Ocean Running Club's Seaside Half Marathon and 5K
- Date
- October 4, 2026
- Location
- 1807 Boardwalk, Seaside Park, NJ
- Distance
- Seaside 5K · Seaside Half Marathon · Seaside Challenge (5K and Half Marathon back-to-back!) & more
From the Organizer
Welcome to the 49th Seaside Half Marathon and 5K!!
The Seaside Half Marathon and 5K, hosted by the Ocean Running Club, is a premier running event that captures the essence of the Jersey Shore’s iconic beauty and vibrant energy. Held annually in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, this race offers participants the perfect blend of scenic oceanfront views, flat terrain, and a community-driven atmosphere.
Runners in the half marathon are treated to a breathtaking course that weaves through the boardwalk and surrounding areas, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the bustling seaside town. The 5K, ideal for runners and walkers alike, provides a shorter but equally picturesque route, making it perfect for participants of all levels.
Beyond the race itself, the Seaside Half Marathon and 5K are a celebration of fitness, camaraderie, and the unique charm of Seaside Heights. The Ocean Running Club’s dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive running community shines through, from the cheerful volunteers to the enthusiastic spectators lining the course.
Whether you’re chasing a new personal record, running for the joy of it, or taking in the coastal sights, this event is an unforgettable experience. Join us for the Seaside Half Marathon and 5K, and become a part of a cherished tradition that embodies the heart and soul of the Jersey Shore.
General Race Information:
- Race options include Half Marathon, 5K, and Seaside Challenge (Run the 5K and the Half Marathon races back-to-back!)
- The Half Marathon will have pacers. No personal or pirate pacers are allowed.
- If you are paid member of Ocean Running Club prior to registering, you will receive $5.00 off of your selected race.
- Ocean Running Club race bundle - Sign up for the Seaside Half Marathon/5K and the Pine Beach 5K as a bundle and save 15%!
- Races are Rain or Shine!
- Long sleeve shirts guaranteed for all participants that register by 9/5/2026. After this date shirts will be given while supplies last, no guarantee.
- All races begin at the Sawmill Café, 1807 Boardwalk, Seaside Park, NJ 08752.
- Bib pick up on race morning only starting at 6:30am at the Sawmill Café (Boardwalk entrance).
- Parking meters ARE in effect on race day.
- Refer 5 friends and get a $10 refund!! When you register, your confirmation email will have a custom link for you to share with your friends. When 5 friends use your link and sign up for the race you automatically get a $10 refund. Share the fun and save some cash!
5K Race Information:
- Start time: 7:30am
- Time limit: 45 minutes
- IMPORTANT: 300 runner maximum capacity for this event. Registration closes when the maximum capacity is reached.
- Medal for all finishers!
- Awards for top 3 overall male and female finishers and top 3 male/female finishers under 14, 15-19, and 10 year age groups up to 70 and over.
Half Marathon Race Information:
- Start time: 8:30am
- Time limit: 3 hours - ***First loop of the course must be completed in 1.5 hours (by 10am) or runner will be pulled at the end of the first loop***
- IMPORTANT: 600 runner maximum capacity for this event. Registration closes when the maximum capacity is reached.
- Medal for all finishers!
- Awards for top 3 overall male and female finishers and top 3 male/female finishers under 14, 15-19, and 10 year age groups up to 70 and over.
Seaside Challenge Information:
- Runners are welcome to take the Seaside Challenge and run the 5K and the Half Marathon races back-to-back!
- Time limits for each race distance applies
- IMPORTANT: You must register for the Seaside Challenge event at the time of registration. You cannot combine individual 5K and half marathon entries to count for the Seaside Challenge. If you register for the 5K and the half marathon separately, you will NOT be in the Seaside Challenge
- IMPORTANT: 150 runner maximum capacity for this event. Registration closes when the maximum capacity is reached.
- THREE Medals for all Seaside Challenge finishers – 5K, Half Marathon, and a special Seaside Challenge finisher medal!
- Awards not given for the Seaside Challenge. Those who participate in the challenge are eligible for awards given in each individual race.
Events
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
71°
Typical Low
46°
Chance of Rain
25%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Toms River, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Seaside Park, NJ
Population
1,804
as of 2023
Elevation
2 ft
Nearest Airport
ACY
Atlantic City International Airport · 42 mi
Major Hub
JFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport · 52 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Ocean Running Club's Seaside Half Marathon and 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
118
Days to train
- Race
- Ocean Running Club's Seaside Half Marathon and 5K
- Date
- October 4, 2026
- Location
- 1807 Boardwalk, Seaside Park, NJ
Coming Up
More Running races near Seaside Park, NJ
Ocean Running Club's Pine Beach 5k & 1 Mile Run AND 5k RUCK
5K
5 miles away
Ocean Gate 5K 2026
5K
3 miles away
Brielle Day Hill & Dale 10K Challenge
10K
13 miles away
Seaside Semper Five
2 miles 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.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
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 Ocean Running Club's Seaside Half Marathon and 5K?
- Ocean Running Club's Seaside Half Marathon and 5K is a running race held in Seaside Park, New Jersey on October 4, 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 Ocean Running Club's Seaside Half Marathon and 5K?
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Seaside Park, New Jersey at 1807 Boardwalk, Seaside Park, NJ. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Ocean Running Club's Seaside Half Marathon and 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Ocean Running Club's Seaside Half Marathon and 5K
Oct 4, 2026