By Taylor Smith 

Considered to be excellent preparation for the November TCS New York City Marathon, the Newport Liberty Half Marathon in Jersey City will take place on Sunday, September 15. Start time is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at Newport Green Park. 

The flat, fast course snakes along the Jersey City waterfront, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. For 13.1 miles, runners will enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the Freedom Tower, and Ellis Island. Other sights include the newly-developed 600-acre configuration of high rises, residences, restaurants, and commercial buildings that now dot Hudson County’s waterfront. The Newport Liberty race offers a New York City-feel without the crowds associated with a typical Manhattan race. 

Temperatures in September in Hudson County tend to be warm (if not hot), so runners should prepare with sunscreen, sweat-wicking clothing, and hats, if possible. In contrast to the typical road racing season that culminates Thanksgiving weekend in the greater Tri-State Area, the Newport Liberty Half Marathon is ideal for those trying to avoid a snow or ice-fueled race morning. 

The Newport Liberty Half Marathon is presented by NYCRuns. To register, visit https://nycruns.com/register-race/?race=nycruns-newport-half-marathon.