This 10-miler is one of the most popular races in Rhode Island. It is held in June in Newport each year and usually sells out, so register quick. It draws everyone from really fast and competitive racers to walkers.

The race is held on the grounds of Ft. Adams, a really pretty place with ocean views and the old fort structure. Rhode Island this time of year on the beach is not too hot generally, although this is New England, so anything is possible. Today it was in the low 60's for the race, so not bad at all for a summer race.

Parking is okay. The start and finish are close and there is lots of parking on the base. However, the first people to arrive park in the furthest lot and parking gets closer as each lot fills up. It is suggested that you arrive early to get a spot and carpool if you can. We arrived an hour and a half early and parked in the furthest/first lot. It was almost a mile walk to the expo (you can pick up your bib Friday, Saturday or morning of the race), which is good if you want to warm up your legs, but not great if you're pressed for time.

Bib pick up was outside and smooth and easy. T-shirts are cute and appropriately sized. If you're a small female, don't worry that they don't carry an extra small. You'll be fine as shirts are gender specific and decent fit. We also got some seltzer water, protein powder, vitamin sample and a glass. There are finisher medals at the end.

This year, runners went out in waves with anyone who can run sub 9-minute miles going out first. Then other runners second and walkers last. This course is very similar to the first half of the Newport Marathon/Half marathon and has many of the same miles. I forgot until today how HILLY this course is! I was working on a 10-mile PR (got it) and almost cried a couple of times when I saw more hills looming. Be hill ready when you do this race!

The course is really gorgeous. You will run along Ocean Drive and some of the most beautiful mansions in the state in one of our best neighborhoods. You'll catch a nice ocean breeze. There are aid stations every couple of miles with water and gatorade.

Crowd support is okay, probably depending on the weather. Newport is a beautiful and touristy town so it's great to be standing around outside spectating. Although today was colder and a little rainy, I found several kids with free high fives, which is always so helpful for making me pick up the pace and forget how much I am suffering.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the finish line is not where it seems. As you are running back into Ft. Adams, and see the crowds just past the start, you might be feeling pretty done and it will look like you are done. But alas, you are not, the finish line isn't really there, so don't start sprinting it in yet. The course circles around, carrying you back into the center of the fort, which is pretty amazing, assuming you're not screaming to stop running at this point.

Medals are pretty good. Food at the end this year was fruit and candy, but if you're over 21, you also get free beer! Top finishers receive trophies and age groupers get plaques with photos of Newport on them. Everyone is excited and the atmosphere is great at the finish.

I strongly recommend this 10 mile race!

P.S. Photo stolen from their Facebook page.