Prizes & Elites
Prize Money and Elite Athletes
Final elite field and assigned categories will be announced April 1, 2026. There will be a maximum of 10 males, 10 females, and 10 non-binary in the Elite category. The fastest 10 male, 10 females, & 10 non-binary runners registered by April 1, 2026 will be selected to compete in the Elite Category. If you do not confirm participation between March 25-March 31 your spot will be forfeited and released to the next fastest athlete.
Elite Entry
- Includes Complimentary Entry, Elite Start Line Position, Complimentary Hotel and Meals, Personal Bottles on Course at Elite Aid Stations (marathon only), Race Day Hospitality Area, Outdoor Warm up Area, Elite Gear Check, Pacers provided (marathon only) for Olympic Trials hopefuls.
Elite Qualifying Standards (for Jersey City Marathon and Half Marathon):
- Open Women- 2:44 marathon / 1:17 half-marathon
- Open Men- 2:25 marathon / 1:08 half-marathon
- Open Nonbinary-2:33 marathon/1:13 half-marathon
- Masters Women- 2:50 marathon / 1:20 half-marathon
- Masters Men- 2:33 marathon / 1:12 half-marathon
- Masters Non-binary-2:42 marathon / 1:16 half-marathon
Sub-Elite Entry
- Includes Complimentary Entry, Start Line Position directly behind elite athletes, Race Day Hospitality, Outdoor Warm up Area, Elite Gear Check
- May Include / Subject to Space – Personal Bottles on Course at Elite Aid Stations (marathon only)
Sub-Elite Qualifying Standards (for Jersey City Marathon and Half Marathon):
- Open Women- 2:52 marathon / 1:20 half-marathon
- Open Men- 2:32 marathon / 1:11 half-marathon
- Open Non-binary – 2:42 marathon / 1:15 half-marathon
- Masters Women- 3:00 marathon / 1:25 half-marathon
- Masters Men- 2:40 marathon / 1:15 half-marathon
- Masters Non-binary – 2:50 marathon / 1:20 half-marathon
Seeded Entry
- Includes Discounted Entry, Start Line Position directly behind elite athletes.
Seeded Entry Qualifying Standards (for Jersey City Marathon and Half Marathon)
- Open Women- 3:05 marathon / 1:26 half-marathon
- Open Men- 2:40 marathon / 1:15 half-marathon
- Open Non-binary – 2:50 marathon / 1:20 half-marathon
- Masters Women- 3:12 marathon / 1:30 half-marathon
- Masters Men- 2:45 marathon / 1:20 half-marathon
- Masters Non-binary – 2:57 marathon / 1:25 half-marathon
Prize Money & Awards
Monetary awards will be given to the top 3 Open Male, Female and Non-binary athletes as well as the top 3 Masters Male, Female & Non-binary athletes and top 3 Jersey City Residents for both the Marathon and Half Marathon. Certificates will also be given to the top 3 Male, Female and Non-binary athletes in each age group: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-55, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-89, and 90+ and over for both the Marathon and Half Marathon. Prize money will be given out as below. No prize money for age group winners.
| Marathon | Marathon | |
| Open | Masters | |
| 1 | $5,000 | $500 |
| 2 | $2,500 | $250 |
| 3 | $1,000 | $150 |
| Half Marathon | Half Marathon | |
| Open | Masters | |
| 1 | $1,000 | $300 |
| 2 | $800 | $200 |
| 3 | $600 | $100 |
| Marathon | Half Marathon | |
| Jersey City Resident | Jersey City Resident | |
| 1 | $500 | $500 |
| 2 | $250 | $250 |
| 3 | $100 | $100 |
In addition to Prize Money, a $1000 performance bonus for any Male, Female, or Non-Binary course record (Marathon only). Current Course Records: Male: 2:17:32.29; Female: 2:32:50.37; NonBinary: 2:29:33.10
All Prize Money based on gun time. Subject to USATF drug testing and eligibility requirements.
Prize Money Eligibility
- Not be currently serving a suspension for use of a banned substance
- Not have ever served a ban for use of performance enhancing drugs
- Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who have had 2 or more athletes receive such suspensions in the previous 5 years
- Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who ever served a ban for use of performance enhancing drugs during their own athletic career
- Provide proper documentation proving they are eligible for prize money (form W-9, W-8ECI or W-8BEN)