Ocean City Half Marathon and 5K Set for Sept. 30

Now in its third year, the Ocean City Half Marathon and 5K is fast becoming one of the highlights of the fall for both participants and spectators.

The races take place on Sunday, Sept. 30, and feature two of Ocean City's finest offerings: beautiful fall weather and spectacular island scenery.

The 13.1-mile half-marathon course features a trip back and forth across the Ocean City-Longport Bridge early in the race and a finish on the Boardwalk at the Ocean City Music Pier. The races start at 9 a.m. at Ninth Street and the Boardwalk.

Community groups man themed water stations. Musicians play music to pump up the passing runners. And spectators line the course to cheer friends and family.

Last year, the half-marathon and 5K attracted more than 500 runners, and this year the event will include a new non-competitive 10-mile walk with the same start and finish as the marathon.

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Registration for Half Marathon:

• Takes place through Sept. 29. No race-day registration.
• The first 400 pre-registered runners get T-shirts.
• Families of four or more receive a discount.
• Registration is $60.
• Visit the race page on ocnj.us. 
• Call 609-399-6111.

Registration for 5K and 10-Mile Walk:

• Race-day registration is 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m at the Ocean City Music Pier.
• Pre-registered families of four receive a $5-per-racer discount for the 5K.
• Registration is $50 for the 10-miler and $25 for the 5K.
• Pre-register on the race page on ocnj.us. 
• Call 609-399-6111.

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“This race was modeled after the Fenton Carey Half Marathon, one of the first half-marathon races in this area,” said Wendy Moyle, manager of recreation programs for the City of Ocean City. “This race takes advantage of the beautiful fall weather in Ocean City, and runners will get to see the uniqueness of our island — everything from the downtown stores to the Gardens’ residential homes.”

The race proceeds will benefit Ocean City Recreation scholarships and programs. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for the race are available.  For more information, please visit www.ocnj.us or call Lisa Rumer at 609-525-9317.

"Motivating, community and fun" are three words that help sum up the half-marathon and 5K, according to Rumer, the race organizer.

She encourages anybody to participate, to sign up as a volunteer or to come out and cheer along the course or at the finish line on the Boardwalk near the Music Pier.

For more information on the course, 2011 race results and other 2012 race details: visit the Ocean City Half Marathon and 5K race page.