is the jersey city marathon flat?

By PaceKit Team · Updated April 2026

Yes, emphatically. The Jersey City Marathon has approximately 228 feet of total elevation gain across 26.2 miles, which makes it one of the flattest marathon courses in the United States. For reference, that's less than 9 feet of climbing per mile. Chicago, the gold standard of flat marathons, has about 260 feet. Jersey City is flatter than Chicago.

There are two overpasses on the course that create brief, minor climbs. They're noticeable, but they last less than 30 seconds each and don't require any pacing adjustment. On the double-loop course, you'll hit each overpass twice (once in each direction), so there are four total small climbs across the marathon. None of them would qualify as a "hill" by any meaningful definition.

The one terrain note worth mentioning isn't elevation. It's road surface. Some sections of the course, particularly in the industrial areas, have rough pavement and occasional potholes. On a dry day, this is a minor nuisance. On a rainy day (the 2023 race saw rain), the puddles and uneven surfaces require attention. This isn't an elevation issue, but it does affect running rhythm, and several runners have noted it in their reviews.

The course also runs on some sections with a slight camber (road crowned for drainage), which is standard for city marathons but worth mentioning if you're sensitive to uneven footing over 26.2 miles.

Bottom line: if you're looking for a flat course and "flat" is a priority for your race selection, Jersey City qualifies. The terrain will not slow you down. The road surface might cost you a second or two on the rough sections, but the elevation profile is functionally a straight line.