Runners may enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, sponsored by McDonald's at Ocean One Mall. The first 200 registrants receive free t-shirts. Atlantic City has long been synonymous with the Miss America Pageant , one of the world's oldest and most famous pageants. Although the pageant itself has changed since it first premiered on the Boardwalk in 1929, the excitement remains-attracting visitors from all over the world. The contestants are divided into three groups, with one group per night performing in the talent, evening wear and swimsuit preliminaries.
Admission is limited.
The pageant weekend kicks off with the Boardwalk Miss America Pageant Parade on Friday, October 13 starting at 6 p.m. Spectators will line the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk from New Jersey to Albany avenues to catch a glimpse of their favorite contestant, as they watch from bleacher, grandstand, or rolling chair reserved seats. The spectators have as much fun as the contestants, who follow tradition by creatively and often lavishly adorning their shoes and then showing them to the cheering crowd. Also appearing in the parade will be the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders, the Philly Fanatic, the Atlantic City Seagulls USBA basketball team and their dancers, and Splash, the mascot for the Atlantic City Surf baseball team. The Miss America Finals and Crowning is held on Saturday, October 14, at the Boardwalk Convention Hall beginning at 8 p.m. During this nationally televised broadcast, all 51 contestants perform choreographed numbers. The field is narrowed to 10 contestants who also perform their talent and participate in swimsuit and evening wear competitions.