Jeeps will be displayed on the Boardwalk on Saturday, and runners will take over on Sunday for two traditional events: the Fall New Jersey Jeep Invasion and the OCNJ Half Marathon.
About 500 Jeeps will roll down the boardwalk on Saturday, Oct. 1 and remain on display in lines that stretch from Fifth Street to 14th Street. The Jeep Invasion runs from noon to 5 p.m. The event raises money for local charities, and trophies are awarded to the best Jeeps in various categories with trophies awarded at 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The show also includes vendors displaying and selling accessories at the Music Pier. Visit njjpinvasion.com for more information.
At the same time, visitors can take advantage of Table Sales with Ocean City merchants offering discounts on merchandise displayed outdoors between Sixth Street and 14th Street on the boardwalk and downtown Asbury Avenue. The table sales will take place on both Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 1 and 2).
Organizers of the OCNJ Half Marathon are expecting a strong turnout for three races on Sunday, Oct. 2, and registration is still open. In addition to the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, the event includes a 10-mile non-competitive walk/run and a 5-kilometer race.
Online registration for the races continues through 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. In-person registration will be available with packet pickup 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (Sept. 30) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 1) at the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Avenue). There will be race-day registration for the 5K and 10-mile events starting at 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. There will be no race-day registration for the Half Marathon.
For complete information and registration, visit www.ocnj.us/race-events. The increasingly popular event showcases Ocean City’s boardwalk, downtown and neighborhoods with ocean views along a fast, flat course.
The public is encouraged to come out and cheer for runners. Volunteer groups man “peppy” water stations and are judged for their themes. Contact Lisa Rumer at lrumer@ocnj.us if your group would like to volunteer.
The OCNJ Half Marathon and 10-Miler start at 8:30 a.m. The event will include some brief road closings, including the closing of the Ocean City-Longport Bridge from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on race day. Drivers on other streets and boardwalk pedestrians/bicyclists should anticipate delays as the field of runners passes by. The 5K will start at 8:40 a.m.
COMING UP IN OCTOBER
ALL OF OCTOBER – “Prints in Motion” Exhibit: The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center will exhibit “Prints In Motion,” featuring linoleum prints by Kit Donnelly. The show opens October 1 and runs through October 29. A “Meet the Artist” reception will be held on Friday, October 14 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. The Gallery is located in the Ocean City Arts Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue, 2nd Floor.
OCTOBER 7-16 – “Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream”: The Ocean City Theatre Company presents a show that will leave you laughing, singing, and cheering. The ’60s hits say it all: “Fools Fall in Love,” “Tears on my Pillow,” “Runaround Sue,” “Earth Angel,” “Stay,” “Unchained Melody,” “Lonely Teardrops,” and “The Glory of Love.” Show dates are 7 p.m. on October 7, 8, 14 and 15, and 2 p.m. on October 16 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are available by visiting oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or calling 609-399-6111.
OCTOBER 8 – Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Fifth Street to 14th Street on Asbury Avenue. Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. In the evening, a fireworks display will be visible from the beach and boardwalk.
OCTOBER 8, 9 and 10 – Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales: 6th Street – 14th Street on the boardwalk and on Asbury Avenue.
OCTOBER 9 – Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk: The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides is a 5,000+ participant breast cancer fundraising 5K walk honoring over 250 survivors in Ocean City. Check-in starting at 8:30 a.m. at the practice field on the beach block of Sixth Street. Stage program starts at 9 a.m., Survivor Runway Lap at 9:50 a.m., and walk at 10 a.m. Participants can register online at makingstrideswalk.org/OceanCityNJ.
OCTOBER 15 – Porsche Boardwalk Reunion: Porsches will be displayed from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street. More than 350 Porsches of all models and years between 1954 and 2021 are expected. Free Tech Sessions on Porsche related topics open to all at the Music Pier.
OCTOBER 16 – John R. Elliott HERO Walk & 5k Run: HERO 5k run will take place at 9:30 a.m. HERO ceremonies are at 10:30 a.m. The walk is a 5k walk along the Ocean City boardwalk. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Sports & Civic Center. For more information, visit herocampaign.org or call 609-626-3880.
