Ocean State Marathon & Rhode Race - Race Reviews

This was my first time running the full. I did the half a few years ago. I thought the course was really pretty and interesting. Only issue I had was the lack of road closures and really narrow spots. They keep the size of the marathon relatively small so it should be easy to get a good time. Definitely train for hills... there were a few challenging ones later in the race but nothing too difficult. I would recommend this one over Providence and Newport based on the scenery.

This was #43 for me. The parts along the water were really pretty, but most of it was blah and trafficy. They route you through regular neighborhoods, along main roads with stores and gas stations and lots of cars (with little space for runners) while throwing in lots of turns, which makes for a mediocre route. Organization and aid stations were good and very few spectators (which I like). Rolling hills is a bit of an understatement, its pretty hilly, esp for us flat landers. I would suggest a different race if you need RI for your 50 states like I did.

Pro - small quaint marathon - course had lots of food as did the end - easy packet pickup Cons - fair number of rolling hills - running mostly on busy roads with cones. If you are uncomfortable with traffic, this is not your marathon - marathon/half marathon split was not well marked

On the plus side: * beautiful start/finish location * great sunrise at the start * awesome medal. * nice shirt * excellent finish line food and FRESH apple cider that was delicious. * Frequent and great aide stations. Down side: A little more time along the 1A highway than I'd like. But the other parts mostly made up for it. Great fall colors.

This small race delivered! Amazing course, gorgeous views, wel stocked aid stations and creative awards. The medals were great too. There were several inclines some long some short but no Heartbreak Hills. Highly recommend this super organized race. They also have fun branded stuff to purchase.

This was a very different experience. It was a 150 person field due to covid and Ocean State did everything possible to keep runners as safe possible- support was just right. FYI : There was a nice long, mild, downhill stretch that became an uphill grind on the return, so keep that in mind. Definitely get this one on your list

2020 was obviously not a usual year. This was the first race I've done since the covid restrictions, and I chose it because the organizers publicized a detailed and thoughtful covid safety plan. It's a small race, but I enjoy that. Part of it is out-and-back which means you get to see more people, and it made it feel very friendly. I saw so much joy in running today! The course does have rolling hills including some that come late. It's moderately scenic...some along the highway but also bits along the beach. It was stripped down for 2020, but still had everything I needed: mile markers, water stations, police directing traffic. Well done overall. I also used the 'Racejoy' app for the first time. If you choose to let it track you, friends can see your progress via GPS and send messages or music quotes. I guess not something the elites would do, but it was kind of fun.

Organization was great. Every aid station had gels, water and sports drink. Half of them had bananas. Started right on time. T-shirt is a very loud yellow but a nice design. Medal is nice. The course is somewhat rural and uneventful, unless you've never been to New England in the fall, in which case the trees are nice. You are running with cars for most of the course, and a lot of the drivers don't seem to know there's a race going on. I actually had to wait for a few cars at a crosswalk at one point at about mile 21 or so. The course is advertised as flat but there are a few hills.

Top 10 Reasons to Run Narragansett 10 - Good quality and nice race shirt 9 - The Break Hotel = what a gem with a great (and free) breakfast 8 - The finisher's medal is great - unique to this race and town 7 - Small field so lots of running by yourself - a true runner's experience 6 - It's not fun running next to cars but the fact that the course is not closed to cars makes it spectator friendly. 5 - Not only a half marathon but a 5K on the same day so that your non-marathon friends and family members can race with you the same day. 4 - Pizza at Finish Line 3 - Close enough to Newport to sightsee there before the marathon 2 - Fall foliage 1 - Ocean views

The race description says something about highlighting the best Rhode Island has to offer - I agree. This race was run along a lot of rural/suburban roads (primarily the former) near the height of Fall colors. Beautiful course. There are slight rolls to the course; however, one would characterize it as neither hilly nor flat. Basically, it's flat with the occasion grade going toward or away form the coast/waterway or inland when traversing small, rolling terrain changes. The start is very convenient, with perfect parking circumstances. The location offers many choices of hotels and restaurants (I highly recommend The Crows Nest - very cool, local place.) I also stayed at a hotel closer to the airport, rather than closer to the start/finish. No problem there, either - it's an easy drive south. I had hoped to run Newport for my RI marathon; however, the schedule worked better for this one. This, as it turns out, is a fabulous choice for Rhode Island. And upon finishing it, checked off my 49th state. And, met several really nice Maniacs along the way. :)

Enjoyed running the Ocean State marathon in Narragansett this year. This is the rare marathon/half/5k where the marathon runners have little to no interaction with the shorter distances. The race started at 7:30AM and never felt too crowded or too desolate. Organization: Wonderful. Race announcer was enthusiastic and supportive. Parking was easy. Race started on time. Every aid station was stocked and there was one with bananas which made my day. Gels were available and there were friendly supporters along the course. Nice tech shirt with an ocean blue color to match the ethos of the race. Enjoyed the soup they served at the finish. What could have been: I'd wanted to do Newport as my RI marathon but it sold out before I pulled the trigger to sign up. This race was a few weeks later and I found some good deals on lodging/transportation. I stayed in Newport the night before this race and got to see it a bit. I must say the Newport marathon is probably more scenic than this one based on what I saw of the course. In this race there are a few miles where you're running with a clear view of the ocean but most of the race is ran on the side of roads open to traffic (though I never felt unsafe as they did a nice job with the cones). Its truly a road race, and probably one more geared towards local runners as opposed to Newport which has more participants. If you do this as your RI race make sure to spend some time in Newport. Leaving the race: Its always a strange experience to drive along the race course after you complete the marathon and see everyone who was behind you as they tirelessly push towards the end, moving in anguish over the path you covered not so long ago. Felt like I was driving alongside the course for a few miles as I went north towards Providence.

This was my Rhode Island choice and 38th state. I thought for a smaller race they did a good job with things like water stops, road crossings, etc. The terrain is decidedly rolling with lots of ups and downs, though I didn't think any individually were that bad, they do add up. I would recommend the race.