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
Local Historical Weather (Oct 11):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 65 | 67 | 65 | 64 | 70 |
| L (°F) | 53 | 46 | 49 | 44 | 57 |
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All around amazing
This race was incredible, even with the weather not cooperating this year. First, packet pickup was a breeze and the swag was amazing. The shirt is high quality with one … MORE
This race was incredible, even with the weather not cooperating this year. First, packet pickup was a breeze and the swag was amazing. The shirt is high quality with one of the cutest, very on-brand designs I’ve seen (a sporty octopus with a water bottle). Everything really fit the ocean theme. The course itself was beautiful, easy, and full of great signage and aid support. We live nowhere near Rhode Island and would absolutely do this one again.
Beautiful
The weather was not the greatest, Windy and rain, but nothing you can do about that. The course was AMAZING and very scenic! The race Tshirt is so comfortable. The … MORE
The weather was not the greatest, Windy and rain, but nothing you can do about that. The course was AMAZING and very scenic! The race Tshirt is so comfortable. The hill to start sucked but really helped at the end. You have to shuttle to the start or walk a long way.
Hilly, wet but still a beautiful race
It was a hilly race with significant elevation gain, made even tougher by wet, cold conditions and a Nor’easter expected to arrive later that day. Still, it turned out to … MORE
It was a hilly race with significant elevation gain, made even tougher by wet, cold conditions and a Nor’easter expected to arrive later that day. Still, it turned out to be a beautiful run along the sea and past the mansions that line the Newport coast. The only low point aside from the uncontrollable weather was the delay in getting a bus back to the parking lot. It wasn’t entirely the organizer’s fault, a medical emergency forced returning participants to be redirected to different pickup spots in the cold. Ultimately, amid the confusion, we decided it was easier to walk to the lot rather than wait for the bus.
Beat the Storm
I ran this race as a double with Cape Cod Half on Saturday. For the weekend I stayed at Fall River which is 55 minutes from Cape Cod and about … MORE
I ran this race as a double with Cape Cod Half on Saturday. For the weekend I stayed at Fall River which is 55 minutes from Cape Cod and about 30 minutes from Newport. If you are doing the double I would highly recommend this plan. If you are just doing Newport and looking to save money I would also recommend staying in Fall River. This race had good pre race communication. There was the threat of a Nor’easter and the race was good at communicating the weather and giving regular updates. It was a similar race and similar set up to the Newport Rhode Race I did in April. There were a few differences in the courses but they had the same start/finish and both covered the same best parts of Newport on the course. The extra mileages to make it a half marathon differed a little between the two. You also parked in the same business park and were shuttled to the start. It was all smooth in the morning. This race also had race day packet pick up for no additional fee. Packet pick-up was inside a tent. It included bib and an adorable race shirt. Personally I absolutely love the shirt. It’s a top 10 shirt for me (and I have a lot of race shirts). It is a lovely seafoam green with an adorable octopus who has a handheld water bottle because he is running the race and might get thirsty. It is super cute. Since I couldn’t go back to my car and the weather was a bit cool I just put the shirt on over my other shirt and ran in two shirts as opposed to dealing with bag check. We really lucked out. The storm didn’t come until afternoon and other than it being a bit windy and the occasional drizzle it was excellent race weather. The race had pacers and you lined up by pace. I stood by the 3 hours pacer just to make sure I didn’t go too fast but I knew I wasn’t finishing in 3 hours as I was exhausted from this being my 4th half marathon in 9 days and the race had a 3:30 time limit so I really didn’t need to push myself that hard. I did set a goal of 3:15 and tried to get most of my miles under 15 minutes. There is also an early start option if you think you will be over 3:30. I wanted to sleep in and did not opt for this as I knew I’d make the time limit. The course is mostly really nice. It starts going up a hill but you end downhill. There is a bit through downtown Newport. There was a small section I hated around mile 3 where we were on a narrow shoulder of road running with traffic (deja vu from Salem MA) but most of it was on closed, partially closed or quiet roads. The first part is nice though not spectacular but then the section around mile 5 by the coast is breath taking and some of the most beautiful scenery you will see. You do a few miles along the coast and then near the end of the race you go past all the famous mansions and then downhill to the finish at the beach. The course is hilly but not terrible. It’s “rolling hills.” Not a great PR or BQ course but not so hilly to avoid the race or meet a reasonable time goal. I did meet my reasonable time goal. There are a good amount of spectators though it is not a spectator filled course. There were aid stations with water, gatorade and a few had gels. There were also mile markers and everything was well marked. I was mostly having a nice time except that section on the tight shoulder until mile 10 when this car with a loud speaker is telling us to go to the sidewalks….not again. Seriously I was way under the time limit. I thought to myself if I have to finish the final 3.1 miles on a sidewalk I am never running a race in New England again. Luckily it was only that street which was maybe 1/4 mile on the sidewalk but after Cape Cod and all the other instances of back of the pack unfriendliness I’ve encountered this fall, I was not happy this section. Luckily the mansions to follow and the lack of side walk running after cheered me up though I would have probably given this 5 sneakers if it wasn’t for that section where I was forced on the side walk. I did have less back of the pack issues than I had at the Newport Rhode Race in April and they never ran out of aid. I did notice at one out and back section with an aid station before the out and back that they were clearing it when I returned. I do think based on how long it took me to finish the out and back that this was after the time cutoff pace but it does look like if you are over the time cutoff, the aid stations may be empty (which is totally fair and I didn’t knock off points for this but wanted any 3:40 half marathoners thinking about this race to know this so they know to do the early start). I was fairly happy with my finishing time and happy they didn’t force me to the sidewalk right before the finish like they did in the April Newport Rhode Race. I managed to have most of my miles be under 15 minutes except the hilliest ones and none over 16 minutes and finished just under my goal of 3:15. Not my greatest finishing time but a great finishing time for the 4th half marathon in 9 days. The medal is nice and anchored shape. Although I was hoping it would be a bit more adorable like the shirt. There was decent finish line food. They had red bull vendors which was great as I needed caffeine. They also had bobo bars (which I love) and cheese pizza though it was cold. It did start to drizzle at the end. There was a bit of a line for the shuttle. It wasn’t terrible and better than the April Newport Rhode Race but kind of annoying in the rain. Overall I mostly enjoyed this race except two short sections. It’s very scenic and challenging but not too challenging. While it wasn’t a perfect back of the pack experience it was better than Cape Cod and better the the April Newport Rhode Race for the back of the pack. For the most part I would recommend this race for Rhode Island. It wasn’t perfect but it is so far the best blend of scenery and back of the pack friendliness that I have found in RI. I would consider doing this race again but I’d also consider checking out other races this weekend.
One of the most beautiful races!
Such a beautiful race! This year was particularly windy, which was challenging as a Nor'easter was coming in, but the scenery was great! I did not love the three hairpin … MORE
Such a beautiful race! This year was particularly windy, which was challenging as a Nor’easter was coming in, but the scenery was great! I did not love the three hairpin turns that we had to run in the second half. There were a lot of hills as well. Swag was nice and the shirt has a good material and a cute design. I also PR’ed on a tough day, so I would definitely recommend this race.
Perfectly fine marathon
Newport is a perfectly nice town, though the course runs more along the coast than the old town proper. The second half is less scenic & more neighborhoods. Starts and … MORE
Newport is a perfectly nice town, though the course runs more along the coast than the old town proper. The second half is less scenic & more neighborhoods. Starts and ends at one of the beach parking lots. There are hills but nothing nightmarish.
Shuttles to and from the off-site marathon parking were smooth. No problems.
Swag was fine. Medal was nice. T-shirt was a bit of a weird design. (Octopus with a baby bottle?)
Weather was bad, but could have been worse. A “nor’easter” was set to hit RI but held off until about mile 18-20. It did make post-race pretty miserable though.
Everything is expensive. I stayed in Providence and drove down to Newport. Logistically, it worked fine, though I don’t like driving right after a race.
Course was well marked. Registration was orderly/efficient. Race director was present & responsive. Small expo. Overall – the race was well run.
While it might not make my top favorites from all 50 states, it was perfectly pleasant (other than the rain). No complaints!
Beautiful Course & Great Planning!
This was my first time running Amica Newport Marathon and it did not disappoint! I am always entering a race a bit weary when they have shuttles to the start … MORE
This was my first time running Amica Newport Marathon and it did not disappoint! I am always entering a race a bit weary when they have shuttles to the start (from previous bad experiences) but was immediately at ease when seeing the shuttles work like clockwork and I was at the start merely 10 minutes after parking.
Bib pick up in the morning was easy, everyone was friendly, and the swag was super cute! It was going to be a rainy day so I was excited to put the shirt on after finishing.
The course looks challenging (elevation wise) until you are on the course and you realize that every uphill has an equal downhill. No, it’s not the easiest course but it isn’t brutal by any means. I feel like the planners really considered making the course beautiful and balanced – it was felt! Did not get a PR here (it’s not that kind of course) but I got really close so don’t go into thinking you’ll have to go all that slower than usual.
Finish line was everything I want – music, food, beer. Pizza at the finish – yes please! Bagels / peanut butter, apples and bananas, gateraid. What more could you want?
My only suggestion is that they keep some of the food for the marathoners. My husband was running the marathon while I was doing the half. He finished in about 3:30 so earlier than a lot of other marathoners and the food was starting to look sparse. Felt bad for anyone crossing 4:30 or later!
Otherwise – this race was stellar. Highly recommend (especially for my 50-staters).
Great race along the cost
Newport Marathon was an excellent ran race with beautiful scenery. Expo: The Expo was at Easton Beach were the race ends and starts. Packet pick up is Friday 5-7 or … MORE
Newport Marathon was an excellent ran race with beautiful scenery.
Expo: The Expo was at Easton Beach were the race ends and starts. Packet pick up is Friday 5-7 or Saturday the day before. They did have the option for a Sunday pick up if need be. It was in a big tent in the parking lot at the beach where you get your bib and shirt. They had additional swag to buy in both for the Marathon and some vendors, but not to much. Only handful of vendors.
Start: It starts and ends on the beach. It starts at 7:30. They offer Shuttles starting at 5 am at another beach for the full marathon. (half shuttles somewhere else). You can also get dropped off for the race if its before 7:00am.
Course: The first 3 miles or so you go through Downtown Newport. Plenty of spectators during this portion. Around Mile 4-9 is when you start to go through the famous ocean drive, and you have some absolutely beautiful scenery. Your running along the ocean and the waves are hitting and the wind going. You pass by a lot of the gilded age mansions. One my favorite 5 mile stretch of any race I’ve ran. Then on mile 10 you leave the cost and go along Bellevue avenue where you pass lot of the famous mansions including the Vanderbilt’s breakers mansion. Around mile 11 you start to head back to Easton Beach. The half marathoners will then finish while the full go east into Middletown. After running through downtown Middletown for about 2 miles you run past second beach where you parked and then run out towards SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. This part of the race from miles 15-17 is also breath taking. You have more beautiful coastal running. Then miles 17-23 you run north through different neighborhoods. This is least interesting part of the race, but you still get to see some beautiful homes. At mile 23 you then back track and run the same course back through downtown Middletown to you finish on Easton Beach. Note through out the course there are rolling hills. The net elevation gain is not to high, but there are lots of rolling hills going in and out of Easton beach and during the back half.
Aid Stations: They were great, had water and Gatorade at each one. and had your basic Gel at every aid station which I’ve not experience before. Also had Bananas and good amount of porta potties too. Great Volunteers. End of Race had Water, Gatorade, Bagels, Pizza, and other usual post-race food.
Weather: We had to deal with a nor’easter in 2025. Lucky the rain held off too about mile 20, but it was very Windy. I think this is unusual looking at the history, but there always chance of Rain. Most years it looks like it will be fine. Temps were in the 50s which seems about average. I bet its unusual to reach above 70 for this time of year. Though always be prepared for wind along the cost.
Swag: The Medal was cool it was shaped in an anchor. Defiantly one that stands out on my Medal board. T-Shirt was high quality with a cool little delight of an Octopus. Both fit in with the theme of a New England Beach town.
Overall: It was a great race well put together. Beautiful ocean scenery, cool swag, and great production value. If your okay with some rolling hills then I would highly recommend this race.
Going in my Top Ten!
What a gorgeous race! Starts with a quaint downtown section, then runs past the famous Newport Mansions (including the Vanderbilt’s Breakers), fantastic ocean views, and ends on a fast downhill … MORE
What a gorgeous race! Starts with a quaint downtown section, then runs past the famous Newport Mansions (including the Vanderbilt’s Breakers), fantastic ocean views, and ends on a fast downhill finish. The rolling hills added character without much effort. Great time of the year with some change in leaf color and a comfortable temperature. The race director allowed me to defer from last year without any difficulties or extra charges. I’d highly recommend this race!!
Back to back marathon blow up
My experience with this race was greatly affected by having ran in Hartford the day prior. I was in rough shape and declined significantly throughout the race. I finished and … MORE
My experience with this race was greatly affected by having ran in Hartford the day prior. I was in rough shape and declined significantly throughout the race. I finished and for this one, that’s enough for me.
Pros: Great communication by event coordinators, solid course, great views, well supported, unique destination event.
Cons: Narrow roads in 1st half shared with half marathoners, several out & back legs to pad distance. Otherwise really great and highly enjoyable course.
Beautiful Course
COMMUNICATION was great with all the info you need. EXPO was really just bib pick up, extra merch, and a couple of vendors. They did have a booth where you … MORE
COMMUNICATION was great with all the info you need.
EXPO was really just bib pick up, extra merch, and a couple of vendors. They did have a booth where you could purchase nutrition if you forgot yours.
COURSE did have some rolling hills but nothing crazy. Def don’t forget your hill training. The views of the ocean and the huge homes/mansions was amazing. This was one of the prettiest courses I’ve seen in a while. It helped keep my mind off the run. I finished the 1/2 marathon just as the Nor’easter started to hit with the rain and the wind. It got pretty wild pretty quick so that added a unique dynamic to the race. Kinda fun honestly. SWAG wasn’t that great. Got a t-shirt with an octopus holding a baby bottle which I thought was really weird. Medal was shaped like an anchor which was cool. AFTER PARTY was hampered by the weather but that can’t be helped. They had good food choices and even some pizza. Overall, a great choice for RI
The best the Ocean State has to offer!
The course highlights all the best sights Newport has to offer! The course goes along all the beaches and the Newport mansions. I was surprised by the amount of crowd … MORE
The course highlights all the best sights Newport has to offer! The course goes along all the beaches and the Newport mansions. I was surprised by the amount of crowd support: it was non-stop! Whole neighborhoods were camped out cheering.
There was a lot of GU available at the majority of the stations (I’ve never seen so much GU available before!) There were lots of port a potties along the course that were pretty clean… quite a bit more than I’m used to seeing at other races. The post-race food was ok. It was cafeteria-grade cheese pizza and bagels.
The medal was cute, but very simple, and the shirt was a super soft fabric, and short sleeved.
I will definitely run this again, and recommend you do too!
Amica Newport Half
Great communication prior to the run. There was a storm coming, and they kept us informed on what was happening with possible cancellation. Rolling hills throughout. Beautiful to run through … MORE
Great communication prior to the run. There was a storm coming, and they kept us informed on what was happening with possible cancellation.
Rolling hills throughout. Beautiful to run through the cute “downtowny “ area and along the coast.
Beautiful course
This was a gorgeous course with some rolling hills. The tshirt is super cute and the medal is nice, and that was it for swag. After race food was lots … MORE
This was a gorgeous course with some rolling hills. The tshirt is super cute and the medal is nice, and that was it for swag.
After race food was lots of cold pizza, some apples, bananas, Gatorade, water, chocolate milk, and a free beer.
Shuttle busses to start line were on time and pickup was a little more hectic but everyone did get a ride.
My group did the early start at 6:30 AM because we are slow, and we really appreciated the extra time.
Good choice for 50 staters.
Fantastic race
Despite the storm rolling in at mile 18, the race and all aspects of it was fantastic! Great medal, cute shirt, well-stocked aide stations, even in the back (Gu + … MORE
Despite the storm rolling in at mile 18, the race and all aspects of it was fantastic! Great medal, cute shirt, well-stocked aide stations, even in the back (Gu + bananas!) and a fun finish line. Also, the scenery was stunning! Thank you Rhode Island!
scenery can't be beat.
Amazing race!! Yes, there is one BIG hill at beginning of race and rolling hills throughout, but the scenery is absolutely stunning making it well worth the discomfort of running … MORE
Amazing race!! Yes, there is one BIG hill at beginning of race and rolling hills throughout, but the scenery is absolutely stunning making it well worth the discomfort of running those hills. Drove from MA and stayed at a hotel across from start/finish line. It was a little pricey but worth it for the convenience. Shirt/bib/small expo at site of start/finish, which was in the parking lot at the beach. good production/communication/swag/medal. Definitely worth it to spend a weekend so you can enjoy Newport and tour the mansions. Would happily repeat this race.
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!