| 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
| H (°F) | 40 | 42 | 56 | 80 | 65 |
| L (°F) | 25 | 39 | 51 | 60 | 37 |
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The 8k runs you through the historic shipping district of Newport News. the scenery is industrial and surrounding homes. It is a well organized race and has easy parking near … MORE
The 8k runs you through the historic shipping district of Newport News. the scenery is industrial and surrounding homes. It is a well organized race and has easy parking near by. The post race celebration is a lot of fun.
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On the 8k, there are two decent hills/overpasses to start you off, but that's the biggest challenge, and both are out of the way by the first 1/2 mile. After … MORE
On the 8k, there are two decent hills/overpasses to start you off, but that’s the biggest challenge, and both are out of the way by the first 1/2 mile. After that, it’s all flat, or even slight down hills. Course is well marked, has cops guarding all the roads for traffic. 2 aid stations both at great places. Huge area to run/pass in for 90% of the race. Nothing worse than bottle necking, and the other 10% is just 1 lane instead of 3 or 4 road lanes.
My favorite part of any J&A race is always the post event. Good food, great beer, massages!! OMG! The masseuses are magical. Don’t forget to stretch out in the yoga area and use foam rollers they provide after you run hard.
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I was looking for a flat, fast course in early spring and this race delivered! Packet pickup was small and easy. Nothing fancy but it got the job done. Tshirt … MORE
I was looking for a flat, fast course in early spring and this race delivered!
Packet pickup was small and easy. Nothing fancy but it got the job done. Tshirt is long sleeve, tech, nice.
It’s a point to point course (I stayed at the host hotel so it was easy to take the shuttle from the hotel to the start). We were able to sit on the warm buses until 15 minutes before the race start, which was really nice. Newport News Park, which has bathrooms — no port o potties! Because the race was fairly small – 400 marathoners – the lines were short. Gear check was near the start line and very easy.
Temperature on race day was PERFECT – 29 at the start and low 40s at the finish, very minimal wind.
The race is point to point and south. The beginning is tree lined and very pretty. Some of the course is along a commercial road, which isn’t the best but it’s not forever. The race also goes through some neighborhoods, a museum, and along some paved trails. The mile markers are permanent street signs. It’s a fairly flat course – I think around 250 feet of elevation over 26.2 miles. The end is a long straightaway until you make a right turn and see the finish.
There weren’t tons of spectators but the ones that were out were loud and enthusiastic. The students were especially great, as were the guys in the animal onesies offering beer (I didn’t partake but it made me smile).
Water and Gatorade were very two miles and the volunteers were AWESOME.
I ran a 6 minute PR and a Boston qualifier time by almost 7 minutes.
Highly recommend for a fast course with great logistics!
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This was my 14th marathon and it was a fantastic event. A friend and I flew down from Toronto to run this marathon $99 hotel, $64 car rental from Norfolk, … MORE
This was my 14th marathon and it was a fantastic event. A friend and I flew down from Toronto to run this marathon $99 hotel, $64 car rental from Norfolk, expo in hotel, easy peasy.
Our Tokyo marathon was cancelled so we rushed to find a replacement, so glad we can here instead of Napa Valley! Superb organization with Expo in the host hotel, shuttles to and from the start/finish areas, warm buses at the start**, real toilets in the ranger station plus portos, fast bag check, warm tents at the finish, make your own granola, free toiletries, hot chocolate and food trucks, stand up tables, outdoor heaters, oh, and TWO free beer! The volunteers at the expo, the start, on course, everywhere were just incredible. Even saw our favorite expo volunteer at the finish for a hug. The weather was cool -2’c to +4’c, sunny, minimal wind and beautiful course thorough parks, waterfront, historic neighborhoods, downtown, it had it all. There was also just the right amount of turns and elevation to keep your legs awake and no long stretches that didn’t end. The permanent mile markers was also helpful and bang on. I stuck with the 3:30 pace bunny and had a 9 min PB at 45yrs old! 1st in my AG. For only having 3000 runners they had top notch attractions. I will be back for another girls racing weekend and will bring them all!! This is my favorite non-major marathon! If you are looking to BQ this course is it (better than Erie) and it felt almost downhill for most of it.
Only downfall was it was the first time I placed in my age group but they didn’t have those medals/award there and will be mailed out. It would have meant so much more to be able to pick it up at the end than getting it in the mail sometime in the future. Regardless I rate this race 99.9/100.
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I signed up for One City last minute after Tokyo was canceled and I am very glad I did! It was my first small (<10,000 people) marathon so I wasn't … MORE
I signed up for One City last minute after Tokyo was canceled and I am very glad I did! It was my first small (<10,000 people) marathon so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have been training for a big PR and new this was supposed to be a fast course so hoping for the best.
– Traveling from out of town was easy. We flew into Richmond and rented a car for an easy drive. We didn’t get down to Newport News until late Saturday afternoon so had just enough time to get my bib before the expo closed
– We stayed in the hotel of the expo (holiday inn – hampton) and it was great. Despite the rooms not being ready after normal check-in but they were very accomodating and gave us restaurant voucher for our inconvenience. The check-in line for the hotel was also pretty long but the race staff was handing out snacks and water while we waited and one even offered to pick-up my bib for me so I would get it before the expo closed (my husband came to wait so I didn’t need them to)
– Long sleeve good quality race shirt came with registration
Race Day
– There are multiple buses leaving from the hotel – ones for half and one for the full. I originally got on the half bus and sat there for a few minutes until I realized. When I was getting on the next bus the driver specifically mentioned it was a bus to the full start – which I wish the other driver had done too. There are different starts for the half and full so be careful
– It was a cold morning. I brought sweats to donate since it’s what I’m used to but bag check seemed like it would have been super easy
– There were sections to line up based on pace per mile 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. and it was self-seeded
– Both porta-potties and full service bathrooms were available in the park where the start is. The porta-potties were right next to the start and there were plenty. The full-service were a short walk but close to where the buses dropped you off.
– It was a cold morning so the buses offered to let you stay on until 15 minutes before the start
– They had music at the start ‘village’ and despite being small it did have a good vibe like the really big races put on (obviously not to the full extent)
– Course was overall pretty easy. I would say generally flat but there were a few slight hills here and there, which I think is better than being a pancake the whole time. There are permanent mile marker road sides, which is cool, but easy to miss if you’re not paying atteniton
– I ran with a pace group – it was my first time ever doing this – and I am SO glad I did. The pacers were wonderful. We had 2 – they switched at the half. Both personable and really helped the miles fly. They were also super encouraging and the 2nd one did not let me give up at the end to get my time!
– Water stations were great – every 2 miles with gatorade at every other and gel at certain ones as well
– Spectators along the course were encouraging. They were not lined up along the entire way but there were definitely a lot more and a lot more energetic than I expected!
– My husband was a spectator and easily was able to drive to one point in the race we pre-determined and also get to the end to see me finish
– They had photographers along the course as well and some good pics
Post-Race Party
– Free beer, free food, free massages! The event coordinators really put their all into this race and it shows
Great event. I would highly recommend for a PR and fun small race!
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Flat, fast, and fun course. Outstanding communication and organization. Probably the best one out of the 10+ marathons I have competed in. It wasn't my best performance (unlucky), but still … MORE
Flat, fast, and fun course. Outstanding communication and organization. Probably the best one out of the 10+ marathons I have competed in. It wasn’t my best performance (unlucky), but still placed Top 10 (won Masters) and had a great experience despite not feeling well. I highly recommend it and will be back next year.
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Great community support that really pushed me to run faster. The course went through many of the scenic areas. The medal was very nice, the shirt was very nice, aid … MORE
Great community support that really pushed me to run faster. The course went through many of the scenic areas. The medal was very nice, the shirt was very nice, aid stations had plenty of water, gatorade & bananas!!
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Fun run and nice post race party
The 8k runs you through the historic shipping district of Newport News. the scenery is industrial and surrounding homes. It is a well organized race and has easy parking near … MORE
The 8k runs you through the historic shipping district of Newport News. the scenery is industrial and surrounding homes. It is a well organized race and has easy parking near by. The post race celebration is a lot of fun.
great start, great finish
On the 8k, there are two decent hills/overpasses to start you off, but that's the biggest challenge, and both are out of the way by the first 1/2 mile. After … MORE
On the 8k, there are two decent hills/overpasses to start you off, but that’s the biggest challenge, and both are out of the way by the first 1/2 mile. After that, it’s all flat, or even slight down hills. Course is well marked, has cops guarding all the roads for traffic. 2 aid stations both at great places. Huge area to run/pass in for 90% of the race. Nothing worse than bottle necking, and the other 10% is just 1 lane instead of 3 or 4 road lanes.
My favorite part of any J&A race is always the post event. Good food, great beer, massages!! OMG! The masseuses are magical. Don’t forget to stretch out in the yoga area and use foam rollers they provide after you run hard.
Great small town race on a fast course!
I was looking for a flat, fast course in early spring and this race delivered! Packet pickup was small and easy. Nothing fancy but it got the job done. Tshirt … MORE
I was looking for a flat, fast course in early spring and this race delivered!
Packet pickup was small and easy. Nothing fancy but it got the job done. Tshirt is long sleeve, tech, nice.
It’s a point to point course (I stayed at the host hotel so it was easy to take the shuttle from the hotel to the start). We were able to sit on the warm buses until 15 minutes before the race start, which was really nice. Newport News Park, which has bathrooms — no port o potties! Because the race was fairly small – 400 marathoners – the lines were short. Gear check was near the start line and very easy.
Temperature on race day was PERFECT – 29 at the start and low 40s at the finish, very minimal wind.
The race is point to point and south. The beginning is tree lined and very pretty. Some of the course is along a commercial road, which isn’t the best but it’s not forever. The race also goes through some neighborhoods, a museum, and along some paved trails. The mile markers are permanent street signs. It’s a fairly flat course – I think around 250 feet of elevation over 26.2 miles. The end is a long straightaway until you make a right turn and see the finish.
There weren’t tons of spectators but the ones that were out were loud and enthusiastic. The students were especially great, as were the guys in the animal onesies offering beer (I didn’t partake but it made me smile).
Water and Gatorade were very two miles and the volunteers were AWESOME.
I ran a 6 minute PR and a Boston qualifier time by almost 7 minutes.
Highly recommend for a fast course with great logistics!
Best Small BQ race, flat and fast
This was my 14th marathon and it was a fantastic event. A friend and I flew down from Toronto to run this marathon $99 hotel, $64 car rental from Norfolk, … MORE
This was my 14th marathon and it was a fantastic event. A friend and I flew down from Toronto to run this marathon $99 hotel, $64 car rental from Norfolk, expo in hotel, easy peasy.
Our Tokyo marathon was cancelled so we rushed to find a replacement, so glad we can here instead of Napa Valley! Superb organization with Expo in the host hotel, shuttles to and from the start/finish areas, warm buses at the start**, real toilets in the ranger station plus portos, fast bag check, warm tents at the finish, make your own granola, free toiletries, hot chocolate and food trucks, stand up tables, outdoor heaters, oh, and TWO free beer! The volunteers at the expo, the start, on course, everywhere were just incredible. Even saw our favorite expo volunteer at the finish for a hug. The weather was cool -2’c to +4’c, sunny, minimal wind and beautiful course thorough parks, waterfront, historic neighborhoods, downtown, it had it all. There was also just the right amount of turns and elevation to keep your legs awake and no long stretches that didn’t end. The permanent mile markers was also helpful and bang on. I stuck with the 3:30 pace bunny and had a 9 min PB at 45yrs old! 1st in my AG. For only having 3000 runners they had top notch attractions. I will be back for another girls racing weekend and will bring them all!! This is my favorite non-major marathon! If you are looking to BQ this course is it (better than Erie) and it felt almost downhill for most of it.
Only downfall was it was the first time I placed in my age group but they didn’t have those medals/award there and will be mailed out. It would have meant so much more to be able to pick it up at the end than getting it in the mail sometime in the future. Regardless I rate this race 99.9/100.
Small, Fast, and Super Well-Organized
I signed up for One City last minute after Tokyo was canceled and I am very glad I did! It was my first small (<10,000 people) marathon so I wasn't … MORE
I signed up for One City last minute after Tokyo was canceled and I am very glad I did! It was my first small (<10,000 people) marathon so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have been training for a big PR and new this was supposed to be a fast course so hoping for the best.
– Traveling from out of town was easy. We flew into Richmond and rented a car for an easy drive. We didn’t get down to Newport News until late Saturday afternoon so had just enough time to get my bib before the expo closed
– We stayed in the hotel of the expo (holiday inn – hampton) and it was great. Despite the rooms not being ready after normal check-in but they were very accomodating and gave us restaurant voucher for our inconvenience. The check-in line for the hotel was also pretty long but the race staff was handing out snacks and water while we waited and one even offered to pick-up my bib for me so I would get it before the expo closed (my husband came to wait so I didn’t need them to)
– Long sleeve good quality race shirt came with registration
Race Day
– There are multiple buses leaving from the hotel – ones for half and one for the full. I originally got on the half bus and sat there for a few minutes until I realized. When I was getting on the next bus the driver specifically mentioned it was a bus to the full start – which I wish the other driver had done too. There are different starts for the half and full so be careful
– It was a cold morning. I brought sweats to donate since it’s what I’m used to but bag check seemed like it would have been super easy
– There were sections to line up based on pace per mile 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. and it was self-seeded
– Both porta-potties and full service bathrooms were available in the park where the start is. The porta-potties were right next to the start and there were plenty. The full-service were a short walk but close to where the buses dropped you off.
– It was a cold morning so the buses offered to let you stay on until 15 minutes before the start
– They had music at the start ‘village’ and despite being small it did have a good vibe like the really big races put on (obviously not to the full extent)
– Course was overall pretty easy. I would say generally flat but there were a few slight hills here and there, which I think is better than being a pancake the whole time. There are permanent mile marker road sides, which is cool, but easy to miss if you’re not paying atteniton
– I ran with a pace group – it was my first time ever doing this – and I am SO glad I did. The pacers were wonderful. We had 2 – they switched at the half. Both personable and really helped the miles fly. They were also super encouraging and the 2nd one did not let me give up at the end to get my time!
– Water stations were great – every 2 miles with gatorade at every other and gel at certain ones as well
– Spectators along the course were encouraging. They were not lined up along the entire way but there were definitely a lot more and a lot more energetic than I expected!
– My husband was a spectator and easily was able to drive to one point in the race we pre-determined and also get to the end to see me finish
– They had photographers along the course as well and some good pics
Post-Race Party
– Free beer, free food, free massages! The event coordinators really put their all into this race and it shows
Great event. I would highly recommend for a PR and fun small race!
Awesome marathon
Flat, fast, and fun course. Outstanding communication and organization. Probably the best one out of the 10+ marathons I have competed in. It wasn't my best performance (unlucky), but still … MORE
Flat, fast, and fun course. Outstanding communication and organization. Probably the best one out of the 10+ marathons I have competed in. It wasn’t my best performance (unlucky), but still placed Top 10 (won Masters) and had a great experience despite not feeling well. I highly recommend it and will be back next year.
Small but very nice race
Great community support that really pushed me to run faster. The course went through many of the scenic areas. The medal was very nice, the shirt was very nice, aid … MORE
Great community support that really pushed me to run faster. The course went through many of the scenic areas. The medal was very nice, the shirt was very nice, aid stations had plenty of water, gatorade & bananas!!