I am from Montana and when we see rainy weather we assume it will be cold ..not so in New Port. What a great experience to run in what i consider to be 'warm' mist. So dont let the idea of misty rain prevent you from signing up for this perfect marathon.. you will also likely meet some real life pirates while visiting the area.

I ran this marathon in 09 my husband ran it in 12. Very well organized event. All proceeds do not go into race director's pocket, but benefit local Newport organizations, they only pay for services they hire for the race - all the rest of the profits go to local organizations. Excellent spectator support - shuttle buses ran every 15 minutes to take spectators out on the course  really saves the gas! The runner support at the finish line was outstanding. A volunteer ran around and did everyhing for my husband. Can't beat the oysters on the course - if your stomach can take it! As fun as a marathon gets!

After a short jaunt through downtown Newport, we runners cruised alongside Yaquina Bay. The course was mostly flat and a net drop in elevation. The weather this year (2012) was warm enough for me to be shirt-free despite the periodic misting rain.
Crowds were infrequent but enthusiastic. The aid stations were well-placed and well-stocked. I definitely would recommend this race.

I've done this one twice and it's beautiful with great flat terrain.

Beautiful location. Had just finished another marathon & not fully recovered, so had to go slow. Very hot day - should have been more water stops or at least ice in Dixie cups. Thank goodness for lady w a cooler of small bottles of water - saved me from overheating. Course was just beautiful, & I liked the ease of a low keyed well- organized race.

I love our coast and was thrilled to make registration this year! It was a perfect course, just the right amount of participants and spectators (as I prefer quiet, small, uncongested races) and, it was a great morning to run. Yes, it was very hot (for a coastie) but I still PR'd by 13 minutes, even with having to slow my pace the last 3 miles due to the heat. Having the cold water hose spray available at the finish was a critical move on this day.
The only downside I remember is the noise in the crowded room at packet pickup-sound reverberating off the low ceiling was deafening. Adding chip timing would be a positive addition. But, hey, LOVE the medal.

I wanted to add to/correct my comments from 6/13/2011. Despite this race not being chip timed, my recorded time was dead on. Any human error was my own and my comments should not have implied otherwise. Great race. Nice course. Excellent people. I hope to make it back next year!

This was my first marathon so my comments are not coming from a wide breadth of experience. As promised the course was fairly flat. Most of the aid stations were well organized, although I did have to stop and run back to get water at one as they were not prepared for 5 runners in a row. I'm glad they are switching to chip timing next year as I didn't like the added pressure to find the optimum spot at the start. Also my garmin and gun time were off by 30 seconds. The length was different too, but I expected that. Although, chip timing is not fool proof, it does remove some human error. With the new Boston registration process, every second counts. Overall it was a great experience and the volunteers and fellow runners were all extremely friendly. Did I mention it was damn hot?

This was my first Newport marathon and I will run it every year I am able. Nice small town feel, locals treat you great. Loved the course. Not allot of people on the course for support which I am ok with. Water stops were well manned and stocked. weather was warm but it's the Oregon coast...you just never know. A note to the Race Director...Great job!! Friendly people from start to finish...Great views.

Exactly what a marathon should be. Not too big, not too small, not too formal, not too laid back, not too flat, not too steep. Not too expensive, not too cheap. If you can, get to Newport and do this race... you won't regret it. Everything was JUST RIGHT!