Race Information

• Bag Check will open promptly at 5:30 AM
• Runners must have all of their belongings in the provided clear plastic bag
• They must pin their bag check tag (torn off from bib) onto the bag
• Bags will be checked by runners according to the last number on their bib
• E.g. bib number 332 will hand their bag to the staff/volunteers in Zone 0-4 Truck who will put it in the appropriate
box in the truck
• Each number (0-9) will have three boxes allocated to them. Each box can hold up to roughly 30
bags
• Once all boxes for a particular number is full any additional bags with that number should go in
one of the overflow (OF) boxes
• No more bags should be taken after 6:27 AM
• At 7:05 AM begin consolidating all boxes into one truck in preparation for transport to the finish

Need to Transfer Race or to Another Person? The last date to transfer is 04/15/26, whether switching from either the full to the half or from the half to the full, or switching to another runner. Click Here 

Need to Defer? Oh no, we are bummed you can’t participate this year! Don’t worry, though, you can defer your registration for a $25 fee up to March 15, 2026, (Click Here) and be entered into the 2027 event.

THERE WILL BE NO DEFERMENTS AFTER MARCH 15, 2026.

Defer Registration to 2027 Instructions (deadline is 3/15/2026): Click Here

Yes, you may switch from the full marathon to the half marathon as long as the half marathon is not sold out. There is a $25 Administration fee to process the switch.  

What happens to my shirt and medal if I switch?

• If you switch before the shirt ordering cutoff date, you will receive the shirt for your new race (half marathon) and the medal for your new race.

• If you switch after the shirt ordering cutoff date (but before the race sells out), you will receive the shirt from your original registration (full marathon) and the medal for your new race (half marathon).

When is the cutoff date?
The cutoff date applies only to shirt orders, not to transfers. Shirts and medals are tied to what you selected up to the ordering cutoff, regardless of when you transfer.

Will the races sell out?
It’s difficult to predict when either race will sell out, so we recommend making changes as early as possible.

Can I transfer my registration?
Yes, transfers are possible.

Here are ten race etiquette tips every runner should follow:

1. Corral or seed yourself according to your expected pace. There will be appropriate signs indicating where to line up.  Please do not line up at the front if you’re not a super-fast runner. You’ll either get trampled, or you’ll cause a safety hazard for others.

2.  Run one or two abreast. Don’t run 2–3 people across and block the course for others.

3. Pass other runners with respect and appropriate spacing.  Don’t push through people or practically run them over.
 
4. Don’t stop dead in your tracks. If you’re stopping to tie your shoe or take a break, hop off the course to the side and take care of your business. If you’re a run/walker, look behind you before you start walking.
 
5. Be aware when going through water stations. Don’t stop suddenly in the middle of the path if you need to get a drink of water or gel. Try to keep moving and stay to the side.
 
6. Aim your cup. Try to aim your empty cup to/towards a trash can or the side of the road, so that others don’t slip on it, and it won’t splash all over the person behind you when it hits the ground

7. Smile! Show your appreciation for the cheering spectators – after all, they’re making it a great day for you! Plus, one of our photographers will catch your smile too!
 
8. Let them have their thunder. This one is tricky because often at the finish line, we’re all in a daze. But if at all possible, try to be aware of the finish line moment that your fellow racers are trying to have. Sure, race them to the finish line, but try not to knock them over with your outstretched arms or jump in front of their finish line photo.

9. Take your banana and move on. Don’t take more than you need at the finish line food table. The race director has ordered food according to the number of participants. Take one of each item and move on. If you need more food, go buy yourself some breakfast after the race or keep a cooler with post-race food in your car.

10. Thanks to the volunteers! There are tons of volunteers needed to make a race go smoothly. Thank them, appreciate them, don’t litter and make their job harder, and consider volunteering for a race yourself.
 
It all goes back to this: Have common courtesy. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Stay safe. Keep others safe. Think of others.

Challenges of Results Involving Transgender Athletes

The Jersey City Road Runners have adopted this policy and the ability to challenge results out of a desire for inclusion and fairness. As such, we expect all parties to behave honestly, compassionately, and respectfully. We will not tolerate hateful or discriminatory behavior by any of our runners or those associated with the race, regardless of the cause.
Challenges may be made to results, which are directly related to a runner’s self-declared gender, only when a top 3 position is at stake. A challenge must be made in writing or email to the Race Director within 10 days of race completion, and must be submitted privately and with the utmost discretion and respect for all parties involved.
Neither party may publicly post nor discuss the challenge until the race has reached a decision. Challenges unrelated to a runner’s gender status, such as course cutting or other rule violations, will be handled in the normal process.
In case of a challenge or as deemed necessary, Jersey City Road Runners may request supporting documentation from a medical professional. All information about the runner’s gender identity and medical information, including any information provided pursuant to this policy, will be kept strictly confidential. The Race Director, with input from the Medical Director(s), will review the relevant facts and make a final decision.
If the runner is not in compliance with this policy, they will forfeit any place positions but will retain their official finish. Any announcements made by the race will simply state whether a runner was or was not in compliance with our policy and the associated action taken by the race. We will not disclose, unless requested or allowed by the nonbinary/transgender runner, any medical information related to the decision.

A transgender male (female-to-male) entrant can register to compete as a male. Transgender male runners cannot register to compete as a female if they have begun hormone treatment for gender transition, that includes testosterone or any other banned substance (as defined by the World Antidoting Agency).
Runners may compete in the category of their sex assigned at birth if they have not undergone hormone treatment.

Want to earn back up to $75 off your registration fee? Well, now you can with our Participant Referral Rewards program. Just register for either the Jersey City Marathon or Half Marathon and then share your referral tracking code with your friends and family.  Once they use your code to register for the Jersey City Marathon or Half Marathon, it will count towards your referral rewards.  Your referral code can be found in your registration confirmation email.

How much do I get back?

If you refer five (5) people to register, you will get a $25 refund. 

If you refer ten (10) total people to register, you will get a $50 refund. 

If you refer fifteen (15) total people to register, you will get a $75 refund. 

**All refunds will be awarded once you reach 5, 10, and 15, respectively. No partial credit refunds are allowed. All refunds will go to the credit card used to sign up for the race in your RunSignUp Profile.