First time running this race and I did not know what to expect, and I ended up coming away very happy. I chose to run the 1/2 instead of the … MORE
First time running this race and I did not know what to expect, and I ended up coming away very happy.
I chose to run the 1/2 instead of the full marathon because I have difficulty training for spring races due to work hours in the first few months of the year.
I arrived at the expo/bib pick up and found it very organized and well staffed. The entire weekend I was amazed at the number of volunteers and how helpful and friendly they were. The bib pick up was very smooth and the expo/vendor area was a little smaller than I was expecting, of course I had to peruse the items.
Race Day- The shuttle buses were available and the ride to the start was fairly fast and efficient. Again, the volunteers were awesome, especially those assisting in holding traffic while crossing the streets from parking to the busses. The start was the HS, which was open for use to stay warm in the gym and use the restrooms.
There were several pacing groups to choose from with varying pace time intervals, not just every 15 minutes.
The course was well marked and staffed with volunteers. Along the main/busier roads, the lanes were blocked with a large number of cones to car drivers would not be confused and try to drive in a running lane. The course had several nice tree lined roads through neighborhoods, and the road along the bay offered a beautiful view. The closing mile was a nice straightaway past the shipbuilding docks and building. It was nice to see a large flag in the distance, leading you to the finish.
The finisher medal was a nice size and weight, as well as a very nice design.
The finish area was well staffed with volunteers providing help for hydration and food. Following that, the finisher tent was well staffed and provided plenty of assistance for stretching, massage, pain-gel rubs and some goodies, including a beautiful two-toned pint glass.
The afterparty was fun, with a band playing; and runners were provided with some complimentary beer and food.
I would definitely run this race again, and may even look to run the full marathon if I can work my schedule better.
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Newport News One City
First time running this race and I did not know what to expect, and I ended up coming away very happy. I chose to run the 1/2 instead of the … MORE
First time running this race and I did not know what to expect, and I ended up coming away very happy.
I chose to run the 1/2 instead of the full marathon because I have difficulty training for spring races due to work hours in the first few months of the year.
I arrived at the expo/bib pick up and found it very organized and well staffed. The entire weekend I was amazed at the number of volunteers and how helpful and friendly they were. The bib pick up was very smooth and the expo/vendor area was a little smaller than I was expecting, of course I had to peruse the items.
Race Day- The shuttle buses were available and the ride to the start was fairly fast and efficient. Again, the volunteers were awesome, especially those assisting in holding traffic while crossing the streets from parking to the busses. The start was the HS, which was open for use to stay warm in the gym and use the restrooms.
There were several pacing groups to choose from with varying pace time intervals, not just every 15 minutes.
The course was well marked and staffed with volunteers. Along the main/busier roads, the lanes were blocked with a large number of cones to car drivers would not be confused and try to drive in a running lane. The course had several nice tree lined roads through neighborhoods, and the road along the bay offered a beautiful view. The closing mile was a nice straightaway past the shipbuilding docks and building. It was nice to see a large flag in the distance, leading you to the finish.
The finisher medal was a nice size and weight, as well as a very nice design.
The finish area was well staffed with volunteers providing help for hydration and food. Following that, the finisher tent was well staffed and provided plenty of assistance for stretching, massage, pain-gel rubs and some goodies, including a beautiful two-toned pint glass.
The afterparty was fun, with a band playing; and runners were provided with some complimentary beer and food.
I would definitely run this race again, and may even look to run the full marathon if I can work my schedule better.
Excellent race for a PR!
Ran this race specifically to PR in the half marathon. My previous PR in the half was a 1:45:35, and I had heard great things about the One City race … MORE
Ran this race specifically to PR in the half marathon. My previous PR in the half was a 1:45:35, and I had heard great things about the One City race so I decided to give it a shot. I was able to get a PR of 1:32:47. The course is mostly flat, with hills being long and steady as opposed to steep. The final stretch is brutal, just goes on forever as you slog to the end, but there is about 150 meters as you turn a bend to the finish line and the crowd goes nuts to get you to the line. Had a great race and will attempt to BQ at the full in 2025.
Awesome, Fun amazing Event!!!
Great race put together by an amazing staff, coordinators & sponsors. EPIC community support with a beautiful scenic running course. Fun for all ages not to mention running paces no … MORE
Great race put together by an amazing staff, coordinators & sponsors.
EPIC community support with a beautiful scenic running course.
Fun for all ages not to mention running paces no matter walker, novice or elite. Super enthusiastic motivated volunteers along the way.
And I love the MEDALS and super fun post race celebration!!!
I SIMPLY LOVE PARTICAPATING AND RUNNING THIS EVENT!
Organized, Beautiful, and FUN!
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! … MORE
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!
Good experience
Race organization and communication was great! Lots of free merch and food/drinks after the race. The course is relatively flat, just a couple of hills. The pacers with the 2:15 … MORE
Race organization and communication was great! Lots of free merch and food/drinks after the race. The course is relatively flat, just a couple of hills. The pacers with the 2:15 group were fantastic and helped make the experience great.
Great race for all levels!
Great race...course was not too difficult and led us through scenic Newport News. Great after race party as well! This is a perfect race for beginners, intermediate, and seasoned runners! … MORE
Great race…course was not too difficult and led us through scenic Newport News. Great after race party as well! This is a perfect race for beginners, intermediate, and seasoned runners!
Best first half marathon experience!
This was my first half marathon, and everything about One City was excellent! Great swag, great energy, flat easy course, and early enough in the year for the weather to … MORE
This was my first half marathon, and everything about One City was excellent! Great swag, great energy, flat easy course, and early enough in the year for the weather to be cool. Love that they provide Huma gels and were handing them out generously halfway through. There was tons of support from the community – people setting up their own aid stations and cheering us on. NNPD did an excellent job with traffic control. The race photographers did a great job. I really don’t have anything negative to say. This race is a well-oiled machine, and I’ll definitely be back running again next year!
Fast. Fun. Well organized. Great SWAG.
I highly recommend the One City half marathon. You get the expert organization of a much larger race without all the crowds. The course was extremely fast (the only challenge … MORE
I highly recommend the One City half marathon. You get the expert organization of a much larger race without all the crowds. The course was extremely fast (the only challenge was the part with a lot of turns, but that was short-lived) and I ran a PR. Weather that time of year is usually pretty good. I’ve run this race twice and both times I enjoyed my experience. Great SWAG (I loved the socks at the end) and the race photos turned out awesome. I like that they don’t use Marathonfoto.
Love One City
Despite a rainy day I PR’d - finally got my Garmin recommended 5K time and managed to snag 3rd female despite having 3 kiddos, full time job and school to … MORE
Despite a rainy day I PR’d – finally got my Garmin recommended 5K time and managed to snag 3rd female despite having 3 kiddos, full time job and school to balance. I’ve ran the half before too and these races are the best.
Choose this to be my first half
The course runs from Menchville high school to downtown Newport News. Running along the main roads is not great but the diversions into the surrounding neighborhoods, CNU, and the park … MORE
The course runs from Menchville high school to downtown Newport News. Running along the main roads is not great but the diversions into the surrounding neighborhoods, CNU, and the park are beautiful. The finish line is awesome, the crowd support fantastic and energizing. Lots of groups set up stands throughout the course with water, snacks, beer! Etc.
Community support, well organized
This was a great race! Not one glitch that I noticed (marathon 71 for me). Shuttles ran on time; two stayed for sitting in warmth. I had arranged with race … MORE
This was a great race! Not one glitch that I noticed (marathon 71 for me).
Shuttles ran on time; two stayed for sitting in warmth. I had arranged with race staff to pick up my bib at the start, which was kind of them. Plenty of water a port a potties while waiting.
Started in time; nice point to point course. This is the second race where there were permanent mile markers put up by the city (other race where I saw this was Little Rock Arkansas marathon). People on their lawns with bonus aid stations (water, shots (the usual) but also gu, sport beans, fruit snacks). A couple miles on a busy road but mostly neighborhoods then the CNU campus and brief water views at the end. Two stations with chia gels (caffeinated) and a couple of golf carts with band aids, body glide, etc.)
Weather was a bit sunny and high of 60 but it felt warm after our cold February training. Really nice medal and volunteers at the end. Plenty of police directing traffic over a long course. Finish stretch (last half mile) aimed at a giant American flag then a quick turn and you could see the finish arch right there. Race photos the next day available.
Well done, Newport News! I was so jazzed at the end—got my medal photo, bananas, water and Gatorade and jumped in my car to drive to DC. Realized I forgot to get my shirt (my bad). If I do it again I’ll go to the expo the day before!! The shirt was a pretty medium blue and nice logo—long sleeve, I believe, but I don’t know about the fabric. The medal is nice—nice size, weight, shine 😊
Outstanding Surprise Race
I came into it with low expectations, especially with the "more popular" local race two week later. LOVED the race, people and energy. Logistics were outstanding. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. MORE
I came into it with low expectations, especially with the “more popular” local race two week later. LOVED the race, people and energy. Logistics were outstanding. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Amazing
This was my very first marathon. I am so excited and elated to have participated in this race. My highlight of the day was rescuing a puppy from getting hit. … MORE
This was my very first marathon. I am so excited and elated to have participated in this race. My highlight of the day was rescuing a puppy from getting hit. He was in the path of the runners, and I saw him getting ready to cross the street. I told the officer. I waited for the officer, and he tried to locate his home. I am glad we were running at this particular time so that he wouldn’t get hurt.
First half finish
This was my first half ever after a few attempts and injuries stopping me. Had a blast and can’t wait for my 2nd! The course was amazing and the race … MORE
This was my first half ever after a few attempts and injuries stopping me. Had a blast and can’t wait for my 2nd! The course was amazing and the race is unique in that covers the entire city.
Great run
Organization was great. Packet pick up was simple and quick. No real expo though.. Just a couple of booths of sale stuff, so it would have been nice to have … MORE
Organization was great. Packet pick up was simple and quick. No real expo though.. Just a couple of booths of sale stuff, so it would have been nice to have packet pick up available day of. But I guess that could be a coordination issue as this was a one way run. I’m sure that was well advertised somwhere. But somehow we missed all those spots until night before what we were planning our hotel departure time. But. No big deal. Pleanty of parking and bus options to take you to the start. At the start you were able to hang out inside the school, use the indoor bathrooms, and stay warm.
– the run itself was great. Pleanty of water and Gatorade stations (though more water than Gatorade). Lots of sideline volunteers handing out jelly beans, m&ms, fruit, and cold towels.
– course was relatively flat (elevation uploaded in pics). But I walked this half. scenery was nice. Ran through a park for a while. I didn’t see any wild life. Except some dogs to pet! My uncle said there were “three bear” at mile 8.25. I was on the look out… But all I saw was “free beer”. I think maybe he took them up on that beer offer 🤷♀️
-swag was nice, got a white, long sleeve athletic shift (unisex), and a koozie (not from the run), and of course the conveted medal.
– after you had the option of food from one of four different food trucks and 2 cups of free beer. Panera was also out there with bagels. And this is the only place I’ve seen a post run massage with no line!
Perfect Race for a Personal Best!
Great communication before the race. Packet pickup was simple and easy. Race morning parking was plentiful and easy. Race area was nice at a park. Plenty of port-a-lets. Great atmosphere … MORE
Great communication before the race.
Packet pickup was simple and easy.
Race morning parking was plentiful and easy.
Race area was nice at a park. Plenty of port-a-lets. Great atmosphere with music.
Race ran a couple miles thru the park and we saw many deer which was awesome.
Course was perfect, enough turns to keep it interesting. This is not a completely flat course but the inclines were gentle and not long, and the declines were great. So this also made for a good course.
Course went thru neighborhoods, main streets and parks. Lots of great scenery especially when you were near the water.
Course support was amazing! So much police support, you felt completely safe, even on the roads that weren’t “closed”.
Loved the turn into the finish line! Great atmosphere.
Awesome medal and finish line party with great food options from local food trucks.
I have nothing but good things to say about this race! I’m glad I chose it to run a Personal Best and a Boston Qualifier. And while the race can’t control this, the weather was absolutely perfect, low 40s to start with almost no wind and sunny skies.
Came for a BQ, got a BQ!
My boyfriend and I signed up for this race last minute for several reasons. The first was I had tried and failed to secure a BQ time at the marathon … MORE
My boyfriend and I signed up for this race last minute for several reasons. The first was I had tried and failed to secure a BQ time at the marathon we had run 2 weeks prior. It wasn’t devastating because the course was for the other race wasn’t particularly easy and we planned on running another marathon in the fall. But, we had the bug and the One City Marathon was just waiting for us and the price was great, even for last minute. One City was also my partners very first marathon in 2017 and he was excited to run it again and felt the fast course would secure me the BQ I so very wanted. He was right. The race was spectacular. Well organized shuttles for the exciting point to point course, heated bathroom options at the start and a very easy gear check. The course was flat and fast with a variety of different scenery along the course to keep it interesting. The water/aid stations were abundant with many port-a-John opportunities as well. There was a lot of course support and the spectators were amazing. I especially liked the kids at the halfway point at the schools… they were great and we gave them a show! There were plenty of photographers on course and the finish line medal/snack stations were great! The finish line festival was awesome with lots of cool stuff to do and gear bag retrieval could not have been easier. The kid was handing me my bag before I got there… give that volunteer a cookie!! Food trucks and video booths made the event even more special. We will be returning next year for sure! 5 star race!
A good choice for your PR
Point to point race. Easy to park in the park of the start. Easy to park for family members in the finish area. It's flat = Fast course The race … MORE
Point to point race. Easy to park in the park of the start. Easy to park for family members in the finish area.
It’s flat = Fast course
The race week is a week before the day light saving. No time adjustment is needed. (!!!)
Flat, less crowded, perfect for PR
The after party celebration had much more unique selections than other races. Appreciated the complimtary sport massage/stretch. Appreciated the food truck selection and fresh pizza. The course wasn’t crowded with … MORE
The after party celebration had much more unique selections than other races. Appreciated the complimtary sport massage/stretch. Appreciated the food truck selection and fresh pizza. The course wasn’t crowded with racers so it made it easy to get through. Perfect place to PR.
Love Newport News one city marathon
Make sure you fuel, wear nothing new in race day, wear sunscreen, drink a lot fluids, and have fun. Train very well, get a running coach, eat your carbs MORE
Make sure you fuel, wear nothing new in race day, wear sunscreen, drink a lot fluids, and have fun. Train very well, get a running coach, eat your carbs