Thousands of runners, spectators, volunteers and community supporters are coming to Atlantic City for the 2026 AmeriHealth Atlantic City Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & G. Larry James 5K, taking place Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18.
Now in its 68th year, the Atlantic City Marathon is the third oldest continuously running marathon in the United States and continues to earn national recognition for its fast, flat, scenic course and memorable race-day experience. This year, the running community has already spoken: the Atlantic City Marathon was voted Best Marathon in New Jersey for 2026 in FindMyMarathon.com’s statewide poll.
The 2026 race weekend will feature the AmeriHealth Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and G. Larry James 5K, along with the popular King Neptune Challenge combinations. ALL races are sold out.
“This race weekend has always been about so much more than crossing a finish line,” said Genia Sperling, Race Director of the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series. “It is about the determination of our runners, the pride of our volunteers, the generosity of our sponsors and the incredible energy of Atlantic City. To be named Best Marathon in New Jersey by runners themselves makes this year especially meaningful, and we are excited to welcome participants back for another unforgettable weekend by the shore.”
The Atlantic City Marathon’s iconic course is known for its speed and scenery, including eight miles along the oceanfront Boardwalk. Due to ongoing Boardwalk construction in Ventnor, the 2026 course includes important updates for returning participants. Race organizers strongly encourage all runners, especially longtime race regulars, to carefully review the official 2026 course maps before race weekend, paying close attention to revised routes, turnaround points and mile-by-mile course details.
“The safety and experience of every participant remain our top priorities,” Sperling said. “Our team has worked closely with local partners to create the best possible course experience while accommodating the Ventnor construction. The course will still deliver the flat, coastal racing experience runners love, but we want everyone to arrive informed and ready to enjoy race day.”
Sperling is mentoring Olivia Rulon, the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC Sports & Recreation Coordinator, who has joined the race committee for the first time this year. Rulon is working alongside Sperling to learn the many moving parts behind one of the region’s largest annual athletic events, with a particular focus on coordinating the dedicated volunteers who make the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series possible.
“Olivia brings energy, organization and a genuine connection to our JCC community,” Sperling said. “She has jumped right in, learning every detail of race operations and leading our volunteer coordination efforts. A successful race weekend depends on hundreds of people working together, and we are fortunate to have Olivia helping to ensure that runners feel supported from packet pickup through the finish line.”
The AmeriHealth Atlantic City Marathon begins at 8:00 am Sunday, October 18, with the half marathon also taking place Sunday morning. The 10K and G. Larry James 5K will be held at 9:00 am Saturday, October 17. The race series welcomes runners at all levels, from first-time 5K participants to experienced marathoners pursuing personal records and Boston Marathon qualifying times.
The Atlantic City Marathon is a USATF-certified Boston Qualifier, an RRCA State of New Jersey Championship Event and an Abbott World Major Marathon Age Group Championship Qualifier. In addition to its 2026 Best Marathon in New Jersey recognition, the race series earned Race Raves Runners Choice honors for Best Marathon and Best Half Marathon in the United States in both 2024 and 2025.
Runner Expo and Packet Pickup
Race participants can pick up their packets at the Runner Expo at Bally’s Atlantic City, Treymore Ballroom on the sixth floor, located at 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.
Expo and packet pickup hours are:
- Friday, October 16: 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Saturday, October 17: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
The Runner Expo will provide participants with an opportunity to connect with race partners, browse health and fitness offerings and prepare for race weekend. Participants who cannot pick up their own packet may designate a friend or family member to pick it up on their behalf with a copy of the participant’s photo ID and confirmation page.
Race-morning packet pickup is sold out and will only be available to participants who reserved and purchased the race-day packet pickup option in advance.
The ACMRS is also inviting runners, families and Expo attendees to take part in the event’s Sneaker Drive. New or gently used running and athletic shoes may be donated at the Health and Fitness Expo. Donated shoes will be distributed to communities in need in Atlantic County and around the world.
Participants, volunteers and spectators are encouraged to visit the official Atlantic City Marathon Race Series website for course maps, parking information, race instructions, Expo details, athlete updates and volunteer information: acraceseries.com.
The Atlantic City Marathon Race Series is owned and managed by the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC of Atlantic County. Proceeds support the JCC’s community programs and services.
The Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC of Atlantic County extends its appreciation to the generous sponsors helping make the 2026 AmeriHealth Atlantic City Marathon Race Series possible: AmeriHealth; Atlantic City Sports Commission; Bally’s Atlantic City; Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa; Calvi Electric Company; the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA); DICK’S Sporting Goods; Pharma Nord; Rothman Orthopaedics; Strive Physical Therapy; and Surfside. Their support helps deliver an exceptional race-weekend experience for runners, volunteers, spectators and the greater Atlantic City community.
For registration details, parking information, or to schedule an interview with Race Director Genia Sperling, please visit www.atlanticcitymarathon.com or contact her directly at 609.822.1167, Ext. 118 • Cell: 609-418-9620 or email GSperling@jccatlantic.org
