For me, everything came together text-book perfect at this marathon, my 9th. I PR'd by 10 minutes on the mostly flat, utterly scenic course. Cool and overcast (50 degrees), no wind, not crowded and... no timing chip to tie on my shoe and worry about losing. Yeah!

I give 5 stars all around. I don't understand why some people have given fewer stars for spectators just because there aren't many. This is a smallish marathon, so don't expect thousands of spectators lining the entire course. There are plenty at the half and the finish, and they're great. I have learned (the hard way) not to rely totally on any marathon to supply me with my particular favorite sports drink brand. Always find out in advance what's "on tap" and bring your own if you need to.

I will be running Newport again.

I have to agree with many of the comments recently made about this course. This was my first marathon and I too had a smile on my face right through until the end (well almost to the end). The race is very well organized and you can tell that the organizers and volunteers take pride in the race and the community it is in. Newport is a beautiful community and it is so great to see such a small race of its caliber around. Thank you for making my first marathon such a wonderful experience; I know it won't be my last.

My wife and I drove down to Newport from the Seattle area. This was my 4th marathon and her 2nd. We both had a big PR. And, we had a great time. The organization was awesome. Pasta feed was good and very inexpensive. The shuttle bus was on time, fast and not crowded. The race support was amazing (12 stops with bathrooms). And, the little town of Newport was very accommodating. It was fun to see the town taken over by marathon runners and their families. We'll definitely run it again. Oh, by the way, the weather was perfect: 50's, cloudy, no wind, no rain.

I loved running the Newport Marathon and can honestly say that I smiled the entire race. The runners were very supportive of one another and the volunteers were incredibly kind.

I was very disappointed in my time and will run Newport again knowing what I know now....

1) I will bring my own fluids. The Heed was too watered down, which left me dehydrated and depleted of sodium. I experienced severe cramping at mile 15 that lasted the rest of the race.

2) Newport is truly a flat course. Make sure you get a few long runs in on a similarly flat course. Running a flat course can be difficult if you are used to running on hills.

I had a slow time and severe leg cramps and yet I still had a smile on my face the entire race. That must tell you something about how great Newport is!!

Excellent course and very beautiful scenery. I ran a PR, like many other runners. Mostly flat, like the website suggests. However, according to the race website there is a "gentle hill" that reappears at mile 26. Actually, the hill is at mile 25 and at that part of the race any hill this size is not "gentle" by any means. Nice finishing shirt and medal. A nice race on the way to 50/50.

Great course, not too many hills or turns, friendly folks.

Several people had recommended Newport as a great 1st Marathon. Having run it last weekend, I have to agree. It was very well organized, from the check-in, to the very friendly aid stations, and finally, to the comfortable finish area.

It is a pretty flat, out-and-back course, although that gradual climb right at the end about did me in. I was thrilled to be running downhill for the final .2, though.

Scenery was beautiful and the weather was perfect - low 50's, and no rain. Woo hoo! Not a lot of spectators, which was fine with me; however, the ones there were enthusiastic and supportive. I had a great time.

In November, I ran in the US Olympic Marathon Trials in NYC. That race was extremely well organized and the crowds were spectacular as you might expect. Why do I mention that? Because Newport put on a marathon this past Saturday that in every way (except crowds) was as well executed, thought out and planned as the Trials was. The course was gorgeous and it was truly as flat and fast as advertised. I would recommend this course to anyone trying to get a PR or a BQ, or for those who will take a shot at the much more challenging OT qualifying time of 2:19. This course can yield that time if more elite runners discover and run this spectacular marathon. Hats off to the organizers and to the city.

This is a must-do! This was my third marathon on my way to do all 50 states and I must say, my best yet! I also set a new PR for myself, so what a great way to round the summer out! The course was great - pretty flat with one monster hill. Other than that I had no complaints! The fans were great! The support was great, and the water aides were awesome!

This is just a gem of a marathon. The only reason to give the spectators 2 stars is because there weren't a lot of them. However, the ones that were there gave great support. Newport is a great city.

What I liked:
* the weather
* a beautiful course
* great organization
* excellent medal and t-shirt
* great volunteers
* limited number of runners

One suggestion is to have a golf shirt with the marathon logo available for purchase.