OCEAN CITY, NJ —Ocean City will host two fall traditions this weekend, with the Fall New Jersey Jeep Invasion set for Saturday, Oct. 3, and the OCNJ Half Marathon scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
The city says about 400 Jeeps will roll down the Boardwalk on Saturday and remain on display from Fifth Street to 14th Street from noon to 5 p.m. Trophies in multiple categories will be awarded at 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier.
According to the city, the Jeep Invasion raises money for local charities and began in Ocean City in 2013. More information is available at njjpinvasion.com. The Half Marathon weekend also includes a 10-mile non-competitive walk/run and a 5-kilometer race, with registration still open and early-registration discounts available through 4 p.m. Sept. 30, according to the city.
The city reported that runners voted the OCNJ Half Marathon the Best in New Jersey in a Race Raves poll this year. It also said the race is known for a fast, flat course featuring Ocean City's beaches, Boardwalk and coastline, along with themed water stations staffed by volunteer groups.
"The Half Marathon has become a great fall tradition in Ocean City," Mayor Jay Gillian said. "The runners and their families get to enjoy Ocean City at its best, and the race grows bigger and better every year."
Residents and visitors should expect travel changes on race day. To accommodate runners, the Ocean City-Longport Bridge will close from 8 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m. Sunday, according to the city. Bicycles will not be permitted on the Boardwalk from 5 a.m. to noon, and drivers on other streets should anticipate delays as runners pass.
The city said volunteers are still needed, including staff for Saturday packet pickup and Sunday race-course marshals. A volunteer registration form is available at ocnj.us/ocnjhalfmarathon5k. Neighbors and spectators also are encouraged to line the course to cheer on runners.
Ocean City also released a wider October calendar that includes Boardwalk and downtown Discount Days on Oct. 3-4 and Oct. 10-12, the Fire Department open house on Oct. 8, the Fall Block Party on Oct. 10 and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of OCNJ on Oct. 11. Other events include Dog Days on Oct. 24-25, a Halloween parade on Oct. 29 and several community activities throughout the month.
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