Amica Newport Marathon (RI)
Newport, RI
- Marathon, Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Amica Newport Marathon features 13.1 and 26.2 miles of unrivaled oceanfront running. This award-winning fall classic in the City by the Sea is not to be missed! Both the marathon and half-marathon start at 7:30 a.m. at Easton’s Beach in Newport, Rhode Island. The races run through downtown before … MORE
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Great Ocean Views
The course was great, some small hills but nothing too brutal, amazing ocean views, and a well-produced race. Race morning bib pickup went well and was surprisingly well-coordinated for a … MORE
The course was great, some small hills but nothing too brutal, amazing ocean views, and a well-produced race. Race morning bib pickup went well and was surprisingly well-coordinated for a race of this size.
Best 1/2 I have ever done!
Such a beautiful scenic course, clear communications from the race company, amazing race day set up and finish line. I’ve done this race a few times and I will continue … MORE
Such a beautiful scenic course, clear communications from the race company, amazing race day set up and finish line. I’ve done this race a few times and I will continue doing it as it’s in my home town. The Amica Newport Marathon is the best!
A must do scenic, mid-sized race
This was easily one of the most scenic races I’ve run. The course takes you along the small city, the coastline, the mansions, and and rural roads—it’s a visually stunning … MORE
This was easily one of the most scenic races I’ve run. The course takes you along the small city, the coastline, the mansions, and and rural roads—it’s a visually stunning from start to finish.
I didn’t find it that challenging. Don’t underestimate the hills. Particularly at mile 1 and miles 24. They’re manageable but will keep you on your toes. The views definitely make the effort worth it.
Organization was spot on, with seamless logistics and fantastic volunteers who kept the energy high. The swag was solid, particularly the medal. Shirt very nice quality, wear it often unlike other race shirts I’ve received.
If you’re looking for a scenic course, and a well-managed medium-sized full or half, this race is a must. I’ll be back for sure!
Many awesome views
Don’t count out the inclines along the Atlantic. Thinking it would be flat the 966’ incline was unexpected. However perfect weather and great scenery was very welcomed. Volunteers were fantastic … MORE
Don’t count out the inclines along the Atlantic. Thinking it would be flat the 966’ incline was unexpected. However perfect weather and great scenery was very welcomed. Volunteers were fantastic and very supportive throughout the entire weekend.
26.2 miles of joy!
If you want a top-notch race experience in Rhode Island, look no further than the Amica Newport Marathon. Registration and communication were excellent, and bib pickup was easy. My experience … MORE
If you want a top-notch race experience in Rhode Island, look no further than the Amica Newport Marathon.
Registration and communication were excellent, and bib pickup was easy. My experience with the shuttle was positive.
There was a wonderful energy at the start— music, a warmup, plus a beautiful sunrise on Easton’s beach. There were also plenty of amenities like water and snacks, and more than enough porta-potties.
The course was challenging but so beautiful. Plenty of ocean views and mansions. Lots of fantastic crowd support. Aid stations were plentiful and the volunteers were so enthusiastic and friendly.
Finish line festivities were so much fun, plenty of food and drinks for the runners. Swag was great too— I love my shirt and medal.
This was my 10th lifetime marathon and I loved every mile of it. I’d recommend it to anyone! Thank you!
Many hills, great crowd, need more info
Perfect weather, nice people, but it need more volunteers or better way to provide information. Some volunteers couldn't provide clear information about parking, drop-off, pick-up sites, etc. In general, a … MORE
Perfect weather, nice people, but it need more volunteers or better way to provide information. Some volunteers couldn’t provide clear information about parking, drop-off, pick-up sites, etc. In general, a beautiful route, and a fun run. There were many unexpected hills, which made the run more difficult than planned. I will definitely recommend this race to anyone.
Beautiful
Very scenic race. Half marathoners stay with the marathoners for the whole first 13.1mi so you don't have to worry about slower runners on the course, and people self-corraled in … MORE
Very scenic race.
Half marathoners stay with the marathoners for the whole first 13.1mi so you don’t have to worry about slower runners on the course, and people self-corraled in a very clean way so there was absolutely no slaloming required.
The rolling hills are no joke, especially on the second half. My only concern is with the open roads: having cars drive in-between runners in a sometimes unsafe way did not felt good at all.
Beautiful race
The race was admittedly very hilly, but this was not a secret. It was well documented on the website. Views were by far the best I have ever had running … MORE
The race was admittedly very hilly, but this was not a secret. It was well documented on the website. Views were by far the best I have ever had running a marathon. However, cars were allowed on the course. But was very dangerous as runners were not really paying attention to what was behind them and had cars come up right behind them. A noticed a few close calls and was very nervous because some cars were not very patient. I think that is something they need to look into for next year. Also, swag was non existent. A number and a shirt. After race, marathon (4:24 finish time) cold pizza that had been sitting out for hours and some fruit and Gatorade. Milk truck was empty (looking forward to a delicious chocolate milk). So after race refreshments were sort of disappointing.
Great views!
Packet pickup was quick and ease, not a lot of hoopla. Really liked that they offered an early start option (even to the half marathoners). Parking was plentifully and buses … MORE
Packet pickup was quick and ease, not a lot of hoopla. Really liked that they offered an early start option (even to the half marathoners). Parking was plentifully and buses were easy to catch – short ride. The course was very beautiful with more hills on the second half than the first, the hills very long but not extremely steep (loved those down hills). Tshirts were cute wicking and the medals were pretty normal/plain. No snacks at the finish, but there was beer! (Maybe because they didn’t want the garbage flying into the ocean). Overall a great race!
Lovely!
I ran this as part of my quest for all 50 states and I think it stacked up nicely against others I’ve completed so far. The course was a bit … MORE
I ran this as part of my quest for all 50 states and I think it stacked up nicely against others I’ve completed so far. The course was a bit hilly throughout but nothing unbearable. The views, especially along Ocean Ave, were nice and we were lucky enough to have a perfect day weather-wise. I don’t think it’s the most beautiful race in America, but it’s certainly nothing to sneeze at.
Packet pickup ran smoothly and although the food options at the end of the race weren’t extensive, I found a few things my stomach could handle. The medal is nice, as is the t-shirt. Overall: I wouldn’t go out of my way to run this again, but it was a nice race to check RI off my list! No major complaints 🙂
You won’t run a more beautiful race
This race is absolutely stunning. The crisp October weather creates the perfect running conditions, and the course is lined with supportive signs, enthusiastic spectators, and plenty of water and fuel … MORE
This race is absolutely stunning. The crisp October weather creates the perfect running conditions, and the course is lined with supportive signs, enthusiastic spectators, and plenty of water and fuel stations—not to mention convenient porta-potties along the way. The mix of scenic views, from Ocean Drive to downtown Newport, offers a beautiful variety, and the course is refreshingly manageable with only gentle hills. Packet pick-up was seamless and well-organized. I can’t recommend this race enough!
Amazing race in Newport
This is an incredibly scenic and well-run race. The half marathon course is absolutely beautiful, winding past the ocean at Brenton Point State Park and all the mansions in Newport. … MORE
This is an incredibly scenic and well-run race. The half marathon course is absolutely beautiful, winding past the ocean at Brenton Point State Park and all the mansions in Newport. There are some hills but nothing crazy.
Logistics were very well organized. There was ample parking with shuttles to the start/finish area at Easton’s Beach. Lots of food at the finish including pizza! The medal is also one of my favorites – it’s shaped like a clamshell that opens.
Unbelievable scenery
One of the most beautiful courses I've run. The first half gets all the recognition and I've heard some comments about the second half being anticlimactic in comparison — but … MORE
One of the most beautiful courses I’ve run. The first half gets all the recognition and I’ve heard some comments about the second half being anticlimactic in comparison — but it’s just quieter and more rural with plenty of beautiful views as well.
Everything from pre-race to post-race was very smooth and well organized. 5/5 race.
Absolutely gorgeous course!
I wish that I would have written this immediately after the race. I loved it. The course was beautiful. Packet pickup was at a park where the start line was. … MORE
I wish that I would have written this immediately after the race. I loved it. The course was beautiful. Packet pickup was at a park where the start line was. We went the evening before the race. It was cold and rainy but race day was beautiful.
The shirt was a short-sleeve performance tee. It was a beautiful blue color with the race logo on it. The medal was a clamshell that opened and closed.
The water stations were well-spaced and well-stocked.
The scenery was breathtaking. I thought, “oh, this race will be on the ocean – nice and flat.” Wrong. There was a surprising amount of hills on this course (we were pretty much running up and down cliffs) but it was beautiful. I wish that I had my usual long-winded, extrememly detail-oriented review for this one but I don’t.
I *DID* manage to snag another Guinness World Record on this course for the Fastest Marathon Dressed as a Sailor (Female) at this race. (in the 2nd most uncomfortable costume ever.) but the emcee and race directors were really cool about calling my attempt out on the course. It was a great race. I loved it.
I have photos attached.
Stunning scenery…a top 5 event
I’ve seen the reviews that say the first half is scenic and the back half is boring. I disagree! There’s no denying the first 13 miles are some of the … MORE
I’ve seen the reviews that say the first half is scenic and the back half is boring. I disagree! There’s no denying the first 13 miles are some of the prettiest marathon miles…especially along the coastline. And while the second half isn’t all mansions and seashore, it has some pretty stretches of its own.
Is this race hilly? I don’t think it’s THAT hilly. There’s one at mile 22 or 23 that was a doozy that late in the race. And the second half certainly is hillier than the first half. But it’s not as hilly as some folks make it out to be. Is it flat? No. So I guess if you’ve only ever run pancake-flat races, it’ll seem hilly. Still…this is Rhode Island, not the Himalayas.
Crowd support is decent. Most of the crowds are congregated in a few touristy areas within the first 13 miles. There are places where it’s sparse…the ocean miles are empty, but who cares with a view that good. The back half has empty stretches. Still, you rarely went more than a mile or so without finding a little cluster of folks. I ran sans headphones the whole time and didn’t miss the crowds.
Race swag is so-so: A basic medal and not much else. I like the shirt.
Post-race: They ran out of pizza. They almost ran out of beer. These are things I hate. Sufficient food and beer for ALL runners should be a “don’t F this up” issue for a race director. Would love to see them do more than the minimum though.
Aid stations & porta johns: I legit don’t remember. Vaguely remember the aid stations being staffed by friendly folks, but couldn’t tell you if there were enough or what they served.
Final thoughts: Despite a few nitpicks, this race is a top five marathon in my book (of the 17 states I’ve run). It’s about the view. Look around you! If you can’t enjoy running along the New England coast surrounded be grand mansions, what DOES a pretty run look like to you?
Very Well Run
Pros: Very pretty course, pacers up to a 6 hour finish, encouraging announcer at finish line, easy packet pickup, free parking and shuttle. Cons: Ran out of beer far before … MORE
Pros: Very pretty course, pacers up to a 6 hour finish, encouraging announcer at finish line, easy packet pickup, free parking and shuttle.
Cons: Ran out of beer far before all runners were done, second half is very boring compared to the first half, and hilly course.
Beautiful and hilly
Bib pick up was a breeze. Nice easy in and out at the beach. The race tells you to be on the bus by 6am to get bused from the … MORE
Bib pick up was a breeze. Nice easy in and out at the beach. The race tells you to be on the bus by 6am to get bused from the parking lot to the start. It was one of those hurry up and wait kind of things. It was cold waiting around at the start. Even though I knew ahead of time this was two big loops and that we would go by the finish area at mile 13, this race is definitely ideal if you’re doing the half. Almost everyone out cheering in the first 13 assume you are doing g the half. I had some beer at 12 because why not. A biker even have me a hard time for not picking up my pace beat mile 12.8 and I had to tell him I was no where close to being done. The first half has some quick little streets you run down and then turn back. I was expecting to spend the 2nd half running alone but I didn’t as surprised to be surrounded by people most of the time. The traffic control in the 2nd half was not idea especially right after 24 there is a very scary intersection where my friend nearly got hit by one of the buses that was transporting runners. The 2nd half is definitely hilly. The hills at 22.5 and 24 are as advertised big hills. The long straightaway past where you see the finish and into the parking lot was tough. The cars along the road are also staring at you very impatiently. When I finished I was able to get a beer but they ran out shortly after I finished because they were selling them. So anyone finishing around 5 hours or more didn’t get one. There is no chairs inside the beer garden and you can’t take your beer outside the tent. I did really love the portable lockers rather than gear check especially since we had a rental car. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. I also love the medal.
Beautiful!
I think this might be the most beautiful course I've run, or at least top five. The medal was great, shirt was ok. Shuttle to the start/finish was easy. Lodging … MORE
I think this might be the most beautiful course I’ve run, or at least top five. The medal was great, shirt was ok. Shuttle to the start/finish was easy. Lodging was very expensive though, but since I was able cross two states off my list this weekend (Cape Code the day before) I wasn’t too upset. My time was not great but that’s on me because I stopped numerous times to take pics of the ocean and the unreal mansions along the course.
Beautiful, rolling hills and lots of sun
TL;dr: be prepared for gusts of wind, bring a hat if you run the marathon, you don't need to be at the parking lot at 5 am-- you could get … MORE
TL;dr: be prepared for gusts of wind, bring a hat if you run the marathon, you don’t need to be at the parking lot at 5 am– you could get there at 6 and be fine, and train hills on tired legs.
Pros: swag is awesome, course is beautiful, plenty of well-stocked aid stations along the route, small race pool means lots of good photos and more personalized finish
Cons: second half has minimal shade, rolling hills throughout (not just the beast that is mile 24), some spots dangerous with cars, they had no pizza or beer when I finished, no recognition for first time marathoners
This was my first marathon, and I picked it for the scenery and the finishers medal (hinged scallop– so cool!!). The website said to park as close to 5 am as possible; we parked at 5:45 and stood around in the dark at Easton Beach just waiting until 7:30. You could easily have parked at 6:30. Also, the open air pavilion offers little shelter from the cold, and they didn’t want people staying inside the bib tent to stay warm because it was hard for people to get their supplies. The half marathon route is beautiful, with a sizable hill right at the beginning and a tour of the gorgeous oceanic views from Ocean Drive. The entire course is rolling hills, and I think the elevation map provided makes them seem small but they were difficult for many runners. Decent elevation gain over a moderate distance. Plenty of spectators make it a very fun and encouraging race if you do the half. The last few miles running back toward Easton beach I found to be difficult because the road is not asphalt, it’s more like concrete so my knees really felt it. I’m not a huge fan of the little turnarounds but I understand the need to add on small amounts of distance. Great downhill finish for the half and the signage is very clear for the marathoners to continue on past. At this point, there are far less runners and spectators, so it is very much a mental race. Also, due to the shape of the course, it’s tough for your personal spectators to see you at multiple points (if they can bring a bicycle, I would recommend it– my cheering section saw me at the start, in between miles 11 and 12, at mile 17, and at the finish. I wish I could have seen them more, but they were walking and trying to utilize the shuttles). The roads in the first half have plenty of shade from large trees, while the second half has pretty minimal shade which I did not expect. This added to my overall fatigue and you could tell it was impacting multiple runners. Aid stations the whole time had water, gatorade/nuun, candy (sour patch kids), bananas, and gels at select location; I was able to get what I wanted from each one every time. Some of the worst parts were that roads were not totally closed, and many drivers tried to continue to drive on the course around the runners, creating dangerous situations for both other drivers as some were driving in the wrong lane and leading to cars going both directions in the same lane being stuck while runners ran in the other lane or cars trying to weave through runners and cones. There was clear signage that drivers should find alternate routes but I would like to see the roads be totally closed. This race also offered pizza and a free beer to all race participants, but when I finished they had run out of both. I think the organization could have been better there as they knew how many runners had registered and should have planned accordingly– why only bring 2000 beers for a 4000 person race? However, I think this race overall was a high energy, very positive and challenging race with beautiful views and clear communication. Would recommend running it once!
Amazing scenery
This race has been recommended over and over by 50 staters. Did this as a double state weekend with Cape Cod. Easy bib pickup. Shuttling to start while a pain … MORE
This race has been recommended over and over by 50 staters. Did this as a double state weekend with Cape Cod.
Easy bib pickup. Shuttling to start while a pain was pretty painless.
Course was simply gorgeous!! Beautiful views. Beautiful day. Highly recommend