks to train for a marathon.

2. Start out by running and walking together and do not worry about how far you run.

3. Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water and/or sports drink before, during and after your workout.

4. Stride matters. Land mid-foot (as opposed to on your heal or toes). This may require you to slow down and focus on your movement, but in the long run, improves your speed and stamina.

5. Running isn’t everything. Your training should include cross training, such as yoga, weight training or cycling on non-running days. Visit http://www.jccatlantic.org for more information on fitness classes that will help make you a better runner.

6. Challenge yourself! Even beginners should push themselves a little further or faster at least once a week.

7. Run safe. Make sure someone knows where you are running and carry identification.

8. Training on the Boardwalk? Lucky you! Not only are you getting to know the course, the boardwalk offers give and less stress on the joints and muscles.

9. Take days to rest. And by rest, we mean don’t run at all. Give your muscles and joints a change to recover.

10. Be proud of your accomplishments!