Excitement filled the air Sunday as thousands gathered for the annual OCNJ Half Marathon, 10-Mile Run and 5K. The event began just after 8:30 a.m. at Ninth Street and the Boardwalk with former Miss Ocean City Taylor Mulford performing the national anthem, followed by the official race kickoff led by the 2026 Miss Ocean City queens — Antonella DiAntonio, Arianna DiAntonio and Harper Juelg.
This year’s half marathon drew more than 1,200 runners, many from the local region. The course started at Ninth Street and Atlantic Avenue, continued to the Ocean City-Longport Bridge, wound through the Gardens neighborhood and stretched the length of the Boardwalk to 36th Street. The 5K run attracted more than 500 participants, while more than 100 runners competed in the 10-mile event.
The OCNJ Half Marathon, 10-Miler and 5K is one of several racing events hosted in “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” Proceeds benefit Ocean City recreation programs and scholarships.
The city’s next major race will be the annual Trail of Two Cities 5K on Saturday, Nov. 1. The 3.1-mile point-to-point run will take participants over the causeway into Somers Point’s JFK Park. More information is available at ocnj.us/race-events.
