Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Great race in a great town. Not too big, views and location are unmatched. Second half has fewer spectators but great views and challenging hills. Completed 1/2 in 2023 and full in 2024, both should be on your bucket list.
There are a few 180 turns that aren't the greatest, but they take you to all the best areas for views.
Very few negative splits, save some energy for the second half. If running the full, you go past the finish line, embrace the challenge.
Parking offsite and bus trips to start line require earlier morning. There is street parking in the neighborhoods around the race if you are local.
The first half of the marathon is the show stopper with ocean views and mansions, but I actually found the back half which is much quieter and rural to be just as pretty.
Found everything from registration, parking, shuttles and aid stations to be incredibly well organized for a mid-sized race.
Rolling hills throughout which you might not expect on a coastal course. Big hill at mile 24.
This was my first Marathon so I really don't have much to compare to except running the Providence 1/2 Marathon that was a similar format of a Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.
The first half has better sights than the back half and the majority of runners do only the 1/2. The 2nd half has some challenging hills and takes you past Second Beach. In addition you journey into Middletown before circling back. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it!
I rented a locker but they offered a bag check, renting a locker wasn't needed
Arrive early as you are sent in by bus to the finish line
Pros- stunning course along the ocean, short-ish bathroom lines, easy to access starting line
Cons- back check area was poorly marked (no signs, where to line up), design of course brings marathoners directly past half finish line which was psychologically awful. Little crowd support in 2nd half.
This is mainly a half marathon with only 500 or so marathoners. Would recommend as a *half* not not a full mostly due to the fact that you cross over half marathon finish line (cheering, spectators and all) and proceed to run the second half. The design is just awful.
Beautiful course that highlights the city of Newport. The 1/2 marathon started 15 min after full marathon which was VERY nice for us full marathoners. There was lots of crowd support the 1st half, but the 2nd half was pretty lonely...
The weather in April was perfect! A little windy (expected along the ocean). I hate to say "cons", but going right past the 1/2 marathon finish & knowing we still had 13.1 miles to go was PAINFUL!! Miles 18-25 had some large hills.
We had a great long weekend in Rhode Island!! It's beautiful!! We toured mansions, Castle Hill, & the local breweries.
Most scenic course I've ever run, and diverse. We pass ocean views, marinas, mansions, wooded areas and a wildlife refudge. Get shuttle buses to the start which worked fine for me but the race did begin late as the final buses arrived. Run the entire first half with the Halfers and then feel a little lonely the second half. Second half has open roads. Pizza afterward.
Lot's of rolling hills. All are pretty modest but they do take their toll. We got tough wind this year. I'm sure its more than usual but running along the water I'm pretty sure runners should expect wind.
Expo was small but nice in beautiful downtown Newport. I stayed outside of Newport to save money. I heard some complaints about the shuttle system from late arrivers so get there early.