One City Marathon - Race Reviews

Chose this race purely for its BQ potential and it did not disappoint. Living in the south, this was perfect for winter training and for excellent race day conditions. The course is very fast with enough turns to keep it from being too mundane but not so many as to affect your time. I do not know how they afford to put this race on as the amount of law enforcement and traffic protection in place was crazy. Never felt exposed and there is no chance to miss a turn. Community and volunteers were outstanding and very surprising. I did not expect the level of enthusiasm or volunteer quality. Most or all seemed very experienced and accommodating. The organization is excellent and literally everything was thought of as to what you may need. From expo to finish, there was no unnecessary waiting or lines. The course is fast with no appreciable uphill or downwhill portions and the scenery, for the most part, was great. There are some really beautiful sections. After party was above expectations as well. And yes, knocked 10 minutes off the PR and made a BQ by 15 minutes so the race delivered.

I chose this race to BQ because of the course and weather. Both were perfect. Packet pick up was simple and easy. No expo but they had a few last minute items if needed. Race start area was in a park, plenty of room to move around. Enough port-a-lets. Energetic atmosphere. Start was not crowded. Ran on roads, thru neighborhoods and parks. Always felt very safe, so much police presence. The course is not completely flat, as there are a few inclines but nothing major and the declines were nice. Enough turns to keep things interesting but not too many and none too tight. Finish line was awesome, turn the corner and it's there. Not a lot of spectators, so if you need that, this may not be the race for you. But plenty of water stations and great volunteers. Finish line party was awesome, great food choices from food trucks and live music. I PRd by 9 minutes and got an 11 min buffer for Boston, so I would definitely recommend this race. Well organized.

The pre race communication was excellent. The expo was at the host hotel and was scaled back this year as they returned to an in-person race so there was only one vendor selling all of the essentials. I thought the course was just average&it had some really nice sections and some decent areas through the neighborhoods . I would not say there were any terrible sections. It is definitely a flat, fast course. The volunteers were excellent from the expo to the finish line&very friendly and supportive and so were the police. Where this race truly shines in my opinion is with the people who make this event happen. Everything was top notch. Organization seemed flawless. Plenty of buses at the start and they left right on time. Runner safety seemed paramount at this race. Busy roads were either closed completely or had a lane coned off. Plenty of volunteers along the way at intersections along with a huge presence of police on the roads holding traffic and keeping the runners safe. Water stops were numerous and well stocked by enthusiastic volunteers. Post race party was fantastic&.the usual fruit, snacks, Gatorade, and water plus a coupon for an item at one of several food trucks and two craft beers. There is a brewery and distillery right there if you wish to continue the party&and you might want to stick around because there were 3 excellent bands playing into the afternoon. Overall great experience.

I have a lot to say about my March 1, 2020, New Port News Marathon. I was running my 25th Marathon with 6 buddies (4 of us were doing the full and 2 Half). Last year I had signed up for the half but was not able to run due to a glute injury. Many of my friends who already ran this course had nothing but good things to say. So I decided to run this year. The expo was just the right size and it was in the same hotel where we were staying, which made it a lot better. The transfer to the start line was great and we were allowed to stay in the buses which were warm. The race day temp were just right, the packet drop off was conveniently situated right in front of the start line. The course was nice and flat, and the sag/water support every two miles were just great. Course was well marked and the spectators kept cheering us. Though it was not a big race, this was one of the well organized Marathon's that I've run. My first goal was to come under 4 hours! As I mentioned everything just fell in place, not only did I break 4 (my first) I qualified for Boston with a time of 3:46, and came first in my age group! A memorable day that I'll never forget. All my buddies also did very well.

This year was my 6th time running the race and it just keeps getting better! Great organization for this point to point course getting you from the finish line (parking) to the race start. Crowds and volunteers are super supportive. The course is really flat and fast with just a few small rollers, which make this a great course to try for a Boston Qualifier! Great fun!

I was looking for a flat, fast course in early spring and this race delivered! Packet pickup was small and easy. Nothing fancy but it got the job done. Tshirt is long sleeve, tech, nice. It's a point to point course (I stayed at the host hotel so it was easy to take the shuttle from the hotel to the start). We were able to sit on the warm buses until 15 minutes before the race start, which was really nice. Newport News Park, which has bathrooms -- no port o potties! Because the race was fairly small - 400 marathoners - the lines were short. Gear check was near the start line and very easy. Temperature on race day was PERFECT - 29 at the start and low 40s at the finish, very minimal wind. The race is point to point and south. The beginning is tree lined and very pretty. Some of the course is along a commercial road, which isn't the best but it's not forever. The race also goes through some neighborhoods, a museum, and along some paved trails. The mile markers are permanent street signs. It's a fairly flat course - I think around 250 feet of elevation over 26.2 miles. The end is a long straightaway until you make a right turn and see the finish. There weren't tons of spectators but the ones that were out were loud and enthusiastic. The students were especially great, as were the guys in the animal onesies offering beer (I didn't partake but it made me smile). Water and Gatorade were every two miles and the volunteers were AWESOME. I ran a 6 minute PR and a Boston qualifier time by almost 7 minutes. Highly recommend for a fast course with great logistics!

This was my 14th marathon and it was a fantastic event. A friend and I flew down from Toronto to run this marathon $99 hotel, $64 car rental from Norfolk, expo in hotel, easy peasy. Our Tokyo marathon was cancelled so we rushed to find a replacement, so glad we can here instead of Napa Valley! Superb organization with Expo in the host hotel, shuttles to and from the start/finish areas, warm buses at the start**, real toilets in the ranger station plus portos, fast bag check, warm tents at the finish, make your own granola, free toiletries, hot chocolate and food trucks, stand up tables, outdoor heaters, oh, and TWO free beer! The volunteers at the expo, the start, on course, everywhere were just incredible. Even saw our favorite expo volunteer at the finish for a hug. (Shirts were massive, seemed like mens shirt sizing) The weather was cool -2'c to +4'c, sunny, minimal wind and beautiful course thorough parks, waterfront, historic neighborhoods, downtown, it had it all. There was also just the right amount of turns and elevation to keep your legs awake and no long stretches that didn't end. The permanent mile markers was also helpful and bang on. I stuck with the 3:30 pace bunny and had a 9 min PB at 45yrs old! 1st in my AG. For only having 3000 runners they had top notch attractions. I will be back for another girls racing weekend and will bring them all!! This is my favorite non-major marathon! If you are looking to BQ this course is it (better than Erie) and it felt almost downhill for most of it. Only downfall was it was the first time I placed in my age group but they didn't have those medals/award there and will be mailed out. It would have meant so much more to be able to pick it up at the end than getting it in the mail sometime in the future. Regardless I rate this race 99.9/100.

Just ran this yesterday. It's a very well-done small race, and I found much of the course to be pretty. Lots was on a principal city street, but I didn't find that to be a problem. We ran through residential areas, on a university campus, and in some park and tree-lined areas. The course is pretty flat, and there were frequent water stations. Two complaints: very poor post-race shuttle service back to the hotel. A whole bunch of us had to Uber instead. The shirt is way too big, even though it's an XS. I would definitely consider running this one again.

Thank you first responders, military and city of Newport News for hosting this race. This marathon was Amazing, fun and such an epic event with such great crowd and community support. Camaraderie amongst runners was awesome and the crowds gave much need motivation and enthusiasm through each mile. And of course a special thank you to the race coordinators, Jason Todd and staff and volunteers of flat out events and point 2 and all the sponsors. Truth be told, this event could not be held without each and every one of you beautiful, phenomenal people. Much respect and move love can't wait to run this event again in 2020.

The One City Marathon is an exceptionally well organized event. The Newport News police and community members come out in force to put on an excellent event. They close off the entire road to allow runners ample room to run on a great point-to-point course. The school children cheer squads are very spirited, and I really enjoyed the flat and interesting course. The host hotels are very accommodating of runners and offer a great rate. The shuttles are smooth, and the final miles of the race offer glimpses of the Newport News Shipbuilding yard, which was really cool!

It was my first marathon and I had a great time! I will be entering again.

Flat, fast, and fun course. Outstanding communication and organization. Probably the best one out of the 10+ I have competed in.

Newport News One City Marathon Race Review (2019) The EXPO was small but nice. It was held for 2 days, Friday 12-7 and Saturday 10-6. There were vendors selling various race items such as socks, bib belts, Gels, etc. There were other vendors offering presentations on nutrition, health insurance for the elderly/uninsured, free 15 min massage, live entertainment, games and much more. Once you entered the EXPO to pick up your race bib, you needed a picture ID and if you were picking up for someone else, you needed a copy of their picture ID. Also, while inside the EXPO, you could stop and present your ID to pick up your wrist band for your two complimentary beers. On the day of the race, you had to park downtown Newport News where the race ended. The city provided heated shuttle buses to bring all race participants back to Newport News Park where the race began. Each corral was marked with a mile per minute time, starting at 6 mins - 12 mins per mile. The race course was a fast pace course. Mostly flat with a few hills. The community truly came together and supported all runners. The high school band drum line played as runners passed. The community cheered runners from start to finish. There was plenty of water, Gatorade and GU Gel on the course. Some members of the community set up stations at the end of their driveway and offered bottled water, protein bars, Pepsi, bananas, orange slices, Reese Peanut Butter cups and more. Some of them motivated runners by joining in and running with them around mile 22. There was live entertainment at various locations along the course. The crowd support was AMAZING!!! The finish line was a beautiful thing to see. You could hear the DJ's music before getting to the last turn. Once you crossed the finish line, they offered fruit, bagels, bottled Gatorade, bottle water, a fitful zip up recovery jacket and four food trucks to choose from with your food ticket off your bib. In addition, they offered free body massages, OCM towels, free photo booth and OCM glass with celebrating 5 years logo. Since this course is USATF certified and a Boston Marathon Qualifier, I recommend it to anyone who needs to BQ or running their first marathon. The airport is located in the City of Newport News with hotels, shopping and Point 2 Running Company all in close distance to travel. Newport News One City Marathon celebrated their 5th year of this race being offered and inaugural Half Marathon. The weather was perfect for this race and overall, I would rate this marathon 10 out of 10. However, I overheard some complaining about the half marathon runner slowing them down, since we all ran the same course. Other than that, I give the City of Newport News two thumbs up.

Flat point to point course. If possible get dropped off near the start so you don't have to get up as early to take the shuttle. Weather was a perfect 40 degrees and overcast.

I recommend this race to anyone! Great organization, fast flat course, fairly scenic, and wonderful volunteers. Water stops about every two miles, a 'Gu' station along the way, easy packet pick up, and shuttle from host hotels to loading area for buses to start line went smooth. Fortunately we had decent weather--dry after weeks of rain. Finish area had food trucks for finishers plus heated tents for massages. Definitely a race I'd come back to.

I never heard of Newport news, VA until Cyber Monday last fall and was looking forward to the drive. The city is pretty and everyone is very friendly. Met a nice couple at lunch who were retired from NASA. The expo was easy to get to with free parking and good vendors. Parking was free and close to the start. Course had a few long inclines with water and gatorade every 2 miles. Good volunteer support and scattered fans are very vocal. Loved the finish line swag and food trucks with free food to runners. Worth checking out. If you can do it - pair it with the Virginia Beach marathon a couple of weeks later.

I don't normally leave reviews but just felt the people that put this marathon on truly deserved some kudos. The weather was exceptionally cold and their organization and execution of the race was absolutely TOP NOTCH despite the conditions. (For instance, they had heated tour buses at the start to keep runners warm before the race). The spectators still came out in force to support the runners and they were great. The volunteers at the water stops were excellent. The point to point course was well-thought out and pleasant. The finish was awesome. Would highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a well organized race.

We ran the race on 3/12/2017. It was cold and windy but the organizers did a great job keeping us warm before the race. The volunteers and the police were very helpful and encouraging. There are not many runners on the marathon course so there were times when I was alone. However the course was very well marked and there were volunteers spread all throughout the course so I felt safe the entire way and did not worry about going off course. It is a great marathon and definitely worth running.

Six of us from the Montgomery County Road Runners Club of Maryland ran the One City Marathon on 3/12/2017. Several of us ran PRs. I PR, and got my first BQ time. In the morning, the shuttle bus picked us up at the host hotels and took us to the starting area. After the race, the shuttle took us from the finish area back to the hotels. The point-to-point course is very flat and fast. For an under 400 finisher marathon, there were lots of enthusiastic fan support at the waving stations. People offered us drinks on the course. I want to give special thanks to the guy with the table of Pepsi Cola. I love drinking a cola in the later part of a marathon. The finish area at Victory Park has a beautiful view of the water. All the volunteers were wonderfully supportive. I did not have a chance to try the free beer and food from the food truck. I will run it again next year.

I have run 13 marathons in 10 different places, I feel this race course is quite good, with fairly flat, smooth surface (with only about less than one mile in park trail, kind of hard on feet), small number of turns, a variety of sceneries. Running track was blocked wide so there is plenty space to run on. I can see most people could sail through it fairly fast. The organization is great, a lot of very friendly police officers directing the traffic. Water stations were fully staffed. Also the course is a true showcase of the city of Newport News. I enjoyed learning every part of the city. The course runs through two beautiful natural parks, a variety of residential neighborhoods, the Marine museum and VA War museum, one university, many public schools, the beautiful shoreline along James River, a village-type shopping center, the ship-building dock, ended in downtown Newport News. The race support is outstanding. I feel this race is superior in many ways than the nearby Shamrock in VA Beach, that is about one week later. I am glad I decided to run this one in the last minute. I recommend the race.

I have had bad luck with Shamrock VA Beach (not the fault of the race... just keep getting injured on the course!) and am not a fan of Rock and Roll USA in DC, so I was happy to see another race in the same time frame. I love point to point races, and this one looked like it might be pretty flat without all the wind of a beach marathon. This was all true GREAT course! It had a nice early start right as the sun was rising, and was small enough that I didn't have to fight my way through crowds at the beginning. Small race means there wasn't a lot of cheering compared to huge city races, but for a marathon limited to 500 runners, it was pretty decent. The ONLY complaint I have is the water stations: please have Gatorade and water at every station, and please use PAPER cups next time! I couldn't drink from the hard plastic cups without spilling them all over myself. Other than that, stellar. They have a shuttle bus from the finish line to the start at 6am, as well as a shuttle from the host hotel for those of us that had family staying with us. Really, everything was top notch. And the weather really cooperated - even a nice breeze at your back for the finish!

Course was locked down tight and secure never had a care about traffic, and most of the time had 2 or 3 lanes of traffic to run on! Excellent water station support (had water and Gatorade almost every 2 miles or so, as well as GU at a couple of points on the course&perhaps add some oranges/bananas as other options). The local community really got behind the event! Awesome medals that were very different for each of their signature events. Very run-able course, mostly flat with gradual brief climbs. Great Post Race Party! Tech shirt for marathoners and cotton shirt for relay and other events. Plenty of parking at the finish point and lots of bus support to get you to start or relay exchange points (this will be an area they can refine a bit but the logistics were there). This Event needs a half marathon race added to it! Will do this event again!

What a great first race this town put on. There were some minor kinks, but all-in-all, very impressed with their first running. I drove from PA for this race. My feedback: -Perhaps provide more detail on the website. There wasn't a printable or mile marker details. -The shuttle situation from the Marriott was a little hairy. Our bus driver asked us where the start line was. :-| The shuttles were scheduled to leave the Marriott at 5:30. The shuttle left at 5:20. I'm usually right on time. Those that were right on time probably missed the shuttle. It was also very confusingshuttle to finish line, then another shuttle to start line? Just drive us, which I think they ended up doing (the plans did change). -If the hotel you pick is going to sponsor your runners, you should ensure they can accommodate late checkouts. In the end,we were extended to 1 PM. I get it, they need to clean the rooms. Just another reason why Saturday races are better. Most people will stay the 2nd night. Sunday, most people have to leave for work the next day. We rushed from the finish line back to the hotel to hurry and shower and check out by 1PM. -Not enough gatorade. Every other station is not enough. Especially for those running the marathon. Every four miles is too far apart. The course is not scenic at all, but it is a great point-to-point. The spectators and volunteers made the race. It was so surprising to me that with this first running, all the neighborhoods and locals were out cheering people on. The expo was one of the best. I was so surprised to see such an event for this sized race. The finish line festivities were also one of the best. All-in, great first running for Newport News!