Half Marathon races near Spring Lake

The Ocean Running Club hosts its Seaside Half Marathon and 5K on the central New Jersey shore in Seaside Heights. The course is fast and flat, utilizing the boardwalk, beach, and Atlantic Ocean views. The event takes place in October, with average local temperatures ranging from the 40s to the upper 60s. Participants can choose from three options: the Seaside 5K, the Seaside Half Marathon, or the Seaside Challenge, which involves running both races consecutively. The half marathon follows an out-and-back route on the boardwalk and paved city streets through Seaside Park, extending towards Island Beach State Park. Both walkers and runners are welcome. Its flat terrain is ideal for those training for fall marathons in the New York and New Jersey areas. Over 400 participants finished a recent edition of the race, which has a history spanning nearly fifty years. The 5K begins before the half marathon, Challenge runners receive three medals, and proceeds benefit the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad and the Ocean Running Club Scholarship Fund.

NYC Trail Mix is a Staten Island trail race held in November, starting from the Greenbelt Nature Center area. The longest distance begins at 501 Brielle Ave before sunrise. It provides ultra distances within New York City, including 50 miles and 50K, along with a 13.1K or half-marathon-style option for those who prefer trails without an all-day commitment. The runner limit is 450, and with no prize money, the event feels more like a dedicated trail community gathering than a professional competition. The course covers over 35 miles of Staten Island trails, with approximately 80 percent on unpaved surfaces. The 50-mile race starts at 5:30 AM, the 50K at 6:30 AM, and the shorter race at 8 AM, giving the ultra runners a dark, early start into the Greenbelt. Redpoint presents the event, with proceeds supporting the Greenbelt Conservancy, directly benefiting the parkland. The series is new, but its appeal is straightforward: a genuine ultra trail run within NYC, in a borough often traversed by highway.