Red Island State Marathon (New England Challenge)
Warwick, RI
- Marathon, Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Red Island Marathon will be held at the very scenic and slightly rolling Warwick City Park in Rhode Island. This course is wooded and scenic with parts overlooking Narragnsett Bay. The loop is a closed path free of auto traffic but keep to the left so that bikes can … MORE
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Good race in an easy location
This marathon in Warwick City Park is a well-organized event. After a 0.88-mile out-and-back segment, runners complete nine loops around the park. Ample fluids and food are available at the … MORE
This marathon in Warwick City Park is a well-organized event. After a 0.88-mile out-and-back segment, runners complete nine loops around the park. Ample fluids and food are available at the start/finish line on each lap. The 2024 race had only 22 participants, so expect an intimate setting. The course is spacious enough for both racers and park guests. One side of the loop is fairly flat and more open, while the other side is shaded with small rolling hills that can become challenging in the latter half of the race.
Scenic, slight hills, cool temps.
This was my first time to do one of these series races that has no cut off time. I was doing this as what I called a “marathon sandwich” 3 … MORE
This was my first time to do one of these series races that has no cut off time. I was doing this as what I called a “marathon sandwich” 3 marathons in 8 days, the middle one being an ultra personal distance record. The race is very well organized, race director goes out on the course a couple of times and checks on everyone. This course had 9 loops, I found the area so pretty that I didn’t mind all the loops. The aid stations are fantastic, they have the type of food you get at trail races in addition to water, Gatorade and gels. The medals are small and plain but that didn’t bother me. I stayed in Providence at an Airbnb and took the commuter train into Boston the following day to walk the Freedom Trail and go see the Boston finish line. The following day I saw people doing the Providence Marathon as I left the city. It looked like a hilly course and it was hot and I was so glad I had done the Red Island marathon with its cool temps and shade. I highly recommend this race.
Round and round
You start the race off in a forest preserve and stay there for the whole event. The course takes you on an out and back then loops you around the … MORE
You start the race off in a forest preserve and stay there for the whole event. The course takes you on an out and back then loops you around the park over and over. There’s one aid amazing station on the course and the scenery was nice enough to see. Awesome race organizers very friendly. This is part of a larger challenge where you can knock off multiple states in a single weekend.
Loved the loops + Great organizers
The half was a tiny out & back and then 4 loops around the park. There were tiny hills near the end of the loop that provided just enough elevation … MORE
The half was a tiny out & back and then 4 loops around the park. There were tiny hills near the end of the loop that provided just enough elevation variation to keep my legs happy. The organizers were super friendly (even singing happy birthday to a runner) and had great post-race snacks. The race is very friendly for 50-staters and walkers.
Absolutely breathtaking scenery
Looping three mile paved trail through thick forests and along the shores of a bay. This was one of the most beautiful courses I've ever ran ... err ... walked. … MORE
Looping three mile paved trail through thick forests and along the shores of a bay. This was one of the most beautiful courses I’ve ever ran … err … walked. Lots of small, rolling hills that would have been fun to attempt had my shins not been absolutely killing me by the end of this series. I think this would’ve been my favorite course of the series had I been able to fully tackle it. As usual, the New England Challenge crew was well organized and amazing!
Beautiful 3 mile paved loop
Overall Rating: Very pretty course. Course Difficulty: On a normal day, I would have loved this course...with shin splints, I wanted to quit. Small rolling hills in beautiful scenery. Course … MORE
Overall Rating: Very pretty course.
Course Difficulty: On a normal day, I would have loved this course…with shin splints, I wanted to quit. Small rolling hills in beautiful scenery.
Course Scenery: Really pretty wooded run opening up to the bay.
Race Production: Excellent! Cannot compliment this crew enough. Outstanding job all 6 days.
Race Swag: Excellent! Received all 6 state shaped medals, and a giant 6 Marathons in 6 States in 6 Days Medal and a long sleeve tech shirt for completing the series.
My Performance: I wanted to quit, but I was too far from home. This is the most painful marathon I have ever completed. Glad that I was able to muster the endurance to finish…for a while I thought I may not have it in me.
This series as a whole was excellent, and if you’re looking to cross the New England States off of your 50 States list, this is a good way to do it.