From the Organizer
Join us for the 7th Annual Great OC Lagoon Race on Saturday, July 18, 2026!
A favorite Ocean City tradition, the Great OC Lagoon Race brings together neighbors, friends, and visitors for a fun day of friendly competition on the water. Whether you’re racing, cheering from the sidelines, volunteering, or taking photos, everyone is welcome.
Race Schedule
11:00 AM – Paddleboard Race
11:30 AM – Kayak Race (Singles & Doubles)
12:00 PM – Open-Water Swim (18+)
Course Information
The race course begins in the Venetian Lagoon and follows a loop around the 17th Street island before returning to the finish. Participants may launch from the 16th Street or 18th Street bulkheads. The start and finish area will be located at the 18th Street bulkhead.
Important Information
This is a recreational, community-focused event intended to be fun and accessible to participants of all skill levels. Competitive/racing paddleboards are not permitted. Single and double kayaks are welcome.
The swim is approximately ¾ mile, a portion of which is in the open bay. The swim is limited to participants age 18 and older. Ocean City Beach Patrol personnel will be present to help ensure swimmer safety.
All participants must complete registration and sign the event waiver before participating. Awards and trophies will be presented to the top finishers in each division. Prizes will also be awarded for youngest and oldest racers!
Spectators Welcome
Friends, family, and neighbors are encouraged to come out and enjoy the event. Great viewing locations include the 17th Street Bridge and the 17th and 18th Street bulkheads.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Local businesses interested in sponsoring the event and receiving promotional recognition through Ocean City community social media groups are encouraged to contact the organizers for additional information.
We look forward to another great day on the water and our biggest turnout yet. Grab your paddle, bring your friends, and join us for the 7th Annual Great OC Lagoon Race!
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
86°
Typical Low
71°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Margate, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Ocean City, NJ
Population
11,260
as of 2023
City Elevation
6 ft
Nearest Airport
ACY
Atlantic City International Airport · 13 mi
Major Hub
PHL
Philadelphia International Airport · 54 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Approximate location — pin shows the host city, not the exact venue.
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Great OC Lagoon Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Ocean City, NJ
The American Mile
1 Mile · From $25 · Longport Fire House
4 miles away
Northfield's 4th of July Connolly Memorial Mile
1 Mile · From $10 · Northfield City Hall
7 miles away
Ocean City Night In Venice 5K Run
1 Mile · 5K · From $30 · Ocean City Intermediate School (Rear)
Less than a mile away
OCNJ Labor Day 5 Miler & 1 Mile
1 Mile · 8K / 5 Mile · 23rd Street
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Great OC Lagoon Race?
- Great OC Lagoon Race is a running race held in Ocean City, New Jersey on July 18, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Great OC Lagoon Race?
- Saturday, July 18, 2026 in Ocean City, New Jersey at 18th Street Lagoon. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Great OC Lagoon Race?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Great OC Lagoon Race
Jul 18, 2026