As others have commented, this marathon is well organized and run on a flat, fast course. I'd like to add that I saw a couple of nice touches that I haven't seen at other marathons. At packet pick-up there was a booth selling marathon merchandise. Above the booth was a small sign saying that marathons should be fun and affordable. Accordingly, all the merchandise was priced remarkably low, with the most expensive item being the official jacket at $32. Another nice touch was having a course photo that was taken around mile 11 available for purchase (only $10) at the finish. My experience running the Newport Marathon was very positive and I felt that they really had the runner's interest at heart.

Oh, and where else can you get oyster shooters on a marathon course (remember to have some fun out there).

This marathon is very well managed for its size. It doesn't pretend to be anything more than it is; it is a small and unique marathon experience. The course does have its road camber issues in spots, there is a gravel road for about a block, there is a steep down hill for a few blocks at mile 3, but if you check out the course ahead of time, these little hiccups in the course are very managable. The long out and back section (which starts and ends with a small hill) is nice because you see every runner in the race and get to cheer them on. The oyster shooters are definitely worth stopping for. The awards banquet is crowded, but is quick and fun. Beer and clam chowder is better than any of the trinkets that you get at many other marathons.
If you are thinking about doing this one, register by the end of February. This one sells out the first couples weeks of March. At $45, this marathon is a bargain.

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!!!