Atlantic City Marathon

I was excited to run along the coast but didn't realize it meant so much wind! Also it rained, which they can't help. But, raining while running on a board walk was very slippery and I actually had to slow down. The post race was actually the worst I've seen. Smaller and less organized than most 10K's even. I think they had to move things because of the rain but I had to keep looking around just to find water and a banana. Before the race there were only about 3-5 portable bathrooms, nowhere near enough.

This is a well organized marathon that provides scenic views of the ocean on the course. The weather was delightful this year and the usual ocean wind was not a big factor. One nice feature is you can wait inside the casino before the race starts to stretch and use the restrooms. There are plenty of places to stay, although it can get expensive . I drove and was able to locate parking for just $5.00. The race had plenty of water stops and port a pots on the course. They provided water and Gatorade in cups on the course, but no Gu shots. The course was well marked. It is mostly flat, with some overpass hills during the first 3 miles. It should be noted that 8 miles of the marathon are on the boardwalk. I found that surface a bit hard on my legs, but there were no issues with holes or slippage. The food at the end was minimal, race shirts were nice as was the medal, which lights up! The only downside was 10 year age groups, I would think a race of this size should have 5 year age groups. If you are looking to do a marathon in NJ, this may be a sure bet!

There were a lot of really good things about the race: * Racing has more or less gotten back to normal. Aside from the aide stations requiring runners to pick up water and gatorade off the tables as they ran by, you wouldn't have known COVID was a thing. It felt good. * There were some very pleasant views of the Atlantic Ocean as you run along the boardwalk--I'd say the total is a good 7 or 8 miles. * 3/4 zip has a nice design and is a nice change of pace from most races that just hand out t-shirts. The material feels a little cheap, but that's OK. The metal is unique too. * We had good running weather; I assume this is par for the course for NJ in October. * There are some very early hills (going up and down onramps/offramps around miles 2-5). After that, this race is as flat as a pancake. * I don't put any stock in 'spectators' as one of the three criteria for rating a race. But if that's your thing, there were a lot of people out on the course cheering runners on. Improvements I'd make: * Runners are going both ways on the boardwalk with no one trying to keep them in a lane. I was heading south around mile ten while the lead half-marathoners were coming north towards their finish, and I could see them having to weave around oncoming runners. * The boardwalk is open to walkers, and they may step in your way. So keep your eyes open. This isn't all that bad though. I had an easy time meeting up with my family afterwards for a race of this size. To close, I've run marathons all over the country, and I have to admit this is a pretty good race from an organizational standpoint. My word of caution to other runners coming from across the country to NJ is Atlantic City is just not a very nice place. Sure, the boardwalk and the beach are pleasant, but there is a very pronounced seedy element to the city.