Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Love the small race feel. Easy to get to start, weather great and well organized.
This was my first marathon, so I was looking for something a bit lower-key than the big city events. The course was BEAUTIFUL, we lucked out with a gorgeous sunny day, and the people were fantastic. Correction to the listing, this race did have pacing groups (although not well organized at times).
Nice flat run; have fun!
No problems with lodging, parking, etc.
Have run this race 3 times and each time was a PR. Well organized, flat, and very fast. Love the views of the bay. Oregon coast in early June is cool so feel like I can train for this race and have a good shot at a PR. Course is well supported. Lots of porta potties at the beginning, fun finishers area with beer and big bowls of chowder. Expo is tiny, basically packet pick up.
Crowd support is limited since its mostly out and back on a two lane road. Spectators were fun and friendly. My favorite race of all my marathons.
First 4 miles are in neighborhoods with some turns, but once you get down to the bay its an out and back and very flat.
Recommend staying at the Embarcadaro. Race shuttle picks you up before race then you finish across the street from the Embarcadaro.
First 4 miles are in neighborhoods with some turns, but once you get down to the bay its an out and back and very flat. Recommend staying at the Embarcadaro. Race shuttle picks you up before race then you finish across the street from the Embarcadaro.
Extremely easy access to starting line porta-potties--the best of the 19 marathons I have run. I loved the scenic out-and-back course. I also enjoyed the town and the spaghetti dinner.
If I were to run this race again, I would ease off my pacing through the first four miles through town due to hills and turns. The rest of the course is relatively straight and flat. The incline during the last half-mile was not as drastic as I anticipated; it cost me about 12 seconds during my final full-mile split.
We rented a house in Newport, which provided easy access to race shuttles and finish area.
Beautiful race with great support. The weather was near perfect, starting in low fifties, finishing around 58. Oregon coast is unique and wonderful, definitely worth the trip. Also, the course is fast.
Be aware that the last mile goes up about 65 feet, which can seem daunting after 25 miles.
Embarcadero Resort is a great place to stay and right at finish line.
Great support, flat at sealevel, cool temp.
This marathon is well supported, lots of aid stations, wonderful encouraging crowd, beautiful scenic course. Worth every penny you spend on it, and it's very reasonably priced!
Often times foggy at start but warms up and clears off quickly. I have raced this 2x and had wonderful experiences.
The Holiday Inn offers and early am continental breakfast with everything you need. They also offer a marathon discount. It's close to the bay so a little removed from the town but nice and quiet. The marathon shuttle does stop at this hotel!!