Put together well. Could use a few more water stops... but as always, a special thanks to those that worked the aid stations. Very upbeat and helpful. Outside of a little rain and wind, the day was perfect.

I am a veteran of the Newport Marathon and have always enjoyed this event in all respects. However, this year (2004) the was a break from the traditional post-race awards ceremony and it was held in a brewery. the venue was poorly set up and most people had to stand throughout the event and could not see who was being honored. This was a shame since part of marathoning is honoring those who are best and part of doing that is acknowledging them in the midst of there peers, which was difficult giving the environment. Perhaps next year we can go back to a situation where there are seats for all and the focus shifts back to honoring. Thank you.

2003 Newport has been the best experience of the 4 marathons I have ran. I even PR'd. Maybe this year I will hit my Boston qualifying time. I didn't think I would like the out-and-back format but on this beautiful course I looked forward to the back part. Its also kind of motivating to run past the slower runners when you're on your way back - kind of a guilty pleasure. I felt myself picking up pace and paying more attention to my running form. If you are going to run it, take my advice and don't stop for the raw oysters on the out or the back.

Thanks, Newport, for a wonderful race. Most of the course was smooth and flat as promised, but the first couple of miles have a LOT of 90-degree corners, uneven footing, and even a block or two of loose gravel, none of which was very easy to run on. I loved getting to run downhill at the very end, and was glad to hear that the loose gravel in the finish chute will be paved by next year.
A word of warning: there was a steady headwind on the return route, which was unexpected and slowed me down.
Fellow runners were wonderful - lots and lots of mutual encouragement, especially in the last 5 miles. Everyone was very friendly, as were the volunteers.
I made my Boston qualifying time, too...

My wife and I had such a great time running the Newport Marathon.
The people of Newport truly are the 'the friendliest', as their motto states.
The course was excellent and very scenic. T-shirts and medals were very well done.
Bruce Durkee and the race volunteers are to be commended.
Bruce can?t take all the credit, though. I?m sure his wife Debbie had a lot of input, having run 50 marathons herself.
Awesome marathon.

We just finished this race a couple of hours ago. It was flat, well organized, and a lot of fun! As hoped, a PR was reached! The end was so fun, with photos and family, beer and chowder. Will definitely run this again. Well done to the organizers! Fellow runners made the race for me. Everyone was cheering each other on. What a great day! Thanks Newport!

This was my 8th marathon and I have run several of 'big' ones so this was a nice change of pace. Low key with helpful people plus a pretty course that is flat and at sea level which provides a great opportunity for a PB...which I did.

I generally try to avoid up and back layouts but due to the scenery and serinity of running near the water it made this aspect of the run much more pleasent

I am so pleased I choose this to be my first Marathon. It was a friendly course with friendly runners. The weather was perfect (overacast and cool) and I could not have asked for anything better!

This marathon is extremely well run and the limited entries give it a family atmosphere. The early morning run along the beautiful river makes this more of a rave run then a race. However, the course is flat and fast ensuring a PR for most runners.

This was my third marathon. The weather was good for racing. In general, the event was well organized. However, no one guided me in the right direction after the finish line so I had to do a lot of extra walking to get my shirt and coupons for chowder. Massage was great! The medal is very nice, but the finisher's shirt is gaudy.