We are happy to announce that the Newport Marathon has been added to our 2015 Saturday Select Series for the state of Oregon.
I (RJ) have a special place in my running heart for the Newport Marathon – it was my very first marathon back in 2010. I was fortunate enough to run it again in 2011 and had a great experience both years. The race is now in its 16th year and continues to improve and respond to an ever-changing running environment.
The race is always held the Saturday after Memorial Day, which this year is May 30th. Limited to 1000 participants, the 2015 race is nearly sold out, but there’s still time for you to jump in!
The gritty details:
- The course is USATF certified and sanctioned and a Boston Marathon (and Olympic Marathon Trials) qualifier.
- It’s chip timed
- It’s flat and at sea level (well, it does actually start at 60 feet, but pretty darn close.)
- It’s fast (assuming you actually train)
- Most of the course is along Yaquina Bay except for the part you’re running towards or along the Pacific Ocean (read: incredible views for 26 miles)
- There’s a post-race party with food, music and everything else you’d expect
- Out and back course with aid stations approximately every two miles
- All-you-can-eat oyster “shooters” at mile 11 and 19 (I’m not kidding. The record is 80, set in 2009)
- Sitting in the Pacific Ocean afterwards makes a great ice bath and feels great on the legs
- The medals. Hand-blown glass medals that will be the envy of all your running friends (my mom ran the race after seeing my two medals and deciding she had to have one for herself)
If you’ve never been to Oregon, Newport is a great place to visit and this is a great race to run. Head on over to the race website and get yourself (and a buddy) registered today!