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Newport Marathon (RI) Runner Comments

Back to Newport Marathon (RI) Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.1 
 
 
Number of comments: 138 [displaying comments 111 to 121]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 > ]

 

C. L. from Cleveland, Ohio (1/9/2007)
"Very Impressive!" (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This race was by far the best one I've run. I waited until I did Disney to write this to see a comparison of a big race. There is NO comparison! This race was better in nearly all respects (the fans at Disney were numerous and fantastic).

Pros:
1. After-race meal - lobster and chowder at the finish!! Even though I didn't try the lobster (I thought they were limited and I didn't want to waste it; turns out I read that someone donated over 500 of them!), this was very cool.
2. Three-loop course - thought I would hate it. Turns out I loved it. You knew what was coming (even if you didn't like it!!) and could pace yourself accordingly.
3. The spectators that were out were very enthusiastic.
4. After the race they GAVE AWAY the posters of the race!
5. It was held on a Saturday, so you have Sunday to travel instead of leaving right after the race.

Cons:
1. The packet pick-up was hard to find.
2. Start was too early, even though chances of hot weather at this time of the year are minimal!
3. The awards did not go off on time, which was NEVER going to happen, as it was scheduled while a lot of people were still running. This caused problems with a lot of people who had a late checkout and the hotels were not very accommodating about this.
4. No age group awards for 40 and under! I agree that you should be a certain age (at least 18 and over) to run this, but come on!
5. My buddy's car broke down 1 mile from his house - which means the race was 1 mile too far away from us!
 

steve&paula boone from Houston (11/7/2006)
"Excellent marathon" (about: 2006)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Newport Marathon (RI)s
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


Pre- and post-race massages, a warm gym before and after the race, great medals and shirts, well stocked aid stations, and excellent post-race food made the race a success. Many thanks to Don and Danny for putting together a fine event. While running three loops may bother some runners, it is much better than disrupting city traffic to the point that the race cannot be held. The volunteers had great attitudes and their well stocked aid stations kept us going. We will certainly be back for some more New England hospitality and fall scenery.
 

E. W. from Bay Village, OH (11/2/2006)
"Overall A-" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Sun and temps were perfect, though the wind was punishing, for a scenic semi-rural countryside. Overall the race was throughly enjoyable and thoughtfully organized: the school start/finish was excellent (especially given the wind), the aid stations were well stocked, and New England in autumn is charming. I have a few suggestions to get an A+:

Course - I believe the RD said they are working toward extending the race into Newport. Please do!! I loved the course in Middletown, however three times was too much. I would have appreciated running around Newport - e.g., the docks, Bellvue Ave., etc.

Also, there were some support gaps for the back of the pack (six hours) - massages were closed and there was no lobster chowder. I wonder what support the 50-milers got? Will return if the course is extended.
 

R. N. from Lockport, NY (10/28/2006)
"Very Organized, Unique Race!" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I'll give this marathon a thumbs up for everything except the three loops.

Positives: Organization A+, crowd support was minimal BUT those there did a SUPER JOB, no one can match the post-race party (lobster, chowder just to start), awards were beautiful hand-blown waves, and the ocean view on first loop was great.

Negitives: I would put this on my calender every year if they had a better course. I didn't enjoy doing three loops.

Overall, a great experience!
 

G. A. from Lincoln, Rhode Island (10/28/2006)
"First-Time Treasure" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


This was my first marathon, and as a first-timer I'm glad I selected the Breakers Marathon. Everything from registration to the post celebration went smoothly, which is important if this is your first time. Many thanks to the organizers and volunteers.
 

Bob Fargo from Washington,PA (10/26/2006)
"Outstanding small marathon." (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I usually find multi-loop marathons to be boring. But this being my first trip to the New England coast, I found the beautiful neighborhoods and coastal views to be distracting enough that I didn't mind at all. On the plus side, multi-loop courses allow you to become familiar with the locations of things like hills and aid stations (and how they are stocked), so you can manage your race accordingly.

Yes, there was wind, but considering there wasn't a cloud in the sky, the humidity was very low, and the temps were ideal, I'm not complaining. Being from western PA, I found the hills to be very manageable, especially after the first trip around. I thought the two laps around the track were a nice touch. It gives spectators a nice setting to see you in the last few minutes of your marathon quest.

Organization was very good and post-race food was great. The middle school gym and cafeteria make nice facilities for hosting a marathon. My hat's off to everyone who makes this event possible.

I second the comments on the host hotel (Holiday Inn Express). At check-in they were very abrupt and not at all flexible with their check-out time. There are too many other hotel options in the area for future race participants to be treated like that. If you're going to be the host hotel for a marathon, you HAVE GOT to work with the runners. I have been to marathons where the host hotel(s) made late check-out automatic for marathon participants. You didn't even have to request it.
 

c. p. from Richmond, Virginia (10/25/2006)
"loops ok, traffic not good and WIND" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I thought the 3 loop course would drive me crazy but I found something comforting about being in a strange place but having a familiar run. I would have rated the course higher if it had not been for the traffic...and the 2 loops on the track, I hate track on a normal day! The spectators were few and far between but EXCELLENT when you came upon them! I thought the race was well organized. The post race food...5 stars! Never had lobster after a race, I now highly recommend it! The chowder was also awesome! Great JOB RI!
 

G. N. from Columbus, Ohio (10/25/2006)
"Scenic & well organized" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Danny,
Thank you for organizing RI's only marathon. Thanks for locating the marathon course near the coast and Newport. A special thanks to all of the volunteers. The candy treats/munchies at the water stops were a nice touch as well as the pizza at the finish.
The course profile was rolling and very scenic.
 

L. P. from the midwest (10/24/2006)
"Solid small race" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


Pro - Small race, excellent water stops with food, drinks, bottled water. Fantastic volunteers and good traffic control. Beautiful scenery. Had to leave for the airport and couldn't stick around but the post race food was excellent. Can't figure out previous comments about finish line issues and getting a medal at the finish line. There was a fine group of volunteers working the finish line that were so nice on a really cold windy day. Thanks for your efforts.

Cons - Host hotel Holiday Inn Express was adamant about 11am checkout. Gave each guest at check-in a hateful notice about not taking any towels or wash clothes off the premises. They were not friendly even though we filled their hotel. Suggest going to other hotels. There are plenty of them in the area that are close by. Not many locals out if you need a cheering section but that's OK with me. The course is not fast and has some steady climbs to it. You also have to cross the road a couple times during the loop process which becomes distracting three times around with all the traffic buzzing around.

If you like small hometown races this one is for you. Excellent organization and real nice people putting it on who worked hard in some tough weather. Thanks so much.
 

Gale Dingwell from New Windsor, NY (10/24/2006)
"Well done! A pearl by the sea." (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This race was part of a 50-state quest for me, but I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-organized, scenic run with a small field.

Volunteers and staff were very friendly and helpful. Although small in number, the spectators were enthusiastic (and some had food!).

The course was rolling and scenic, passing through Middletown neighborhoods, by the beach and through a bird sanctuary.

Aid stations were well-stocked and predictably positioned.

I would ditch one of the two laps on the track though - a wet blanket on an otherwise fine race.
 

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