Running in New Jersey
New Jersey offers far more running variety than its reputation suggests. From the iconic boardwalk runs along the Shore to the forested hills of the Highlands and the flat Pine Barrens trails, the state has a robust running community and excellent infrastructure.
Climate
Four seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters
Terrain
Northern New Jersey has rolling hills and ridges
Top Race
NJ Marathon
Climate and Weather
Four seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The Shore benefits from ocean breezes in summer. Northern New Jersey can get significant snow. Spring and fall are ideal running seasons with moderate temperatures.
Terrain and Landscape
Northern New Jersey has rolling hills and ridges. The central part of the state is flatter with suburban trail networks. The Pine Barrens in the south offer sandy, flat trail running through unique forest. The Jersey Shore provides boardwalk and beach running along the Atlantic.
Top Running Routes
Delaware and Raritan Canal Path
70 milesCentral NJ
A flat towpath trail following the historic canal through scenic central New Jersey.
Asbury Park Boardwalk
1.5 milesAsbury Park
An iconic boardwalk run along the revitalized Asbury Park waterfront.
South Mountain Reservation
5-10 milesWest Orange
Forested trails with rocky terrain and views of the Manhattan skyline from the Watchung ridgeline.
Henry Hudson Trail
24 milesFreehold to Atlantic Highlands
A paved rail trail through Monmouth County, connecting inland communities to the Bayshore.
Batona Trail
53 milesPine Barrens
A sandy trail through the unique Pine Barrens forest, flat and quiet.
Popular Races
NJ Marathon
Long Branch
Shore AC Classic
Asbury Park
Batona 50K
Pine Barrens
Running Culture
New Jersey has a vibrant running scene fueled by proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. Many NJ runners train for the NYC Marathon. The state has numerous running clubs, and Shore-area running (boardwalks and beach runs) is a beloved local tradition.
Safety Tips
Share boardwalk paths with pedestrians, especially in summer tourist season.
Ticks are prevalent in wooded areas. Check yourself after trail runs in the Highlands and Pine Barrens.
Some urban areas have heavy traffic. Use paths and trails where possible.
Summer humidity can be high. Run early, especially near the coast where sea breeze kicks in later.
Make Running in New Jersey a Game
Turn your New Jersey runs into a real-world strategy game. Capture territory by running loops, compete with local runners on leaderboards, and explore every street through a Fog of War mechanic. Motera adds purpose and competition to every mile.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best running trail in New Jersey?
The Delaware and Raritan Canal Path is the most popular long-distance trail at 70 miles of flat towpath. For trail running, South Mountain Reservation offers great terrain near the NYC metro area.
Is New Jersey good for running?
Yes. New Jersey has excellent running infrastructure with paved rail trails, boardwalks, forest trails, and an active racing calendar. Its location between NYC and Philly means access to two major running communities.
Can you run on the Jersey Shore boardwalks?
Yes. Many Shore towns allow running on boardwalks, especially in the morning before crowds arrive. Asbury Park, Spring Lake, and Long Branch are popular running boardwalks. Some towns restrict running hours in peak summer.
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