The 25th annual Newport Marathon and Half Marathon is a favorite for runners of various skill levels who come from all over Oregon, at least thirty-seven other states, and several foreign countries! The route begins at Yaquina Bay State Park, where runners head north and loop through the city and back to the starting area, proceed downhill under the Yaquina Bay Bridge to the Historic Bayfront, then wind around the Yaquina Bay and Estuary to mile marker 15, where the course turns back toward town and runners retrace the same route. Runners will be surrounded by amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Yaquina Bay, temperate forests, local wildlife, and fishing and crabbing boats.
The route is primarily flat, very fast, and always produces numerous personal records. The course is also USATF certified and is considered an excellent qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The Newport Marathon began in 1999 and has steadily grown to an expected 1000 participants. Aid stations will be set up every two miles along the course, with water, electrolyte hydration drinks, and portable toilets; fruit will be available at select stations. The coastal setting for this boutique-style race is made even more unique by the Oyster “shooters” that are offered to runners at miles 11 and 19! Please keep the route clean by disposing of trash in the provided receptacles.
The Marathon will take place on June 1st, 2024, with Full Marathon Walkers beginning the race at 6 AM, Full Marathoners following at 7 AM, and a 7:45 AM start for those who will run the Half Marathon. Registration is available until the event is full and must be done online. Runners must pick up their race packets at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM on May 31st. Food and drinks will be offered at the finish line, and Newport High School will offer post-race showers for a small towel fee.
Awards will be presented at 11:00 AM for the half marathon and 1:30 PM for the full marathon at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club, and all runners will receive a Finisher T-shirt and commemorative medal. Buses will also run the morning of the race to shuttle spectators to various locations along the route. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd open male and female finishers, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male and female masters finishers, and 1st place finishers in each age and gender division will receive a special award. A total of $600 in prize money is available to runners in the race: $100 each for course records in male/female open, male/female masters, and first male and female finisher whose primary residence is in Lincoln County (course records are available in the Awards section of the website).
Most athletes come for the race and stay for the weekend, so booking accommodations in advance is recommended. In addition to supplying oyster shooters during the race, Newport offers the freshest seafood available anywhere. And what could be better than an extra day at the beach? The Oregon Coast Aquarium, Historic Bayfront, Nye Beach shops, and miles of open sandy beaches are just some of the many things that make Newport a great place to spend the rest of your time at the beach. Visit newportmarathon.org for more information and to register for the race.
The Newport Chamber of Commerce is always ready to welcome you to the beach! Visit newportchamber.org for a detailed calendar of events and a list of local businesses that will take care of every aspect of your stay.