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Newport Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Newport Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.7 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.4 
 
 
Number of comments: 108 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 4 5 6 7 8 .. 11 > ]

 

C. H. from Vancouver, Canada (6/3/2008)
"Few but very enthusiastic spectators." (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Newport Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Great course, not too many hills or turns, friendly folks.

 

Tim Cook from Gresham, Oregon (6/3/2008)
"Fantastic 1st Marathon" (about: 2008)

1 previous marathon | 1 Newport Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Several people had recommended Newport as a great 1st Marathon. Having run it last weekend, I have to agree. It was very well organized, from the check-in, to the very friendly aid stations, and finally, to the comfortable finish area.

It is a pretty flat, out-and-back course, although that gradual climb right at the end about did me in. I was thrilled to be running downhill for the final .2, though.

Scenery was beautiful and the weather was perfect - low 50's, and no rain. Woo hoo! Not a lot of spectators, which was fine with me; however, the ones there were enthusiastic and supportive. I had a great time.

 

Sean Sundwall from Snoqualmie, WA (6/2/2008)
"A truly fast course and great organization" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


In November, I ran in the US Olympic Marathon Trials in NYC. That race was extremely well organized and the crowds were spectacular as you might expect. Why do I mention that? Because Newport put on a marathon this past Saturday that in every way (except crowds) was as well executed, thought out and planned as the Trials was. The course was gorgeous and it was truly as flat and fast as advertised. I would recommend this course to anyone trying to get a PR or a BQ, or for those who will take a shot at the much more challenging OT qualifying time of 2:19. This course can yield that time if more elite runners discover and run this spectacular marathon. Hats off to the organizers and to the city.

 

T. B. from CA (7/9/2007)
"Great Marathon!!" (about: 2007)

3 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is a must-do! This was my third marathon on my way to do all 50 states and I must say, my best yet! I also set a new PR for myself, so what a great way to round the summer out! The course was great - pretty flat with one monster hill. Other than that I had no complaints! The fans were great! The support was great, and the water aides were awesome!

 

A. F. from Grapevine, Texas (6/16/2007)
"A great marathon experience" (about: 2007)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


This is just a gem of a marathon. The only reason to give the spectators 2 stars is because there weren't a lot of them. However, the ones that were there gave great support. Newport is a great city.

What I liked:
* the weather
* a beautiful course
* great organization
* excellent medal and t-shirt
* great volunteers
* limited number of runners

One suggestion is to have a golf shirt with the marathon logo available for purchase.

 

S. C. from Cedar Crest, New Mexico (6/5/2007)
"Super fast course" (about: 2007)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Newport Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


A first-rate marathon! Second time I've run the race - PRs both times. Love the course. It's flat enough to be very fast and still is rolling/winding enough to be very interesting. We had a great little pack of pace setters for much of the race. The eventual winner ran an extraordinary race with his 1:12 second half. Love the turnaround at 15 miles. Lots of support from oncoming runners. Very well organized.

 

R. s. from Clackamas Oregon (6/5/2007)
"A must on your marathon list!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


My brother and I did this marathon and enjoyed every part of it!!!!! Everyone was very friendly and helpful.... The view along course helped to keep your mind off of things a bit. What a perfect weekend, with our families, and also meeting new marathon friends.

- Regina Schmidt-Leeding and Rick Henderson.

 

Bob Kroeger from Home of the Reds and Bengals (6/5/2007)
"Newport: A Five-Star Small Marathon" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


What did I like:
1. Easy packet pick-up
2. Limited race field (this could grow and lose its flavor)
3. Terrific values at the expo - fleeces, running gear at one-third the price that Boston charges
4. Great motel - Econolodge. Ask for 2nd floor oceanview and late check-out.
5. Friendly people everywhere in this village of 9,000
6. Great beaches to enjoy before and after the race
7. One of the most scenic courses in USA (and I've run MDI)
8. 5-star pasta dinner for $6.50
9. Excellent traffic control
10. Perfect placement of mile markers: didn't miss a split
11. Nice medal and great post-race food: watermelon, fruit, chips/salsa, clam chowder, beer
12. PR by nine minutes; son did a PR by 11 minutes
13. Enthusiastic fans; did not need a lot of them with such gorgeous scenery

What could be improved:

1. Not much
2. Maybe change the t-shirt to microfiber, but that would have made this race dead-solid perfect, which is rare in this imperfect world.

I will return, despite the distance from Ohio. Thanks, Newport!!!

 

J. B. from Central Oregon (6/4/2007)
"Lots of fun... nice and mellow" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Well, after 2 kids and 9 years since my last marathon, I thought I would tackle it again. I was looking for a fun, flat course and this was a great re-entry into running.

You make a quick loop through town... a handful of cheering folks on each block. Then you head out to the bay road.

Weather was awesome... nice and cool, probably mid-50s. At the start, they had bags for you to leave your extra layers and they seemed to make it to the finish line.

One complaint: the bay road portion sloped a bit for drainage. Not too bad... but definitely made my knees strain a little.

Also, being a super slow runner, I liked cheering everyone on when they had already made it to the out-and-back. Most were super nice and smiling.

Overall, just a good time! Many thanks to the organizers!

 

R. G. from Danville, CA (6/3/2007)
"Gorgeous scenery, fast course, small field" (about: 2007)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


If you are looking for a course to run a PR time in June, this is it. The weather conditions were ideal - high 40-50s; the course has some rollers in the first four miles but nothing to worry about - once you are on the out-and-back, the course is flat other than a short grade between mile 25 and 26, and a downhill run to the chutes after 26. Anyone complaining about hills here must be from a pancake-flat part of the world.

Our small group had several first-time Boston qualifiers and big PRs all around (14 minutes, 24 minutes, etc.) so the results speak for themselves.

There aren't many spectators beyond the water stations, but you do get support from the other competitors as you're running back.

 

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