Several major roads from Oceanport to Long Branch are closed to accommodate the runners
UPDATE: 21st annual New Jersey Marathon draws thousands to the Shore
OCEANPORT - The 2017 New Jersey Marathon kicked off at 7:30 on Sunday morning, drawing about 15,000 people, including 9,000 runners for the marathon and half-marathon.
The runners passed by in waves after getting the trumpet signal from Frank Hughes. The weather was mild, hitting 60 degrees with overcast skies.
The race winds through Oceanport, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Deal, Allenhurst, Loch Arbour, Asbury Park and Ocean Grove, closing several major roads before ending on the oceanfront Promenade in Long Branch near Pier Village.
For more information on the race, including road closures and security guidelines, visit www.thenewjerseymarathon.com.
Rob Frischman and his wife, Maria, were running only six months after Rob's brain cancer surgery. While Rob has completed a few marathons to raise money for a New Jersey brain cancer charity, it was his wife's first.
"I haven't been training very long, but I had to do it for the sacrifices he's made," she said.
Denise Pagano, a Hillsborough native, said she was going for a "PR" -- a personal record -- in the half marathon two weeks after completing the Boston marathon.
She said she loves the New Jersey race "because of the crowds."
"The spectators really cheer you on," she said.
Check back with NJ.com for complete coverage of the races.
Erin Petenko may be reached at epetenko@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @EPetenko. Find NJ.com on Facebook.