Branchburg Runner Is 1st Female Finisher In Jersey City Marathon

BRANCHBURG, NJ — Branchburg resident Hannah McGovern, running her first-ever marathon, was the first female finisher in the 2026 Jersey City Marathon.

On April 19, she posted a winning time of 2:33:40 and earned a $5,000 first prize.

McGovern, a native of Edmond, Oklahoma, primarily ran the 800 and 1,500-meter events at Oklahoma Baptist University.

"This was my first marathon," McGovern said, "The energy the entire race was really inspiring, from spectators on the street to runners in the race. I questioned if I could finish from mile 10 on. I was fortunate to be first."

Established in 2023, the race — produced by the Jersey City Road Runners, a non-profit organization, in conjunction with the city of Jersey City — includes both marathon and half-marathon distances.

The route goes through downtown Jersey City and includes views of the New York City skyline.

"Excited is an understatement. To have over 10,000 visitors to the town where I was born, it can’t get much better than this," said Jersey City Marathon Race Director and Founder Steve Lipski, "It’s the city’s largest block party and we’re going to celebrate."

This year, the race attracted runners from all 50 states and 36 different countries. Most runners are from New Jersey and the Tri-State New York metro area.

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