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

Rockin Update: Rock N Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Humana Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon race 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!

Image from fb @rocknroll

Hi Everyone!

I made the below announcement a few months ago, and promised I would be back with updates when they were announced! 

I'm excited to announce that I will be running the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon on 09.15.2019!  

This event will always be near and dear to me. In 2016, this was my very first half marathon! Amazing how time flies, and how one challenge and achievement leads to the next! 

Course: Race starts in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A little over 3 miles in the city, including around City Hall. Back to the museum. Down Kelly Drive along the Schuykill River (boathouse row side), cross the river, then back down the river on Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr back to the museum.

Interactive Map link

 Elevation: 

image from runrocknroll.com

There are 5k and 7.6k options as well! 

image from runrocknroll.com

Music: This is the Rock N Roll Marathon series, there will be plenty of bands rocking throughout the course! Will update once the headliner is announced! Update below!

Founding Fathers: If you participated in the Rock N Roll Washington D.C. Half Marathon on 03/09, you may be eligible for the Founding Fathers Challenge medal!

image from IG @rocknroll

Swag: 

Technical Tee Shirt & Finisher's Medal: (Pics will be provided once announced.) Updates below! 

Beer! Last year Michelob Ultra was provided at the finish line festival/post race concert!

Not guaranteeing (just yet) that you will see any famous runners at this event, but I did see Des Linden win it last year! 

I'm looking forward to Rocking Philly this fall at the Humana Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon on 09/15. Hope to see you there! Be sure to use the discount code below!

Site: https://www.runrocknroll.com/en/events/philadelphia
Code: "19RNRBRP16" to save $16 off the half marathon or
"19RNRBRP6" to save $6 off the 5k/7.6k

Socials: 
Facebook: RunRockNRoll
Twitter: @RunRocknRoll
IG: @rocknroll

Are you Ready to Rock, Rock?! Humana Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon!

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Humana Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon race 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!

Image from fb @rocknroll

Hi Everyone!

I'm excited to announce that I will be running the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon on 09.15.2019!

This event will always be near and dear to me. In 2016, this was my very first half marathon! Amazing how time flies, and how one challenge and achievement leads to the next! 

Course: Race starts in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A little over 3 miles in the city, including around City Hall. Back to the museum. Down Kelly Drive along the Schuykill River (boathouse row side), cross the river, then back down the river on Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr back to the museum.

Interactive Map link

 Elevation: 

image from runrocknroll.com

There are 5k and 7.6k options as well! 

image from runrocknroll.com

Music: This is the Rock N Roll Marathon series, there will be plenty of bands rocking throughout the course! Will update once the headliner is announced!

Founding Fathers: If you participated in the Rock N Roll Washington D.C. Half Marathon on 03/09, you may be eligible for the Founding Fathers Challenge medal!

image from IG @rocknroll

Swag: 

Technical Tee Shirt & Finisher's Medal: (Pics will be provided once announced.)

Beer! Last year Michelob Ultra was provided at the finish line festival/post race concert!

Not guaranteeing (just yet) that you will see any famous runners at this event, but I did see Des Linden win it last year! 

I'm looking forward to Rocking Philly this fall at the Humana Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon on 09/15. Hope to see you there! Be sure to use the discount code below!

Site: https://www.runrocknroll.com/en/events/philadelphia
Code: "19RNRBRP16" to save $16 off the half marathon or
"19RNRBRP6" to save $6 off the 5k/7.6k

Socials: 
Facebook: RunRockNRoll
Twitter: @RunRocknRoll
IG: @rocknroll

Ready For a Sweet Race?! Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philly!

Disclaimer: I received free entry to Hot Chocolate 15k Philadelphia race 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!

Hi Everyone!

I know most of you are ready for spring, as am I, but as we can see with that recent snowfall we still have a little more winter left. And what goes with winter? Hot Chocolate of course!

Here are 6 great reasons to signup for Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philadelphia on April 6, 2019!

1. Chocolate: at the expo you get to sample their great hot chocolate and chocolate fondue. If you have nut allergies? No worries, they are nut free!

2. Tech pullover! I love my tech pullover from last yr, so comfy! Cant wait for this year's!

3. Course: relatively flat! From the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a mile down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and back, then down along the Schuylkill River (opposite side of Boathouse Row) and back. Did I mention chocolate? There are chocolate stations along the course! "The sweet stations will include marshmallows, chocolate chips, and M&Ms to enjoy along your way."

4. Medal: (15k only) Chocolate bar (what else?!) With logo and city specific design!

5. Photo's! They are free! 

6. more swag! Use our discount code 'BRHCPhilly' to get a free smart phone arm band!

Ok, maybe 7 reasons.. 
7. Did I mention chocolate?! 

Join me April 6, 2019 for America's Sweetest race!

Socials and Site below! 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HotChocolate15k
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hotchocolate15k/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotChocolate15k/

Site: https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia/ 
Be sure to use code 'BRHCPhilly' to get a free smart phone arm band. Must use code to receive the band!

If you do any races, please remember to review them on BibRave.com! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run! #BibChat Follow me on BibRave: Joe G

A Weekend Festival of Running?! The Runner's World Half Marathon Festival!

Disclaimer: I am promoting Runners World Half Marathon Festival 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!

(Photo cred: @RWHalf)

Hi Everyone!

Some time has passed since I have mentioned this. Next weekend, October 19-21, Runner's World is hosting a festival of running! The Runner's World Half Marathon Ferstival!

Runner's World is based out of Emmaus, Pa. The festival will be held in nearby Bethlehem.

Location: The backdrop of the festival is the Bethlehem Steel Mill and ArtsQuest SteelStacks campus. The Steel Mill/ Stacks are pretty darn cool! Check out my panorama from last year!

The Runner's World Half Marathon festival offers all sorts of race distance options over the weekend. Something for everyone! A 3.8 mile Altra, 5k, 10k, and a Half marathon. You can even do all four to complete the 26.2 mile "Grand Slam" challenge. Earning a medal in each of the events that connect together! There's also kids races, and even a dog run! Seminars and classes to check out throughout the weekend, options to carb load and learn from the editors and runners from Runner's World! For more info, here!

Not saying you'll get to beat legendary @BartYasso, (or my buddy @tlaws6), but you never know! ;)

Last year, I was having commitment issues, and "only" did the 5k because I wanted to at least check out the festival. I had a blast! My review from last year, here. This year, I am in the middle of training for another race, the NYC Marathon, I am scheduled to do a "long run" of 10 miles this weekend. I will "only" be doing the 5k and then the 10k. I can't wait!

Swag: 

This year's shirt and medals have been posted. If you do all four races, there is a magnet that connects them together!

(Photo cred: rwhalf.com)

Sign up here: rwhalf.com
Use code RWHALF18BIBRAVE for 15% off any/all 4 races! 3.8 Altra, 5k, 10k, Half marathon!

Sites and social:
Site: http://rwhalf.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHalf/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWHalf

A Festival of Running, Umm, yes please! Runner's World Half Marathon Festival

Disclaimer: I am promoting Runners World Half Marathon Festival 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!

Hi Everyone!

I'm here to let you know about the Runner's World Half Marathon Festival!

A couple years ago, I discovered that Runner's World is based out of Emmaus, Pa. (near Allentown/Bethlehem Pa) Each fall they have a festival of running in nearby Bethlehem.

(Photo cred: @RWHalf)

Location: The backdrop of the festival is the Bethlehem Steel Mill and ArtsQuest SteelStacks campus. The Steel Mill/ Stacks are pretty darn cool!

They offer all sorts of race distance options over the weekend. Something for everyone! A 3.8 mile Altra, 5k and 10k, and Half marathon. You can even do all four to complete the 26.2 mile "Grand Slam". Earning a medal in each of the events that connect together! There's seminars throughout the weekend. Kids races, and even a dog run!

Dates: Fri 10/19, Sat 10/20, Sun 10/21, There are races and events scheduled throughout the weekend, for more info, check out their website, here.

Last year, I participated in the 5k. You can check out my 5k review, here. This year, I will be participating in the 5k and 10k. I can't wait for these events! The festival is such a great time. I know several people racing this weekend and cant wait to see everyone! 

Sign up here: rwhalf.com
Use code RWHALF18BIBRAVE for 15% off any/all 4 races! 3.8 Altra, 5k, 10k, Half marathon!

Sites and social:
Site: http://rwhalf.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHalf/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWHalf

Athlinks: My next big race, Newport Rhode Race!

Disclaimer: I am promoting Athlinks 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!

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well! Anyone have any races coming up?!

I just completed the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15 Philadelphia this past weekend, you can check out my review here! As soon as the results are available to Athlinks, I will be sure to claim them!

Heading on over Athlinks, looks like I have another race coming up! Newport Rhode Race half marathon! Check out my race previews here and here! Can't wait for this race, looks amazing!

Athlinks is a great place to to let all your race buddies know your race schedule! Also a great place to check out your previous race results! Stats, where you placed, compare yourself against your followers, track PR's, and so much more! Be sure to check out my full review of Athlinks, here!

Athlinks site and social:
Sign up here!: https://www.athlinks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/athlinks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlinks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Athlinks/

If you do any races, please remember to review them on BibRave.com! Your opinions help other runners decide what races to run! #BibChat Follow me on BibRave: Joe G