BOTTOM LINE: The best race I’ve ever done. The most scenic and wonderfully amazing views. I will be doing this every year I live here and probably travel back after I move away.

PRE-RACE: The EXPO was pretty small compared to others I have seen. However, there was A LOT of stuff there to check out. Plenty of volunteers around to assist and help everyone get their race packet and check-out the gear. There were 3 colours of shirts available so you could choose between GREEN, Black or Blue (I’m a Sparty Alum...so GREEN it was!!)

COURSE: The course is amazing. I live near it, so enjoy the beauty of being able to run those roads on a regular basis. The race runs thru downtown Newport a bit, then by Fort Adams, out to the Ocean and around some amazing views (of both the ocean and homes), then up thru the historic row of Mansions, then though Salve Regina University and finishing on a downhill run to the beach. You just can NOT get bored while running this race. Plus with the FULL Marathon beginning prior to the Half, the course is filled with other runners throughout.

There are some rolling hills and a couple not so rolling hills, but overall, I would not say it's a "hilly" course. But certainly not flat.

AID STATIONS: There were several aid stations throughout the course and they were all very well manned. The volunteers were fun and enthusiastic. The gatorade and water were clearly identified so you could get whichever you wanted (or both).


T-shirt/Medal: Choice of shirt was nice. The medals were very nice.

PARKING: No on-site parking was available. There were buses that transported runners to and from the race starting location. They had several buses so there was not really much waiting there. The shuttle service seemed to be well managed and ran smoothly.

Race Management: This was part of a 3-race Triple Crown Series managed by the same company/group. Every one of the races started late--not just a couple minutes...15 to 20 or more. This is my pet-peeve. I thought the rest of the race and post race festivities were well done, but I just can’t give 5 stars when there is a late start.

POST-RACE: The beer was great. The food was just a pile of pizzas and/or bananas. After a well run half marathon, I CAN eat just about anything, however, I would like a couple additional options... but again... the beer was fabulous! The Local Brewery was there to provide libations and refreshments following the race.

OVERALL: Newport, RI, is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the United States. If you ever get the chance to come in October (or plan to come, choose Oct), then you should work your trip to allow you to run the Newport Half (or FULL).