Newport Marathon

This was a very well done small race and thoroughly enjoyable. The first few miles take you around in town and that is the only part with some rolling hills. After that, you go down along the bay and river and it's flat. Well marked, outstanding water stops and perfect weather. Coastal Oregon made for a wonderful week long trip and I would do this race again in a heartbeat!!!

Great to be back running the Newport Marathon after 2 years closed for Covid. This is a great event all the way around. Starting by the Yaquina Lighthouse with views of the ocean and the ironic Bay Bridge, it's all Oregon. Some small hills but mostly flat. Newport is a smaller town and they are all in for this event. The run is a fundraiser for the school sports programs and the kids enthusiastically are making things happen. Of my 200+ marathons, the finish line festivities are among the best, beer, clam chowder (all you want!), sandwiches, fruit, and other foods. Oh, and another beer. And good beer from the local micro brewery. Music and awards. Covered areas. Plenty of chairs. Super fun. We did get some Oregon liquid sunshine, but the temperature was fine and most of us just soaked it in. The first rain on race day in 22 years. Great shirt and "medal", hand made glass from a local artist!

First you get your Pacific Ocean views. Then the bay. Then the river. And throughout, the fluid stops maintained by enthusiastic volunteers. Did I get tired of all this water? No way! You would think 20 miles of out-and-back along the bay/river would start to look the same, but somehow it didn't. Beautiful scenery and other than a few hills in the first three miles, it was pretty flat. This is a race in a small town with big-time organization. Communication was outstanding, and the packet pickup was easy, though you'll be disappointed if you're one of those folks who likes to check out a lot of booths at expo (I'm not). I recommend the pre-race pasta dinner at the American Legion. Lots of food for $10 and goes to a good cause. Post-race bash was super with yummy clam chowder and beer. Glass medal is unique, and I loved the shirt. Not too many spectators, but they were spirited and dedicated (saw several who were cheering from their yards both times I passed, which for me was about two hours apart). This was my Oregon, but even if you're not a 50-stater, I recommend making the trip to Newport.