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The race will go on, as it has for a half century. After a brief scare that it wouldn't happen, the 51st annual Atlantic City Marathon takes off at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, from the front of the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Thousands of runners will fill the streets of Absecon Island thanks to leaders of the Katz Jewish Community Center, Tropicana Casino and Resort, Harrah's Entertainment and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority who picked up the baton and ran with it.

"We feel a responsibility to keep a viable and exciting event like the marathon in our region and in Atlantic City," says Jack Fox, Katz JCC executive director.

"As a qualifier race for the Boston Marathon this year's event will proudly showcase Atlantic City's beautiful beaches, Boardwalk and scenic views to the runners and other visitors from all over the region," adds Mark Giannantonio, president and COO of the Tropicana.

Fox applauded the leadership of Barbara Altman, who organized the race for the previous 20 years.

"As a community, we should all be grateful for the true yeomen's work Barbara and Ed Altman have done to ensure the Atlantic City Marathon not only survived but thrived over the past two decades," Fox says.

Race day events and activities include a full marathon (26.2 miles); a half marathon (13.1 miles); a 10K run (6.2 miles); a 5K run (3.1 miles); a two-mile, non-competitive Health Walk; and a free Freda Spano Kids Fun Run.

In addition to holding the title as "America's First Festival of Running"the flat course also provides a good warm-up for the Philadelphia Marathon, which takes place the next weekend.

Marathon proceeds provide two $1000 scholarships for graduating high school students participating in cross country athletic programs, as well as children's scholarships for the Katz JCC. Health Walk proceeds benefit Alcove Center for grieving children and their families. Atlantic City proponents say the marathon is one of the many institutions that help the resort thrive.

"We have a duty to ensure Atlantic City's greatest traditions are upheld. Now more than ever, we need to direct our collective resources into events and attractions that expand our destination's appeal well beyond our traditional markets," says Don Marandino, Eastern Divisional President for Harrah's Entertainment. "The Atlantic City Marathon has done that for years and we are proud to be a part of continuing this amazing event."

The marathon is one of a number of sports events Atlantic City has drawn in recent years.

"It's events like the marathon, along with the A10 Men's Basketball Championships, ECAC Hockey, and NCAA Golf Championships, that help diversify Atlantic City's sports offerings and keep it a world-class resort," says Jeff Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.

Intinerary:

Saturday, Nov. 14: 6 to 8 p.m. race registration and packet pick-up for full and half marathon runners, Grand Ballroom, Bally's Atlantic City Casino Hotel.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary pasta dinner for full and half marathon runners in the Grand Ballroom.

Sunday, Nov. 15: 6 to 7:45 a.m. check in, bag check and registration inside Boardwalk Hall, pre-race announcements and refreshments at Kennedy Plaza and the Boardwalk.

8:30 a.m. races begin from Kennedy Plaza in front of Boardwalk Hall.

10:30 a.m. Freda Spano Kids Fun Run.

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