New Jersey Half Marathon & 5K

E. Murray Todd Half Marathon

Home » Races » Lincroft » E. Murray Todd Half Marathon
Date
March 8, 2026
Starting Time

8:30 AM

Course

Trail

Fees

$40+

Location

Lincroft

Participants

100-500

Terrain

Some Hills

Environment

Urban

Temperature
High: 50°
/ Low: 30°
Overview

The E. Murray Todd Half Marathon is one of the oldest and most respected half marathons in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, honoring the memory of E. Murray Todd while providing runners with a flat, fast course through the coastal Virginia landscape. With a history spanning several decades, this race has become a cornerstone event for the local running community.

The half marathon course follows a largely flat route through the neighborhoods and waterfront areas of Hampton Roads, taking advantage of the region’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast. Runners enjoy wide roads, minimal elevation change, and the occasional ocean breeze. The fall timing brings comfortable temperatures to coastal Virginia, creating ideal conditions for distance running along a course that has produced many personal bests over the years.

What distinguishes the E. Murray Todd is its deep roots in the Hampton Roads running community. This is a race built by and for local runners, with a loyal participant base that returns year after year. The no-frills approach focuses on what matters most — a well-marked, accurately measured course with reliable support — making it a favorite among serious runners in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake area. For runners seeking a proven, fast half marathon in coastal Virginia with genuine community heritage, the E. Murray Todd is a cornerstone event.

Course Description

It’s considered difficult as much for the weather as the course itself, as past races have seen periods of high winds, rain, cloudy skies and even some snowfall. Runners should note that the course will close after 3 1/2 hours, so you’ll need to complete your 13.1 miles within that time.
An out-and-back race that winds through the residential neighborhoods of the nearby towns of Holmdel and Colts Neck, the course starts and finishes at the gymnasium of Lincroft’s Brookdale Community College.
Past participants share that the course offers “incredibly scenic” views of horse farms and country estates through these rural New Jersey towns, as well as many tough hills throughout the course especially around miles 6 and 9, which is followed by nearly a mile of uphill terrain.
The home stretch of the race also features a run through Lincroft’s Thompson Park, the onetime estate home and horse breeding and racing facility owned by Geraldine Livingston Thompson and her family, which today is a 667-acre park with 14 miles of hiking, running and walking trails.
On the day of the race, be sure to monitor local weather conditions closely and dress appropriately, as the winds are reported to be one of the most significant challenges of this race, especially in the course’s first 6 miles. Organizers note that water stations will be located at (approximately) the mile 3, 6, 8 and 10 markers.

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