Sporting Events at the Jersey Shore
Races, triathlons, fishing tournaments, and athletic competitions
38
Events
8
Major Festivals
3
Free Events
10
Months Active
Destination Sporting Events
Major sporting events worth planning your trip around.
January 17, 2026
Registration 10am-12:45pm, Plunge at 1pm
20th anniversary milestone plunge raising funds for Special Olympics NJ at Wildwood Beach.
Highlights
February 28, 2026
Plunge at 1pm
NJ's largest polar bear plunge with 7,500+ plungers raising $2.5M for Special Olympics.
Highlights
April 11, 2026
8am start
Spring running festival with 5K, 10K, and half marathon along Asbury Park boardwalk.
Highlights
April 25, 2026
11am start
5K run ending at MudHen Brewing with craft beer celebration. Optional Beer Mile.
Highlights
April 12, 2026
7:30am start
Spring half marathon and 10K through Ocean City with boardwalk finish.
Highlights
June 7, 2026
6am ferry departure
Bucket-list triathlon starting with a ferry swim to Cape May. Swim 1mi, bike 24mi, run 10K.
Highlights
September 19-20, 2026
Gates open 11am daily
Two days of beach music featuring Mumford & Sons, The Strokes, and 25+ artists on Asbury Park oceanfront.
Highlights
October 4, 2026
8am start
Flat, scenic half marathon through Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area.
Highlights
Major Sporting Events
80,000 sq ft of fishing exhibits with 14 boat dealers and 100+ vendors.
5K obstacle course on Ocean City Boardwalk - a unique winter challenge at the shore.
MAAC conference basketball tournament at historic Boardwalk Hall.
Premier point-to-point race along the shore with full and half marathon options.
LBI Spring Surf Fishing Derby
Long Beach Island
79-day surf fishing tournament with 100% cash payout for striped bass and bluefish.
Marathon relay, half marathon, and 5K through iconic Asbury Park—often sells out.
Derby-themed 5K along Spring Lake boardwalk with festive celebrations.
LBI Grand Slam Surf Fishing Tournament
Long Beach Island
Memorial Day weekend team surf fishing tournament on LBI beaches.
Escape the Cape Triathlon
Lower Township
Jump off the ferry to start—voted Best Triathlon in the Mid-Atlantic & top 5 Bucket List.
60+ years of marlin fishing tradition—one of the oldest release tournaments in the region.
Premier offshore tournament with million-dollar payouts for marlin and tuna.
LBI Surf Fishing Classic
Long Beach Island
One of America's oldest surf fishing tournaments with $25,000+ in prizes.
Premier East Coast PRO-AM surf competition—26th year at Belmar Beach. Free.
LBI 18-Mile Run & 12K
Long Beach Island
53rd annual 18-mile race the length of Long Beach Island.
Nation's third-oldest marathon featuring 8 miles on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Boat-based striped bass tournament with weigh-in at Sea Shell Resort.
Fast, flat course through the Wildwoods—half marathon, 10K, and 5K options.
Jersey Shore Half Marathon
Highlands
Flat, fast course through scenic Sandy Hook—ideal fall marathon prep.
Local Sporting Events
Highlands Guinness Run
Highlands • March 14, 2026
Le Tour de Downbeach
Ventnor City • June 6, 2026
Highlands Fluke Tournament
Highlands • June 20, 2026
Sporting Events by Month
Sporting Events by County
Monmouth County
11
events
Ocean County
8
events
Atlantic County
4
events
Cape May County
15
events
Frequently Asked Questions
What sporting events are there at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore hosts 38 sporting events throughout the year. Races, triathlons, fishing tournaments, and athletic competitions
When is the best time for sporting events at the shore?
Sporting Events events happen throughout the year, with events in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Are there free sporting events at the Jersey Shore?
Yes, 3 of the 38 sporting events at the Jersey Shore are free to attend.