The Fighting Seabees Marathon first got my attention because of the cool medal. I also needed a Rhode Island race for my fifty states quest, so I registered sort of last minute to make it happen. This was a quick trip and not really a scenic marathon, but it fit the bill.

I'm going to call it bare bones, but I don't mean for that to be negative necessarily. I think the race director honestly cares about his runners and puts a lot of work into making his events happen. If you rely on spectators, this isn't the race for you. If you rely on breathtaking scenery, this isn't the course for you. If you want to cross a state off your list and it fits your schedule, it's a good option.

There is a hotel that's fairly convenient to the start (TownePlace Suites, about 2 miles away) and there's race day packet pick up which I needed. If you do the race day, get there early! I arrived early to park (very close, no big deal) and get my bib and shirt. I walked right up to the table without having to wait, but as we got closer and closer to the start, I noticed the line was huge. So be aware of your timeline.

I had requested a small t-shirt but somehow they didn't have any left, so I got a medium. It's huge, so it went right into my "make into a quilt bag" of shirts. After pinning my bib I sat in my rental car for thirty minutes since it was pretty frigid and windy out. At the start line, Gary the RD made some announcements. One of the things that I appreciated about him was that he said "I don't care who wins, I just want to make sure everyone crosses the finish line" (that's not verbatim but you get it). He also wrote his cell phone number on every mile marker sign in case anyone had a problem. I thought that was cool, and something only a small race can do. A nice touch.

The start was delayed about 10 or 15 minutes because of people trying to get their bibs still. That was annoying but it happens. As for the course, it's kind of a double loop, with a few variations on the second loop. Actually the "loop" has a lot of turns, which at first concerned me, but it was very well marked with volunteers and signs, so no problem there. It's, I would say, mostly flat, but has a few hills here and there, nothing monstrous. It's not particularly scenic. There are a few places where you see the water, which is nice, but brief! It's mostly parking lots full of cars coming or going from the port. The roads aren't busy though so that was something. By the way, it's run on Quonset Point, an old Navy/Seabees base. Not a whole lot to see. It was a beautiful day, but SUPER WINDY, making it all the more challenging.

As with most races that have a half and full option, most people ran the half, so when we finished the first loop and the half runners all went to the finish line, the full kept going. It got very spread out. At some points I was practically alone, with maybe a runner way back in the distance or someone coming at me on an out-and-back stretch.

The volunteers were great, and the aid stations were plentiful, since you pass them twice. I think the sports drink was Heed, which I hadn't tried before and didn't really like the taste, but there was also water.

The finish was low key. I got my medal, a bottle of water, and headed back to get a shower and make my late checkout before heading to the airport.

Like I said, it's bare bones, but has all that you need for a successful race. Be prepared for wind!