Ready to run in Newport News
One City Marathon includes four weekend races
Runners will flood the streets of Newport News this weekend for the 10th annual Newport News One City Marathon — a 26.2mile road race that spans the length of the city.
The event, presented by Newport News Shipbuilding, is set for Saturday and Sunday.
“I encourage everyone to participate and enjoy the fun and the many activities,” City Manager Alan Archer said at this week’s City Council meeting. “You can do so by creating signs to cheer on those passing through your neighborhood.” The races will create numerous blocked intersections, full road closures, and partial road closures over the weekend — including several that intersect with Warwick Boulevard and other major roads.
All races are closed, with registration up 25% over last year. Sarah Bowman, a city spokesperson, said 3,011 people signed up for this year’s event, with 581 for the marathon, 800 for the half-marathon, 1,009 for the Maritime 5K and 639 for the Nautical Mile. This year will see runners from 36 states, Washington, Canada and Mexico.
The event begins Saturday with the Sentara Health Plans Maritime 5K in Newport News City Center at 8 a.m., followed by the Ferguson Nautical Mile Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. Tradition Brewing Company in City Center is hosting a race celebration from 8 a.m. until noon.
The marathon begins at 7 a.m. Sunday in Newport News Park, and runners will traverse the length of the city, with the Victory Arch in downtown’s Yard District serving as the finish line.
Sunday’s events also include the BayPort Credit Union Half Marathon, which starts at 7 a.m. at Menchville High School and ends in the downtown area.
The weekend concludes with a celebration at Coastal Fermentory in The Yard District. The city also invites the community to 23rd Street downtown to congratulate runners and enjoy food, drinks, live music, activities, and vendors from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“I think this will be great excitement for the city, and I look forward to all the citizens coming out for the main event,” Councilman John Eley said this week.
For information, visit www.onecitymarathon. com.