Overview
The Atlantic City Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each October on a boardwalk and coastal road in Atlantic City, United States. It is one of the oldest marathons in the United States and still leans into classic resort-city character. The course passes the boardwalk, marina districts, and long seaside stretches beside casinos and beaches. The course is very flat throughout.
Atlantic City Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Atlantic City Marathon 2026 race day
The next Atlantic City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Atlantic City Marathon course route
Starts and finishes on Atlantic City resort streets by the shore. The course passes the boardwalk, marina districts, and long seaside stretches beside casinos and beaches. Ocean breezes and a pancake profile make this a rhythm race, with the loudest cheers near the boardwalk turnarounds.
Atlantic City Marathon elevation profile
The Atlantic City Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Atlantic City Marathon uses open online registration at acraceseries.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the October race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Atlantic City Marathon elevation profile?
- The Atlantic City Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Atlantic City Marathon?
- The Atlantic City Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Boardwalk and coastal road starting and finishing on Atlantic City resort streets by the shore.
- What time does the Atlantic City Marathon start?
- The 2026 Atlantic City Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.acraceseries.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Atlantic City Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes on Atlantic City resort streets by the shore. Updated course maps are published at https://www.acraceseries.com/ each year.
- When is the Atlantic City Marathon and how do I register?
- Atlantic City Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens through https://www.acraceseries.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Atlantic City Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Atlantic City Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Atlantic City Marathon pass?
- The course passes the boardwalk, marina districts, and long seaside stretches beside casinos and beaches.
- What weather should runners expect at Atlantic City Marathon?
- Usually cool and breezy with salty air and variable Atlantic cloud cover.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.