Just started running in '05, and picked this based on previous posts to this site. The positive comments are spot on! Outstanding scenery, well-organized, mild weather - Rogue Beer at the finish line. Life is good!

You must run this race. The small number of entrants makes for a very congenial group without crowding or jostling. Volunteers along the course are numerous and enthusiastic. Family members have easy access to a lot of the course, and cheer for everyone. The shuttle bus to the starting line was efficient and easy to use. We stayed directly across from the finish line and enjoyed being in the heart of the action. Weather was perfect. I ran this race 3 years ago and qualified for Boston (it is a fast course!), and hadn't been back until this year. I'd forgotten just how nice a race it really is. You do not want to miss the awards ceremony, either--lots of really great (and funky) door prizes, and a chance to see the fast runners up close and in person. Do not miss this race next year (register early).

My knee went out at mile 16 but I managed to finish by walking and made it in under the time limit of 7 hours. Although I finished 595 out of 600, I expected to find the advertised post-race refreshments at the finish line. The was nothing left to drink or eat. The clam chowder was gone. I did get my medal and shirt but I felt that the slowest participants were not treated equally. I will probably run Newport again.

I chose this course for my first marathon based on the reviews given on this site and was not disappointed. The event was organized, fast, and beautiful.

Because it is such a small race and starts in a park overlooking the ocean, the atmosphere at the start was calm and relaxed. There were few spectators on the course, which made it very peaceful at times. The other runners and walkers were very friendly. A man I was running with for about 10 miles or so offered some of his energy replenishment gels.

I like a nice tee-shirt, but don't really care about the medals--both were nice though.

We stayed at the Elizebeth Inn, which was nice with all the rooms over-looking the ocean. We ate at a place called Local Ocean Seafoods that was fantastic. Also, the Newport Aquarium is well worth a visit.


Overall it was a great experience. I would certainly recommend it to those looking for scenery and quick times without the hassle of long lines and crowded finish areas of large events.

Newport - what a surprise. This was one great small marathon. Course was beautiful and flat. Weather perfect. After-marathon food and goodies hard to beat. Ran San Francisco 8 weeks later; what a disappointment. I know they are two different types of marathon, but take some lessons from Newport, San Francisco. I will be back next year!

I have very little to complain about regarding this marathon, and I think it is a perfect marathon for some runners. Pros: It's small, but not too small. The scenery on the course is beautiful. The course is pretty flat and fast - I set my PR despite a rash of injuries leading up the race. Volunteers rocked. Great for family and friends. The course is primarily out and back, spectators can drive on the other side of the road and frequently stop and watch 'their' runner. Cons: The spacing of the aid stations is a bit inconsistent (and they need to be due to the course layout). The last mile is a gradual climb - don't let this dissuade you, just be aware :). Newport is a small town and they support the race very well, but a lot of the time there's not a lot of fan support. I would highly recommend this run to anyone, and plan on doing it again.

Great organization and volunteers, great course (mostly flat, great scenery), perfect weather (cool, no wind). Having run New York and Boston I can say big crowds are great, but in this race the support from other runners was just fine! Great experience. (again!)

What a wondeful small town marathon!

Great gorgeous course!

Flat baby... be ready for a PR!!

Oysters at mile 11 and 19... wonderful on the half shell... great break from PowerBars and bananas.

Chowder... micro-beers at finish!

Great weather!

Oregon coast and Yaquina Bay!!!

Loved it!!!

Fairly flat course, pretty fast and definitely great weather. The water stations were manned by very enthusiastic volunteers and the course was great. It ran along the river and doubled back. Not knowing entirely what to expect from my first marathon, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I ran very fast. I loved it!!!

This was my first marathon and I loved it. Starting at the lighthouse overlooking the ocean just about made me cry! The course was flat, fast and fun. Aid stations were plentiful and friendly, especially the loud, enthusiastic gals at mile 24! Oyster shooters were available at mile 11 and 19 if you can stomach it. Running along the bay with the lush green countryside on one side and the beautiful bay on the other made the day. Stocked finish area, nice shirts and lovely finisher's medal rounded out a perfect morning. I will be back.