Although it was foggy, this boasts an Oceanside marathon and it is actually that! The Oceanside homes and rocky views were truly gorgeous!!! I did an early start at 6:30 … MORE
Although it was foggy, this boasts an Oceanside marathon and it is actually that! The Oceanside homes and rocky views were truly gorgeous!!! I did an early start at 6:30 and so glad they offered that option after my poor performance in Little Rock post Covid. I would’ve made it in time but I think being able to relax about it allowed me to totally enjoy it! Swag was mediocre but not a necessity for me to evaluate this great race! Great volunteers, town support, and after party food. (Yet no chocolate milk). One late race water stop ran out of cups, I felt bad for those after me where I normally would be and sooooo need water at that time. The hills were as expected with a few large ones in the 2nd half. Good organization and marked course. Thank you Rhode Island for my state #47!!
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Beautiful, true ocean side race!
Although it was foggy, this boasts an Oceanside marathon and it is actually that! The Oceanside homes and rocky views were truly gorgeous!!! I did an early start at 6:30 … MORE
Although it was foggy, this boasts an Oceanside marathon and it is actually that! The Oceanside homes and rocky views were truly gorgeous!!! I did an early start at 6:30 and so glad they offered that option after my poor performance in Little Rock post Covid. I would’ve made it in time but I think being able to relax about it allowed me to totally enjoy it! Swag was mediocre but not a necessity for me to evaluate this great race! Great volunteers, town support, and after party food. (Yet no chocolate milk). One late race water stop ran out of cups, I felt bad for those after me where I normally would be and sooooo need water at that time. The hills were as expected with a few large ones in the 2nd half. Good organization and marked course. Thank you Rhode Island for my state #47!!
Mansions and water
I really enjoyed this race. It seemed like the early miles went quickly. There were some rolling hills throughout the course, the largest being in the first mile, but nothing … MORE
I really enjoyed this race. It seemed like the early miles went quickly. There were some rolling hills throughout the course, the largest being in the first mile, but nothing too bad. The race is about as sea level as it gets. The course ran along the outside of Newport which provided occasional views of the bay. You travel through various quiet neighborhoods throughout and pass some of the famous mansions as well as Salve Regina University. I enjoyed the course. There seemed to be something interesting throughout most of the course which helped occupy my mind. The roads were in good shape and there was generally plenty of room. The full marathon started 30 minutes prior to the half, so you would have a lot of the back of the packers that you had to pass. It wasn’t a problem most of the time, but some liked to walk 3 wide. I do get a bit of a rush when I pass someone. There were plenty of water stops along the way and I believe there was gel as well. Spectators were sporadic, with the majority around the start/finish line. There were pacers, but no corrals. Runners are supposed to line up based on their projected pace. We all know there are always a few that go to the front and shouldn’t. The only negative was the end. It was along the boardwalk, which was open to the public and people did not respect or were not aware of the runners coming through.
The expo was small and basic. They did have a few items for sale, but everything was seamless. The shirt and medal were nice. The finish area had the usual bananas, water and snacks, but also provided pizza. I can’t eat much right after a hard run though. They provided Sam Adams to those over 21 as well. It was a smooth operation, but for Pete’s sake, stay off the sand dunes.
Beautiful but hilly course.
The Good: This course is absolutely beautiful with views all around. While the roads are not closed, they are very quiet, so through much of the race runners were taking … MORE
The Good:
This course is absolutely beautiful with views all around. While the roads are not closed, they are very quiet, so through much of the race runners were taking up the whole street. It never felt unsafe.
Multiple loops and open roads make it easy for spectators to catch you often during the race. I saw my husband 7 times throughout the marathon.
The Bad:
Beware! The pacers were not spot on. The pace group I was with went out 30-50 seconds faster than avg goal pace in the first 4 miles and the pacers did not make it to the finish, not sure what happened. For this and all races, if you’re going to join the pace group – make sure you know their plan.
There are some big hills in tough spots on the course, but what goes up comes down
Great views with a lot of hills
This was a smaller marathon with about 650 completing the full and 188 the half. With that said the giveaway shirt was nice but they ran out of my size … MORE
This was a smaller marathon with about 650 completing the full and 188 the half. With that said the giveaway shirt was nice but they ran out of my size and all I could get was a size smaller. Don’t expect an expo but the bib pick-up did have the Run Newport store their for fuel needs, shoes and they did have some hats and visors for sale.
Race morning was fine. Took an Uber to the start. I was staying in Newport and to catch a shuttle I would have had to go to Middletown just to get back to Newport. There’s no parking by the start/finish so Shuttle/Uber/Biking or walking are the options.
The marathon started a half hour before the half but you run the same 13.1 miles which is mostly rolling hills that has you run along Ocean Drive. You’ll see some nice houses and on a clear day, an awesome view of the Ocean. We had fog. There is a small stretch running by some of the old historic mansions before making your way back to the start.
At 13.1, you pass the half finish line and make your way out in the opposite direction. I was expecting this to be more flat than it was. There were two out and back sections of this second half complete with more rolling hills with some decent views of the water but more neighborhoods. There was a water stop used for mile 19 and 21 that ran out of cups as I approached it again at 21. Luckily spectators were handing out bottled waters.
Though the spectators were light they were very cheerful and uplifting.
The finish/after party was run well. Lots of Pizza. Beer from Sam Adams but it was there not so good summer beer. There was no one handing out heat sheets but I saw some runners with them. They had some PT tables which was a plus.
Overall it was a fun Marathon with some minor hiccups and surprises I should have been prepared for. A nice Marathon if you need to complete Rhode Island.
My Newport experience
The views of the ocean and all of the houses were stunning beautiful. The medal is super awesome. The race was ran so smoothly, and I would highly recommend this … MORE
The views of the ocean and all of the houses were stunning beautiful. The medal is super awesome. The race was ran so smoothly, and I would highly recommend this race
Beautiful Course
I think visiting RI and running the beautiful course are the best part of the experience. Course support was good, however, not very many porta potties. Nice medal. After food, … MORE
I think visiting RI and running the beautiful course are the best part of the experience. Course support was good, however, not very many porta potties. Nice medal. After food, meh.
Great scenery. Well worth it.
Rolling hills but not noticeable. Windy in some areas but to be expected on the coast. The whole experience was smooth from beginning to end. Great group of folks. MORE
Rolling hills but not noticeable. Windy in some areas but to be expected on the coast. The whole experience was smooth from beginning to end. Great group of folks.
Beautiful Views!
I think this should be nicknamed the McMansion half marathon because there were a lot of them! The scenery of the Rhode Island coast was gorgeous! The course had rolling … MORE
I think this should be nicknamed the McMansion half marathon because there were a lot of them! The scenery of the Rhode Island coast was gorgeous! The course had rolling hills which added a little challenge but wasn’t super hard. The race was well run, especially the shuttles from parking to the start. I would definitely recommend this race.
Nonstop beautiful views
This course ranks among my top favorite for scenic views. The ocean, cliffs, mansions, historical sites, and wild daffodils were spectacular. The course was challenging with some of the steeper … MORE
This course ranks among my top favorite for scenic views. The ocean, cliffs, mansions, historical sites, and wild daffodils were spectacular. The course was challenging with some of the steeper hills. When near the ocean, the wind was cold. When in the residential area, gets hot. Good to keep a jacket or extra layer ready for the on and off again routine, if your from a warmer climate area. The locals didn’t seem to have any issues. The overall race production and swag wasn’t anything to get excited about. I would do this race again just for the scenery.
Scenic oceanside race.
Beautiful scenery. Nice ocean breezes and a great view of the ocean. Smooth operation from start to finish. Plenty of toilets, water stops and volunteers to keep the runners happy. … MORE
Beautiful scenery. Nice ocean breezes and a great view of the ocean. Smooth operation from start to finish. Plenty of toilets, water stops and volunteers to keep the runners happy. I would have liked more food options at the end, but overall I would highly recommend.
Maybe not again, but still had fun!
The race has you park away from the site and then take a bus to the starting line. I was worried about this at first, of missing a bus or … MORE
The race has you park away from the site and then take a bus to the starting line. I was worried about this at first, of missing a bus or not getting there at a time I would like. The race website emphasizes getting there early and that’s something I think made my race day go well. There were tons of buses getting people to the starting line, but get there as early as you can to avoid standing around in lines.
The race starts off with a medium sized hill. Nothing too daunting, but at least you have the energy to get up it right from the start. It was super foggy/rainy/overcast the entire race, so the beach scenery wasn’t as breathtaking as I’m sure it is on a sunny day. The water-side scenery was the highlight of the run for sure. You do run through some streets with mansions on them, so if you’re into architecture maybe this would be a good race for you?
The water stops were good, most having water and gatorade. Lots of opportunity to grab goo or a banana if you needed one.
In the end, the last mile takes you down the hill you ran up at the start. I got a light blue tech shirt with the Rhode Races logo on the front. It’s actually pretty comfortable and I train in it frequently. The medal is nice with some stained glass accents to it. Overall a good race!
Beautiful course, weather not so much
The course is gorgeous, but we unfortunately had cold and rain to downpour, to rain, so that wasn't great. The cliffs and beach and the mansions and the history were … MORE
The course is gorgeous, but we unfortunately had cold and rain to downpour, to rain, so that wasn’t great. The cliffs and beach and the mansions and the history were incredible! The volunteers did their best to keep us motivated.
Great, but less so at the back
Mostly a great, well organized event. Nice course, hilly but scenic. Heavy rain for the first half+ made for less than ideal conditions (not the organizers' fault). The problem was … MORE
Mostly a great, well organized event. Nice course, hilly but scenic. Heavy rain for the first half+ made for less than ideal conditions (not the organizers’ fault). The problem was that no one was handing out heat sheets to us toward the back. Given the weather, that was a problem and a danger for hypothermia. I found them behind the food tent, but I shouldn’t have had to look. That aside, I recommend this race.
Beautiful race, great course
This was fun as it's running between old-money mansions and beautiful beaches on the Rhode Island coastline. Nice breeze as you're by the sea. It's not too hard of a … MORE
This was fun as it’s running between old-money mansions and beautiful beaches on the Rhode Island coastline. Nice breeze as you’re by the sea.
It’s not too hard of a course, there’s a hill at the beginning and you go down it at the end.