Lee Martin's Staging Area

Coming to Newport News for this race was a core memory for me. From the day I arrived up to the race after party, this weekend was so well organized!

To start, bib pickup was fast and easy. The next day I watched several friends run in the 5k which was right outside the Marriott (a partner hotel for the races) in City Center. The 5k itself was so much fun to watch!

By Sunday, I was so excited for my race. I was able to get some extra sleep because the shuttles picked me up right outside the hotel bright and early. I loved not having to drive to the start and being able to let my brain slowly wake up! Once I got to Menchville High (starting line), I was able to wait inside right up until the race began. This was awesome since it was a little chilly outside and meant I could use a real restroom multiple times, not just a porta-potty.

Then we were off! I passed a number of really fun bystanders cheering us on like an Elvis impersonator, a person dressed like a chicken, dinosaurs, puppies, etc. Spectators were spread across the course which was really helpful for keeping spirits high. All the volunteers involved were incredibly helpful and passed out water and Gatorade every two miles.

The course itself was not hilly – there were a few small inclines but no huge challenges. You get to run through part of Christopher Newport University’s campus which was so fun for me as an alum and shortly afterward you run by Lion’s Bridge with a pretty view of the James River. There are lots of fun little neighborhoods with spirited onlookers that you get to pass through, and overall the course is lovely. There are a couple of miles where the views aren’t as exciting, but the rest of the course makes up for it.

Post-race there were all the snacks and drinks you could imagine, plus you got two free beers and a meal! There was live music and a number of food trucks to choose from. There were goodies and even a masseuse. My family and friends were able to park pretty easily as well.

I would recommend this course to anyone interested in a half. The events were so well organized and the lack of hills was great. Sign up if you have the chance!