Spring into action! The Providence Marathon & Half Marathon returns for another exciting run through Rhode Island’s vibrant capital. Choose your distance and run through historic downtown sites, Providence River views, and the charm of the city’s surrounding neighborhoods. After runnin’ the streets, continue to soak in the big city …
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Spring into action! The Providence Marathon & Half Marathon returns for another exciting run through Rhode Island’s vibrant capital. Choose your distance and run through historic downtown sites, Providence River views, and the charm of the city’s surrounding neighborhoods.
After runnin’ the streets, continue to soak in the big city culture and small-town feel at the new and improved post race festival presented by USA TODAY, happening right at the finish line! All 21+ runners will get a complimentary beer at the end (21+)!
The flat and smooth USATF-certified marathon course has become a favorite of Boston Qualifiers and first-time marathoners, alike. The race starts in Downtown Providence before heading south toward the East Bay and Barrington, Rhode Island. That’ll take you on the tree-lined bike path that offers shade and scenic views of the Providence River. You’ll loop back around in Barrington, taking some of the same route back while running toward the shadow of the city’s skyline. Once you reach the finish back downtown by the Rhode Island State House, the after-party begins!
The Half Marathon stays almost entirely within the city limits with a brief section in Pawtucket. Starting downtown, the course combines the historic neighborhoods and river views on the streets of Providence. The first half is run out to India Point Park before loop around in Pawtucket and back to downtown via the Providence River. You’ll finish right next to the iconic Rhode Island State House and Providence Station.
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Hot Day
The packet pick up is very small. The sweatshirt given was not my favorite but of good quality. The race is produced well, lots of porta potties at the start. … MORE
The packet pick up is very small. The sweatshirt given was not my favorite but of good quality. The race is produced well, lots of porta potties at the start. Big race feel to it. It was very unseasonably warm on race day, there were many runners having issues the last few miles. Lots of medical help. Water stops were fine. Route had some nice areas, but overall very average. Very nice medal at the end (if you are into that). A couple of free beers and lots of snacks at the finish line. I did this trying to get 50 states. It was pretty good. Providence is a beautiful city, there may be other races with better routes though. Watch out for the hill at the end.
Place based on clock time, not chip time
If you care about your time or finishing place this race is not for you. Runners start in waves. If you happen to start in a later wave your official … MORE
If you care about your time or finishing place this race is not for you.
Runners start in waves. If you happen to start in a later wave your official time and place is based on the clock time from the start of the first wave, not your chip time. Why bother to have chips? Chip times were not reported anywhere in the results. Pretty hard to be competitive if you started 7 minutes after the first wave. It has been many years since I ran a race where chip times were not reported and were not the basis for placing within age groups.
Also, water stops were chaotic.
Lovely course, convenient for travelers
Lots of friendly and well-stocked aid stations. Loop course right next to Amtrak station and walkable to variety of hotels. Run through beautiful shaded neighborhoods. Some short hills. MORE
Lots of friendly and well-stocked aid stations. Loop course right next to Amtrak station and walkable to variety of hotels. Run through beautiful shaded neighborhoods. Some short hills.
Would not recommend
The good: good race swag and end of race party The bad: everything else #1 complaint: the course is very dangerous - The start corral is wide (about 30 people … MORE
The good: good race swag and end of race party
The bad: everything else
#1 complaint: the course is very dangerous
– The start corral is wide (about 30 people wide) and within the first mile everyone is funneled into a single file line to shuffle through an underpass and then remains on the shoulder of a road (2-3 people wide max). Luckily no one around me was tripped, but if they were there would be a huge pile up
– The majority of the course is on an open road with two-way traffic. In the first 8 miles or so, you are running on the right side of the road with traffic coming behind you. The race cones were placed trying to keep the runners on the shoulder, again single file in some spots.
– Towards the end of the course, you are running along the highway and along the on-ramp as vehicles are preparing to merge onto the highway.
– As to be expected with a road race anywhere, there were many potholes but also construction hazards (barrels, rods, piles of dirt) to avoid, which was difficult (again, being on an open course with traffic)
– Because this race touts itself as being flat, many people were there to qualify for Boston. That meant huge pace groups that could not fit on the narrow course. This race is NOT flat. The total elevation gain was only about 780 feet, but there were rolling hills and it was not the “fast, flat course” the site said it was.
– Because the roads were open, emergency vehicles were battling the traffic to aid runners (more on this later)
– The aid stations were terrible, although plenty. Each aid station had two tables and not enough volunteers, causing everyone to stop and line up to get water. The cups were VERY SMALL — one sip, causing us to need two cups each, slowing the process even more and still not getting enough hydration.
Other notes:
– There were some areas with people cheering, but not much on race excitement
– It was unseasonably hot in 2023 (I heard it was hot in 2022 too, but not the 75 and sunny day we had), there is no shade on the course and with no clouds in the sky it was HOT (with inadequate aid stations to keep up)
– People were on the side of the road with heat stroke, it was a rough scene for the last 5 miles or so. Spectators were great and helped the fallen. I did see one ambulance taking someone off course, merging into backed-up traffic.
— A big applause is needed for the medical support at the finish line. They were handing out ice cold towels and checking on anyone staggering (myself included). Many runners were laying under bags of ice and getting taken into the shade on stretchers.
Bottom line: The course was dangerous and even going into the race perfectly hydrated and prepared, the aid stations (although plenty) were not adequately staffed or providing a reasonable amount of liquid to keep people safe. Would not recommend or ever return.
Mixed feelings about this race
This was my 8th marathon and I’ve run dozens of other road races, so I feel I can give a fair review. My biggest gripe was the fact that the … MORE
This was my 8th marathon and I’ve run dozens of other road races, so I feel I can give a fair review.
My biggest gripe was the fact that the aid stations had TINY cups of water and “electrolyte drink,” which was GU Hydration (kind of like NUUN – bubbly, no carbs to fuel you) which in my opinion is terrible. They really should have had Gatorade, Powerade or some other equivalent type of sports drink. The only gel they gave out was Triberry GU (which is caffeinated). Fortunately I brought my own gels and wore my hydration pack with Gatorade because otherwise I would have been a hot mess trying to survive on that stuff. I had to grab at least 2 cups of water just to get a decent drink but I also drank lots of Gatorade because it was so hot out. They really should have had bigger cups. The aid stations all had friendly volunteers, which I appreciated.
It was a hot day, 60 at the start and 76 when I finished at 11 am. Some areas had shade but there were also long stretches in the sun. After training through winter and early spring that was very tough.
The course itself was fairly easy, mostly flat, a few hills but pretty minimal. There were some scenic areas and some ugly areas.
Unfortunately much of the course is on a shared road where there are cones along the side and you’re supposed to stay on the edge as cars whizz by, but if you run with a pace group it gets quite crowded especially in the first half of the race. I tripped over a cone at one point. The second half of the race is mostly on bike paths but there are bikers, walkers, rollerbladers etc. also trying to share the path which can be annoying at times.
Pre race communication was minimal. There was no info on the website about what would be served at the aid stations until a couple weeks before the race and I wanted to be prepared so I emailed them to ask about it.
Getting to the expo was tricky (it’s in an area of downtown Providence that is crowded and parking is difficult). The expo was tiny. I got a very nice sweatshirt, but my friend who ran the half marathon was very disappointed because her shirt said Providence Marathon – not half marathon – even though she didn’t run the full marathon!
Race day start and finish area was nice and there were lots of porta potties. The finish area gave out water, Gatorade, bananas and sugary snacks (Gushers, Oreos). They had some vendors with tents around the field with some samples of things and beer, too.
The race photos were quite good and plentiful and you have an option of downloading some for free, which I really appreciated.
There was decent crowd support along the way with people cheering here and there, which was nice.
Personally I would not choose this race again, mostly because of the aid stations and the fact that spring weather is just so unpredictable. I ran my slowest marathon ever and I really attribute that to the heat.
Hilly Start
The vibe for the early starters, 6:30am was no music, handful of people and not much chitchat from the MC. The 7:30am runners received the blast of music, cheering from … MORE
The vibe for the early starters, 6:30am was no music, handful of people and not much chitchat from the MC. The 7:30am runners received the blast of music, cheering from the crowd to really get runners going.
For FIRST timers, please pay attention to the course map before hand or during the run. Unless there was a mile marker, there were taped arrows on the ground that may or may not still be intact. Also, don’t always assume the course will go straight, had to help a runner before he decided to go who knows where.
Gotta hate Rhode races in May
You're playing with fire by signing up for a road race held in late April/May. I don't know what child of the devil thought a April 23 Nashville marathon is … MORE
You’re playing with fire by signing up for a road race held in late April/May. I don’t know what child of the devil thought a April 23 Nashville marathon is a good idea, but once upon a time, a northern state marathon still felt safe, even in May or June.
Then the 2020s brought global warming. The sun came out in full force yesterday morning in Rhode Island and made everyone miserable. Heard a lot of complaints and defeated wails, and saw so many once-proud runners slow to a walk.
Expo was pretty small and crowded, inside a two-story building downtown. Got a pullover hoodie, my bib, and no other swag. But at least it was downtown. Race started at 7:30 am, which was poor planning because the sun was up for at least an hour beforehand.
Not a cloud in the sky! And the first seven miles were nonstop hills on asphalt! The roads were 30 years old, so the asphalt was faded gray instead of fresh black, which helped a lot. The first 2-3 miles were a decent downtown river jaunt on brick paths by cute shops, but most of the course after that was a real armpit. Running across (and under) ugly auto bridges, then on boring two-lane roads, avoiding road work. From miles 5-10 we were rewarded by having to run on the side of a two-lane road, only wide enough for two runners, as cars whooshed past. At least we got some downhills starting at mile 8, and we finally got to run in a park at mile 10.
The highlight of the race was around mile 13, when we ran past a cute country club on the left and river marshland on the right. Aside from the downtown start/finish, it was the only cute part in an ugly, lonely course. The volunteers did all they could to help the runners, even dumping pitchers of water all over hot joggers. If only it was partly cloudy or a few degrees cooler, it would have been okay. But when the May sun is beating down and it’s 70 degrees, you’re in for a rough ride.
Postrace was nice, as we relaxed on the lawn in front of the capitol (where we started). Plenty of warm water bottles, Gatorade Fit, Fruit Gushers, and a free beer ticket.
This race was really “mid”. I wish we ran through more parks or cute neighborhoods. I wrote in an earlier review that every marathon runs through plenty of nice neighborhoods, but I don’t recall many neighborhoods in this run. Isn’t there some kind of picturesque shaded riverside trail we could go on?
UPDATE: I heard later that a 27-year-old runner collapsed and died of heat stroke on mile 12 of the half marathon. My deepest condolences to him and his family. As I said before, the sun, May, and black tar roads are no joke in long-distance running. Please stay safe, runners.
Hot and hilly!
This race is definitely not as flat as advertised. The beginning and end (when you least need it) are hilly while the middle is pretty flat, a lot of time … MORE
This race is definitely not as flat as advertised. The beginning and end (when you least need it) are hilly while the middle is pretty flat, a lot of time spent on a bike path. There is some very pretty scenery, running by the water and a golf course. But you also spend some time on the side of a highway stepping on broken glass and inhaling exhaust fumes. The aid stations were sufficiently placed along the course but by the end all the water was warm, not that the race organizers can do anything about the weather but maybe plan to have some ice bags and coolers when weather is predicted to be hot? Same issue at the finish, I was dying for a cool drink but all of the Gatorade’s and water bottles were hot. This was my second worst finishing time in a marathon (first half went great, I was on pace to be 1st in my age group but the wheels completely came off in the second half) so I wouldn’t recommend this as a great option for a BQ. It was well organized and the free hoodie is really nice! Lots of hotels within 5 min walk of the start/finish.
Not Mostly Flat as Advertised
This marathon is a good choice and recommended over the Newport Marathon by the local runners who I met on the course. I did not anticipate doing too well because … MORE
This marathon is a good choice and recommended over the Newport Marathon by the local runners who I met on the course.
I did not anticipate doing too well because of injuries over the past 9 months, but I did not anticipate the course difficulty based on the websites own description of “mostly flat.” This was my 24th marathon and one of the most difficult courses with many hills the first and last 6 or so miles. Also, several long, relatively steep inclines that mimic the Hatfield & McCoy Marathon. Certainly, the hot temps and limited sun cover on a good portion of the course accentuated the hills.
Getting to/from the start/finish is easy. Note that parking is not cheap but plentiful. The starting corral set up was not clearly laid out and few trash cans were available at the beginning. Post-race food was standard. I appreciated the large no sugar added Gatorade after such a hot race.
Be prepared for the aid stations to be spread unevenly on the course. Toward the end, the stations were not frequent, ran out of cups, and lacked organization. For the marathon size, the aid stations should be larger to handle the runner capacity throughout the course but specifically the first 10 miles.
The hoodie in lieu of a tech shirt is nice but an odd choice for a May marathon. I am sure the average early may temps are not always as hot as 2023, but a long-sleeve tech shirt would be a great option.
Not “flat” as advertised
If this is your go-to race to qualify for Boston, please be advised that this is NOT a flat course as advertised. In fact, it was a very difficult course … MORE
If this is your go-to race to qualify for Boston, please be advised that this is NOT a flat course as advertised. In fact, it was a very difficult course with hill after hill after hill.
Very nice scenery along the way.
Nice swag!
Fun Gem
Well organized race with great crowd support and entertainment along the way. There were a fair number of inclines, but nothing too crazy. The race swag was particularly nice, although … MORE
Well organized race with great crowd support and entertainment along the way. There were a fair number of inclines, but nothing too crazy. The race swag was particularly nice, although the race packet pick up at fleet feet was a little rough since there was a long line going out of the door. The finish line festival was pretty nice too.
Small, well supported race
Packet pickup was simple, smooth and low key! The jacket is great! It was easy to move around the downtown and several hotels close to start/finish in front of State … MORE
Packet pickup was simple, smooth and low key! The jacket is great!
It was easy to move around the downtown and several hotels close to start/finish in front of State House.
The course VERY well marked with plenty of aid stations of water & nuun with great volunteers. I saw evidence that they may have had bananas at some point but as a back of the pack finisher I did not get any. What I did get was a lot of beer and the tequila drink they had at the end so my late marathon time finally worked to my benefit. I did not get much recovery food tho…. I am not sure what they really even offered because the only thing I got was a water and some graham crackers🤷🏼♀️
The course was mostly flat with some steady hills sprinkled throughout. The sun was in full force this day in 2022.
Great Marathon
Low key very well organized marathon. Well marked. Beautiful course great scenery. Great aid stations Great jacket as swag instead of teeshirt (So great!) Very nice medals. Fast course which … MORE
Low key very well organized marathon. Well marked. Beautiful course great scenery. Great aid stations Great jacket as swag instead of teeshirt (So great!) Very nice medals.
Fast course which includes some small rollers (just under 700 feet elevation gain) Great after race party
An overall great marathon -We also had perfect weather which helps!
First Marathon
Overall flat paved race, you'll get a nice steep of 0.2 miles towards the end of the race (~mile 22?) which can be touph. Organization was prestige, although they should … MORE
Overall flat paved race, you’ll get a nice steep of 0.2 miles towards the end of the race (~mile 22?) which can be touph. Organization was prestige, although they should improve the overall quality of T-shirts, lots of water/food stations throughout the course, with water, gatorade, banana, energy bars and gels.
This year was somewhat cold with rain at the end.
Rainy Sunday!
Aid stations were awesome, great food and supply. People were always helpful and bathrooms were conveniently located. Participant number was low, which made you think you were running out of … MORE
Aid stations were awesome, great food and supply. People were always helpful and bathrooms were conveniently located.
Participant number was low, which made you think you were running out of course at times.
Nicely done, Providence!
Providence is a cool city to visit for the weekend. Start/Finish is in the heart of the city, near the beautiful Capital building. I did a Airbnb in town cause … MORE
Providence is a cool city to visit for the weekend. Start/Finish is in the heart of the city, near the beautiful Capital building. I did a Airbnb in town cause I hate paying $200/night at the Host Hotels. Ample parking near the start. Reasonably fast course. One nice long climb from mile 5.5 to 6, and a shorter steeper climb around mile 23, but the rest is very manageable. Scenic running along the Providence River and Bay. Packet pickup is easy, not much of an expo, which certainly doesn’t bother me. Very impressed with the local crowd support in the RAIN. Ample water stops and friendly volunteers. Local Police/fire police/crossing guards well established at all important intersections.
Support was so disappointing!
They started walkers in large groups hours before our start. At all of the most critical miles (around 15-24) I couldn't get to the few Aid Stations that were actually … MORE
They started walkers in large groups hours before our start. At all of the most critical miles (around 15-24) I couldn’t get to the few Aid Stations that were actually available because these walkers crowded around them socializing and relaxing. On the course I ran almost an additional 3/4mls running around these groups blocking us at every turn. It was maddening to see all my hard training wasted as I slowly became more and more dehydrated. Of course, the addition of an almost 1 mile steep uphill around mile 6 wasn’t ideal, nor was the grueling uphills nearing the end, but they certainly would have been more tolerable with decent organization (and some common sense planning).
my fastest marathon!!
not easy, but not hard ugh. i dont want to write an entire review, i just wanted to correct y time that i misentered. they gave mugs to those who … MORE
not easy, but not hard
ugh. i dont want to write an entire review, i just wanted to correct y time that i misentered.
they gave mugs to those who BQ’d that said i qualified for boston at providence. that was a nice perk.
Beautiful course, great spectators.
Beautiful scenery in a mostly flat course. There is short but very steep hill located around mile 21. Also, there is a small patch of cobblestone you run on which … MORE
Beautiful scenery in a mostly flat course. There is short but very steep hill located around mile 21. Also, there is a small patch of cobblestone you run on which is awful for 100 meters or so. The shirt was a good quality performance shirt, but white. Medal was nice but a little small of a marathon. Course was well marked and support station were frequent.
Well run and perfect time of year
If you are looking for a good late spring half, this is a great choice. The weather is usually in the low 60's for the highs, which means 50's or … MORE
If you are looking for a good late spring half, this is a great choice. The weather is usually in the low 60’s for the highs, which means 50’s or sometimes a bit chillier when the race kicks off. The course is pretty well marked and there are police officers at all intersections directing you through turns. The course is rolling hills pretty much the whole way and the last 2 miles are very flat. The food after the race (in 2016) wasn’t ideal (pizza, bananas, clementines) but other than that the race production was very good.