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Jul 22, 2024

Newport Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Newport Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.4

Number of comments: 108 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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J. P. from Phoenix, AZ (6/2/2014) "Scenic small town race" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The Newport Marathon is one of the more scenic races I have run, with nice views of the ocean the first few miles and a serene out-and-back along Yaquina Bay. It has the look and feel of a small town race, and a field size of about 1,000. There is some cambering in the road, which was giving me some knee pain for much of the race, so look out for that. My only real complaint is there seemed to be a lack of organization at times. The aid stations generally had people holding both water and gatorade, and several times I was unable to get the drink I wanted. They need to have gatorade at the front and water at the back, or gatorade-water-gatorade since it's an out and back. Also, they put the timing strip on the back of the tab that is normally pulled off for a bag tag, or can be otherwise safely discarded. Luckily I realized this before I left for the starting line, but I saw some bibs that appeared to have the tab missing. If they are going to put the timing strip in a weird place, they need to be more careful of warning people at the packet pickup instead of at the starting line. It's definitely a race worth doing, and you can get a pretty good time here.
J. R. from Atlanta, GA (6/2/2014) "Great course and fun town with friendly people" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a fun marathon to run and perfect weather as you approach the summer season. Course was very nice and what I liked most about this marathon is the local high school puts this on. There were so many young people volunteering and helping out which I think is awesome. Post race party was very nice also with home made food, band and post race beer. The town does a great job putting this on and it is a neat part of the country to visit.
n. t. from San Francisco (11/23/2013) "Beautiful flat course, friendly town" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and I had a great experience: the whole town was friendly and welcoming and the course was flat and scenic. The medal is locally hand-blown glass and they raffled off glass globes at the awards ceremony (I got one). There's very little in the way of spectators along the course so the last few miles felt a little lonely and there's a bit of a hill the last mile (which felt steeper than it really is) but other than that everything was lovely. I qualified for Boston so my next marathon is going to be very different from this one!
F. P. from CA, USA (8/29/2013) "Easy Course Good weather" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my 2nd marathon after CIM. Beat my previous time by 18 minutes and qualified for Boston with 15 minutes to spare. Temperature is perfect.
C. W. from Boulder, CO (8/3/2013) "Beautiful and fast course" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my fifth marathon, and probably my favorite, not to mention my fastest. I've done the big city races, which can be fun, but this one was just so charming and low key. Logistics were a breeze. We stayed at the host hotel which is right at the finish (and about a mile from the start) and it couldn't have been more convenient, plus it had gorgeous views and was very reasonable. The weather was absolutely perfect on race day, 50s with light scattered clouds, and the course was incredibly scenic throughout. The first couple of miles are a little hilly and turny and go through the little downtown, and then you stretch out along the estuary for the last 16 miles, which is flat and fast. Spectators are infrequent, but it didn't bother me. The road is banked in a few places, but not terrible. I wish there had been more of an expo. I bought a t-shirt and would have loved a commemorative poster, since I have one from all the other marathons I've done, but they really don't have any merchandise available unfortunately. This is definitely a 'best kept secret' kind of race, and while I don't want it to lose its quaint appeal, they could easily double their profits by putting a little more into the expo and promotion of the event. Also, I liked that it's only a full marathon - no other races run at the same time.
K. E. from Illinois (6/9/2013) "Small and scenic. Needs better promoting!" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This course is very scenic along the bay. The weather conditions were ideal, especially since the wind disappeared for the event! I wish there was a better expo and more information in advance of the race to create excitement (e.g. a Facebook page). However, this is a small town event organized by the local boosters where income from the marathon is used to support athletics, athletic participation scholarships, and extra-curricular activities at Newport High School. I understand the marketing budget is probably small, but better information in advance would have been nice. I believe that in addition to an increased marathon field, the Newport businesses/economy would benefit much more with a slightly different marketing approach. This is certainly a marathon worth running if you want to experience a great town in the great state of Oregon!
T. L. from Dallas, Tx (6/4/2013) "A bucket list marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 34th different marathon. Scenery-wise, it is one of the prettiest. Newport is a great destination place to visit - lots to see and do. The list of cons I have are few, and mostly just things worth noting: 1. There is no expo. Just a packet pick up starting Friday at 3:00 PM. 2. You get your shirt at the finish line. 3. This race is low key in all areas of the race with no fanfare anywhere except the finish line. Nothing at the start, the turn-around, or mile 20. I liked the peace and quiet of the course though. 4. There's some camber in the road to deal with - difficult to avoid sometimes when there were cars. The course is mostly flat, with a few steep hills early on and one at the end. The first few miles have a lot of turns and a brief stint on a gravel road, but it was fun to run through town and see the ocean. I love the recycled glass medal - very unique.
scott palmer from Montana (6/10/2012) "great conditions" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
S. S. from Canada (6/3/2012) "Grass roots marathon with unique flair" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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!
Kirk Stafford from Portland, Oregon (6/3/2012) "Beautiful, Flat, Mostly Rural Course" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Newport Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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.

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