Race Across the Bay: Trail of Two Cities Returns to Ocean City This Saturday

One of the most popular and scenic races at the Jersey Shore, the Trail of Two Cities 5K Run/Walk, is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025. The 3.1-mile (5K) race provides a unique point-to-point course connecting Ocean City and Somers Point.

The event is set to begin at 8:00 AM.

 The race is famous for its distinct route, which offers spectacular views of the Great Egg Harbor Bay. The course begins in Ocean City at the Transportation Center (9th Street and Haven Avenue) and takes participants over the length of the Route 52 causeway (the 9th Street Bridge). Runners and walkers will use the lanes usually reserved for vehicle traffic, providing an open-air experience high above the water.

The race concludes in Somers Point at the finish line located in John F. Kennedy (JFK) Park, where an awards ceremony will be held after the race.

To ensure participants’ safety, the inbound lanes of the Route 52 causeway (entering Ocean City at Ninth Street) will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Drivers will be able to leave Ocean City during that time using the outbound lanes of the causeway, but all motorists traveling into Ocean City are advised to plan alternative routes during the race.

 This event is a celebrated fall tradition that was established to foster a connection between the two communities of Ocean City and Somers Point. The event is organized by the recreation departments of both Ocean City and Somers Point. All proceeds from the race are dedicated to supporting Ocean City Recreation Scholarships and Programs and the Somers Point Education Foundation, making it a true community fundraiser.

Participants can register for the event online or in person.

• Online Registration: Available until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, October 29.
• In-Person Registration: Available during packet pickup (12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Friday, October 31, at the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center) and on race day ($35 fee).
• Race Day: Registration and packet pickup will run from 7:00 AM to 7:45 AM at the Transportation Center in Ocean City.

Buses will be available at the finish line (JFK Park in Somers Point) to transport runners to the start line before the race. The last bus to the start line leaves at 7:30 AM. Buses will also be available to transport participants from Somers Point back to Ocean City after the race.

Awards will be presented to the top male, female, and non-binary finishers, as well as the top three finishers in various age groups.