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May 15, 2024

Newport Marathon (RI) Runner Comments

Back to Newport Marathon (RI) Information & Reviews

Course 4.2

Organization 3.6

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 138 [displaying comments 81 to 91]

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K. K. from Providence, Rhode Island (1/29/2008) "This marathon was absolutely fantastic." (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Newport Marathon (RI) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and it was better than everyone said it would be. The scenery was not only varied enough to accommodate my short attention span, but the lack of crowds allowed me to actually enjoy it. The hills were a little intimidating, but they gave me a lot of short-term goals to distract me from the more terrifying task of running 26.2 miles. We could have used one more water stop around mile 25, but some nice spectators gave out water at the top of the hill. In what other race do you get to see parks, mansions, and shoreline, not to mention the llamas at mile 3 and free candy at mile 23? Not everyone gets to finish a marathon with a Butterfinger in their hand! This race was just good, clean fun.
R. K. from Chicago (1/28/2008) "Great Race/Great Place!" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon (RI) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the best marathon I've run. I've run large marathons like Chicago, with lots of spectators, but there are too many runners. This was well organized, the support crews were fantastic, and the fans that were present were enthusiastic. Having a smaller marathon allowed me to enjoy what has to be one of the most scenic runs that you will find. The hills at the end were simply an exclamation point, so that you will never forget this race. The post-race lobster fest was as unique as it was good. You are not going to find a race quite like this anywhere else. Go for it.
S. T. from Wilmington, NC (12/7/2007) "Pretty, but tough." (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Newport Marathon (RI) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first ever marathon and it beat me up. The hills at the end were exceptionally brutal. I remember passing some one who said, "Is there any flat land in Newport?" That said, the course was beautiful. From mansions and oceanside forts, to cliffs and surfers, there was always something to look at - all of it gorgeous. The spectators were sparse and that's just fine with me because this course lends itself to tuning out. A HUGE advantage to the race was that it allows for MP3 players. I wouldn't recommend this race to first-timers. It hurts.
P. K. from Atlanta, GA (11/27/2007) "Very beautiful course that isn't marked at all" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon (RI) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 What everyone is saying about the beauty of the course is dead on. It would be hard to find something better to look at for 26 miles. And Newport impressed the heck out of me as a town. We had a room already booked in Boston, not knowing that Newport would be so cool, so we missed out on some post-race fun, no doubt. (Not that we didn't have fun in Boston.) If you ask me and the guy I ran with, the course got flat-out dangerous at points. Late in the race when it got hilly, and people got tired, it wasn't even marked. There was no section of any road that was marked off. At one point we had to cross a busy 4-way stop with no support. There were runners on both sides of the road just hugging the shoulders. Drivers within a foot of you at times. I honestly can't believe nobody got hit by a car. I mean that. This is the only downside of the race; it just happens to be a major one. The course is challenging too, which I liked. There are a lot of good things to say about this race, but I figured someone should post about how ugly the course management was for the last 7-8 miles. Get some more police and volunteers and you guys will have one of the better small races around. It was a nice place to put in my last "long training run" before I ran a couple of other races this fall.
D. P. from Bartlett, IL (11/6/2007) "Needed more water stops" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon (RI) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The course is absolutely beautiful. You run by the beaches, through the mansion area, along the harbor but the water stops were just too few and a bit too far between. It was fairly warm this year so it made it seem even farther between stops. The first one was just over 3 miles and the 2nd was at about 6.4 miles. When I passed the 2nd water station I knew that it was going to be a fairly rough run. Running by the finish line on the start of the 2nd half was mental kick in the shorts because you knew that somehow you were going to end up back there. There was a nasty hill about mile 25 and here I thought VT and NH were hilly. This course had several hills. The medal was pretty cool and the ribbon that was attached was one of the best, it let the medal hang straight and not twist or turn. All of the folks involved with the race were very helpful and answered any questions that I had.
D. I. from Gainesville, Florida (11/6/2007) "The scenery is incredible!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Truly a wonderful marathon experience. The course goes along the Atlantic coastline with beautiful views of the ocean. There is also a bird sanctuary on the course...and, of course, all the beautiful mansions! The folks were friendly and helpful. My only comment would be to better mark the course. However, I had incredible support throughout the race so I had assistance with finding my way. I also ran into a local young woman who was doing the race and slowed her pace to guide me as well! I was well cared for! I highly recommend this marathon!
L. L. from Wenham, MA (11/3/2007) "A great race in an awesome town!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 As everyone said, this is a beautiful race course. There were not a lot of spectators out on the course, but the ones who were there were great! At mile 25, on the appropriately named Purgatory Road hill I asked a spectator for a sip of water and was handed a bottle. This is the type of support that I saw through out the race. Yes, there are hills in this race. And I am not sure that they can really be called rolling as they start at mile 18ish and you don't get to go back down until mile 23. Were there was a family run water station that included a small but loud cheering section. I've gotta learn to love those hills!!! :-) Many of the reviews say the race had only one bus running, but we counted at least three and I didn't have to wait more than 6 minutes to catch a ride back to the tent at the race start. This is small race, so if you are looking for the logistical support of Boston, New York or the Marine Corps size events, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a well-run race on a really beautiful course that will add a little more to the 26.2 mile challenge then this is one you should go for. When you train, you need to add hills to the end of your routes.
J. S. from West Chester, PA (10/28/2007) "Beautiful scenery" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon (RI) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was an absolutely beautiful run. The day was great and perfect for running. Water stops were a bit sparse on the back end. The hills were killer after mile 19!!!! Although I did not need medical attention I did make note of the lack of any aid/medical stations or personnel. Thank goodness my family was able to find me on at least 8 different spots on the race route because spectators were sparse. Those that were there were enthusiastic. Thank you.
S. S. from NY (10/28/2007) "A nice course, but a hilly, sub-par race" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The course was nice with views of the ocean, mansions, vineyards, and farms but the hills took a lot out of your body. The start and first mile were in downtown Newport, which was a plus. The weather was muggy and humid, but at least the rain ended early in the morning. The course needed more water stops and lacked spectators and the finish line was horrible. The finish line was over a mile from downtown and there was only one shuttle bus to transport people to the after party and nothing to drink or eat. I never made it to the party since parking is limited in the area and I had to move the car before I got a ticket. I would hope that since this was the first year for the new course, race management will correct the problems, and if they do, it will be a good marathon.
Wayne Lagasse from Coventry, RI (10/25/2007) "Great first marathon for me!" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Newport Marathon (RI) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I've run a lot of half marathons and being from RI this was a perfect choice for my first marathon. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful course the first 13 miles with excellent ocean front views, farm animals and lots of BIG mansions. I went out way too fast which I was aware of but kept on with an 8:20 pace for the first 13. I slowed down during the last half with some decent hills. More water stations would have been good. Mylar wraps at the finish were a nice touch. Not too much food at the finish other than a small table with some bananas and some water. Being my first marathon I would have loved to purchase a jacket or hat with the Breakers Marathon on it. I will do this one again next year and will be much more prepared for the hills.

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