COURT HOUSE -- March 30 will be a day when stop watches get a workout in Cape May County. The 10th annual Ocean Drive Marathon, which starts in Cape May at 9 a.m. will be preceded in Court House at 8 a.m. by the first Cape May Time Trial Bike Race.

Team Somerset Bicycle Club and Morey’s Piers will present the first Cape May Time Trial Bike Race March 30.

This race, which promoters plan as an annual contest, is the first event of the New Jersey Bicycle Association 2008 Time Trial cup.

AN expected 135 of the best cyclists in the state will be riding for points which will count toward this multi race, season long competition, featuring four local junior riders from Middle Township riding for Team Somerset.

The race will be staged out of the Cape May County Zoo back parking lot, starting promptly at 8 a.m., the last rider leaves at 9:07 a.m..

The course extends from the Courthouse-Dennisville Road zoo entrance along that road, does a U turn at Route 47 and then returns back to the zoo, total length approximately nine miles.

For those interested in getting a start in bicycle racing, Team Somerset and Morey’s Piers will present a second race, “Back to the Cape Time Trial,” which will be held on April 26.

Riders must pre-register at www.bikereg.com. This race will not be part of the cup, and will have fewer riders, making it a great race for any rider junior or adult.

In Cape May, at 8 a.m., the 10th annual running of the Ocean Drive Marathon will take place.

Its course along Ocean Drive is 26 miles, 385 yards and ends in Sea Isle City.
That event benefits Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Marine Mammal Steranding Center and high schools in this county.

For information on the marathon call (609) 523-0880.