I love to run and ride my bike. It exercises my body while helping me clear my mind. It also provides a great respite from my busy day. No phones. No deadlines. Just me and the open road (or boardwalk). When you toss in a gorgeous view like the Atlantic Ocean, it makes it that much easier to get your body moving. My family and I love living an active Jersey Shore lifestyle. I’ve even personally participated in three Jersey Shore triathlons in the past three years. The Atlantic City/Ventnor Boardwalk offer up some great physical activities that push your body and mind farther than you ever thought they could go. Here are a few great activities taking place throughout this upcoming year.
Living an Active Jersey Shore Lifestyle in 2020
April Fool’s Half-Marathon
Start/Finish Line: Resorts Hotel/Margaritaville’s LandShark Bar, (1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City)
When: April 25th & 26th
Contact: Genia Bittner, Race Director (609) 822-1167 or via email
This half-marathon (roughly 13 miles) takes place over a relatively flat course. Eight miles of the course actually takes runners on the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk itself. All runners who finish receive a custom medal designed specifically for the race. To make it fun for everyone, costumes are encouraged. Most creative just might nab you a prize. Cash prizes awarded to top finishers. They even host a Super Hero 1 Mile on Saturday morning that works out great for families. Early registration guarantees the best prices. They begin to go up after February 29th. Visit the April Fool’s Half-Marathon website for more information.
Le Tour de Downbeach
Start: Newport Ave in Ventnor Finish: Tomatoes Restaurant (9300 Amherst, Margate)
When: June 7th
Contact: Margate Business Association (609) 822-1129 or via email
Atlantic City casts a long shadow when it comes to an active Jersey Shore lifestyle. But we love riding along the beach here in Margate, too. If you and your family enjoy bicycling, sign up for Le Tour de Downbeach. This marks its 11th year in operation. As always, the 14-mile ride is extremely family-friendly. The ride starts off at the Ventnor Boardwalk and continues up to the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Once there, the course turns back, receiving a police escort through Margate City and Longport, then back up to Margate to its final destination of Tomatoes’ restaurant. To celebrate a great ride, enjoy a tasty barbeque at Tomatoes once you’re done. To register, visit the MBA website here.
Bungalow Beach 5 Mile Run
Start: 3007 Boardwalk (Atlantic City) Finish: 2641 Boardwalk (Atlantic City)
When: June 20th
Contact: Genia Bittner, Race Director (609) 822-1167 or via email
Prepare for taking on the Atlantic City Marathon (or Half-Marathon) in October by joining this 5-mile run in June. You have two hours to complete the course (plenty of time). It starts outside the Days Inn on Boardwalk and ends in a mad dash on the beach. Prices go up after April 30th. So, if you’re interested, I highly suggest registering right now. Visit the Bungalow Beach 5 Mile Run registration page for more information.
Atlantic City Triathlon
Where: Back Bay, AC Expressway & AC Boardwalk
When: August 1st
Contact: Delmo Sports Elite Events (609) 849-8908 or via email
For serious athletes looking to push their limits, try the Atlantic City Triathlon. The Sprint Triathlon course starts with a 0.25 mile back bay swim, transitioning to an 11-mile bike ride along the AC Expressway, and finishing with a five-mile run on the historic Boardwalk. Interested in pushing your limits even further? Sign up for the Olympic Triathlon. It begins with a one-mile swim, followed by a 22-mile bicycle race, and finishing up with a 10K run. There are also separate Aquabike and Duathlon courses that athletes may participate in instead. Registration ends March 3rd. Visit the Atlantic City Triathlon’s registration page for more information.
Atlantic City Ironman
When: September 13th
Contact: AC Ironman email
Put your active Jersey Shore lifestyles to the test at the Atlantic City Ironman competition in September. Like the Triathlon, competitors start with a back bay swim. The bicycle and running portions of the course are relatively flat, making for a fast race. This race also tends to fill up pretty quickly. Organizers suggest you register early to ensure you nab a spot. To register, visit the AC Ironman website here.
Atlantic City Marathon & Half-Marathon
Start/Finish Line: Boardwalk Outside Bally’s Atlantic City, end of Michigan Ave
When: Oct 16th & 17th
Contact: Genia Bittner, Race Director (609) 822-1167 or via email
Finally, for more than 60 years, the Atlantic City Marathon has been a staple on the Boardwalk. It is the third oldest, continually held marathon in the country. The AC Marathon also qualifies runners for the Boston Marathon. The top three male and female finishers in each of the nine different age groups receive prizes. Cash prizes go to the top three finishers in the 5K, 10K, and half-marathon as well. The 5K and 10K are considered “walker-friendly”. Prices go up after May 29th for the full and half-marathons. Expect prices to increase for the 5K and 10K after August 29th. Visit the Atlantic City Marathon website for more information about prices, registration, and the race itself.
Volunteering Opportunities
Not a runner? Not a problem. You can still be a part of the excitement by volunteering for a race or two (or three). Simply visit the race website you’re interested in volunteering for sign up. Cheering the runners on helps encourage them to continue and it allows you to be a part of the action. I highly recommend doing it.
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate