It’s considered difficult as much for the weather as the course itself, as past races have seen periods of high winds, rain, cloudy skies and even some snowfall. Runners should note that the course will close after 3 1/2 hours, so you’ll need to complete your 13.1 miles within that time.
An out-and-back race that winds through the residential neighborhoods of the nearby towns of Holmdel and Colts Neck, the course starts and finishes at the gymnasium of Lincroft’s Brookdale Community College.
Past participants share that the course offers “incredibly scenic” views of horse farms and country estates through these rural New Jersey towns, as well as many tough hills throughout the course especially around miles 6 and 9, which is followed by nearly a mile of uphill terrain.
The home stretch of the race also features a run through Lincroft’s Thompson Park, the onetime estate home and horse breeding and racing facility owned by Geraldine Livingston Thompson and her family, which today is a 667-acre park with 14 miles of hiking, running and walking trails.
On the day of the race, be sure to monitor local weather conditions closely and dress appropriately, as the winds are reported to be one of the most significant challenges of this race, especially in the course’s first 6 miles. Organizers note that water stations will be located at (approximately) the mile 3, 6, 8 and 10 markers.