The AmeriHealth Atlantic City Marathon Race Series will welcome thousands of runners and spectators for a weekend of races and community engagement this week.
The event starts Friday and Saturday with a two-day Runner Expo at Bally’s Atlantic City, along with a charitable initiative to support Stand Up 2 Cancer and Community Recycling.
The AmeriHealth Atlantic City Marathon is the third oldest continuously run marathon in the U.S., renowned for its fast, flat course and breathtaking oceanfront Boardwalk views.
Runners and attendees are encouraged to donate new or gently used shoes in the drop off bins inside the Expo entrance. All types of shoes, including running shoes, casual sneakers, dress shoes and children's footwear, will be accepted. The donations will directly benefit communities in need, both in Atlantic County and worldwide. For every full bin collected, a donation will be made to Stand Up 2 Cancer, providing crucial support to cancer research.
In previous years, more than 330 pairs of shoes were donated, and organizers are aiming to exceed that count this year. Community Recycling, an AtlantiCare partner, will ensure that the shoes are distributed locally and globally.
“Each pair of shoes donated not only helps those in need but also carries with it a sense of hope and strength from our incredible running community,” race series director Genia Bittner said. “The shoes that have once crossed finish lines will now travel further, touching lives in ways we can't even imagine."
The Expo, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Bally’s Casino Resort and feature vendor booths, race registration, and sneak peeks of exclusive marathon gear.
Race Weekend Schedule
• Friday and Saturday: Runner Expo: Bally's Atlantic City, Treymore Ballroom, Sixth Floor at 1900 Pacific Ave. From 3 to 7 p.m. Friday and 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. 10K and 5K races.
• Sunday: 8 a.m. half-marathon and marathon.
The races begin and end at Bally’s Atlantic City, with live music and DJs along the course to keep participants and spectators energized. More than 3,700 runners from all 50 states and multiple countries are expected to participate.
More than 800 volunteers and 22 water stations will support the runners. The post-race party will be hosted by The Yard at Bally’s, featuring food, drinks, and entertainment.
Marathon Race Series medalsThe award ceremonies will take place at 10:30 a.m. on both race days, with additional age group awards distributed at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Bicycles will not be permitted on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City and Ventnor during the race from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
For more information or to register for the race, visit www.acraceseries.com.
