Trail Of Two Cities Between Ocean City and Somers Point Is This Weekend

Ocean City, NJ -- The annual Trail of Two Cities 5K Run/Walk over the Causeway between Ocean City and Somers Point is set for Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m.

The event begins at the Ocean City Transportation Center, 10th and Haven, and ends at Kennedy Park in Somers Point.

The event was created 21 years ago by Nick Regina of Somers Point and Mark Soifer, Ocean City Public Relations Director, who named it The Trail of Two Cities.

"When the race started, Nick Regina, who later founded the South Jersey Jazz Society, was public relations director of Somers Point," Soifer said this week. "He called me and suggested the two communities hold an event together. I thought this was a good idea. Running was gaining popularity at the time. So I suggested a run/walk over the old 9th Street Causeway. It would appeal to both runners and walkers alike and we could call it the 'Trail of Two Cities.' The causeway, which was closed to pedestrians and bicycles at the time, would be closed to traffic for an hour or so, and walkers could take photos."

The Trail of Two Cities is jointly organized by the Ocean City Recreation Department and the Somers Point Education Foundation. Proceeds help fund projects for both groups.

The run/walk is open to all ages from 9 and under to 70 and over.

Awards are given for the first overall male and female, and the top three finishers in each age group: 9-11; 12-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70-and-over.

The awards ceremony is held at Kennedy Park in Somers Point at the conclusion of the event.

Walkers’ times will not be posted in race results. Walkers can check the timing clock at the finish line for their official time.

Registration is now open, and in-person registration the day of the event is 7 a.m.

Pre-registration is $25. Registration the day of the event is $30. Race shirts are guaranteed to pre-registered participants.

Immediate families of four (families who live in the same house) can register for $75, but must register ahead of time. Separate registration forms are required for each family participant and mailed in together.

Entry fee is non-refundable, and non-transferrable.

Pre-packet pickup is strongly recommended, and takes place at the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue, on Friday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Same-day packet pickup is 7 a.m.-7:45 a.m. at the Transportation Center.

Transportation is provided to Ocean City from Somers Point before the race. The last bus leaves Kennedy Park for the start line in Ocean City at 7:30 a.m.There are also buses from Somers Point back to Ocean City after the race.

No skateboards, roller blades or pets are permitted.

For more information or race questions, call 609-399-6111, ext. 9300.

The attached image was provided by Ocean City