Race Preview: Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon! Flat, Fast, with Beach Views!

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

(posted 01/16, updates 01/26)

Hi Everyone! 

Hope everyone is doing well!

I am excited to announce that I will be participating in the Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon! Spring race, flat and fast course with beach views! Be sure to check out my preview below and discount info at the bottom! 

Event: Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon
Date: 04/25-04/26/2020
Location: Long Branch, NJ.

Background: this will be my first time participating in any of the NJ Marathon weekend events. This will be my 7th marathon overall. With '19 fall races coming to their conclusion, I was looking for a spring marathon to train for through winter for. Preferably within a manageable road trip. 1.5 hours from the Philly area, not bad at all! I can do that. ;)

If you're from the NYC area, the race is less than 1.5 hours from there. There is even a bus option from Javits Center available for purchase!

Question to you: Have you participated in any of the NJ Marathon weekend events? Any tips?
Tips: 
a1: There are a lot of tight turns
a2: Wind: chance of ocean breezes to be aware of.

Expo info: Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ

Event weekend:
Saturday, 04/25, Family day. 5k and kids run.
Sunday, 04/26, half marathon, marathon, and marathon relay. I will be participating in the marathon.


Course: I'm not familiar with this shore town. I knew I was going to do this before even looking into what town it was. All I knew it was a shore town within driving distance and "flat/fast". lol.. It is the North Jersey town of Long Branch with 10+ miles of beach views! (starting in Oceanport, ending in Long Branch).

Elevation: flat and fast! Total elevation gain approx 260 feet.
Boston Qualifier? Yes! 

Lodging: the race has partnered with three local hotels. Blocks of rooms set aside at a discounted price. Be sure to book before they're full! Hotel info here. I recommend booking soon! 

Race day parking: Free parking at the starting area. Spectator parking at the finish area available for purchase. Only 700 finish area spectator spots available for purchase, don't waste time! Shuttle available after the race from finish area back to starting area (available to runners only).

Swag:
Medal: Last year's medals. Will let you know when they announce this year's!

Shirt: Last year's shirts. Will let you know when they announce this year's!

Beer! Post race party, with 1 "free" beer included!

Updates since orig posting: 
Training: 
The NJ Marathon is offering FREE 20-week virtual training programs!
 https://www.thenewjerseymarathon.com/rwjbarnabas-health-training

Free group runs! 
Haddonfield Running Co. - Wednesday (2/5) 6:30 PM
Runner’s High Freehold - Saturday (2/9) 8:30AM
Asbury Park Brewery - Thursday (2/13) 6PM
Princeton Running Company - Saturday (2/29) 9AM
Runner’s High Metuchen - Saturday (3/7) 8:30AM Also, the race is partnering with Black Girls RUN! and is a host location for one of their national meetups.


Discount:Join me and be sure to use code 20NJMBibRave to save $5 off registration! Site info below.

Sites and Socials:
Site:  https://www.thenewjerseymarathon.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NJMarathon/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/njmarathon/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NJMarathon