Coastal Vibes at the Newport Marathon & Half Marathon

Every so often, I ask runners which marathon they are training for and/or which has been the most memorable. The Newport Marathon comes up as an answer quite a bit, and someday maybe I’ll get that one off my bucket list and onto my race list. It really does sound like a blast. This year, the 2023 Newport Marathon & Half Marathon will be on Saturday, June 3rd.

Can we say a quick “amen” for a Saturday race please? Most races are on Sundays and then it’s off to the rat races again Monday.

It’s worth mentioning that there is NO packet pickup for this race on the day of the event. Please plan to pick up your packet the day before, Friday, at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club.

Another great reason to consider this marathon is the location. I lived in Newport myself for 5 years, and nothing beats the Oregon coast and this cute coastal town. The race begins in Yaquina Bay State Park at the historic lighthouse that’s rumored to be haunted. The marathon begins at 6:00AM for walkers and 7:00AM for runners.  Skateboards/skates, strollers, and animals will not be allowed (sorry!)

The course meanders north alongside the ocean through some of Newport’s fun little neighborhoods. Runners will get an opportunity to run under the amazing Yaquina Bay Bridge toward the bayfront, and past many shops and a large fishing village. The course follows the bay and river estuary to mile 15 before turning back toward town. The route is primarily pretty flat, (starting at about 60 feet above sea level) other than a short steep hill that runners will hit twice.

It’s considered a pretty fast course and it’s a USATF certified course that’s honestly perfect for a first marathon or as a qualifier for Boston. The Half Marathon starts at 7:45AM in the same location as the full. Half runners will turn around at mile 8.7 and head back to the same finish line that the Full Marathoners will cross. Check out the course details here and a course video here and you’ll get an idea of what to expect!!

Since you’re at the coast, consider grabbing a world famous Yaquina Bay Oyster shooter at mile 11 and 19, brought to you by Oregon Oyster Farms. There’s an “oyster eating” record of 80 slippery oysters that needs to be broken.

In addition to the oysters, the aid stations will have you covered with water, electrolyte hydraton drink, and some portable toilet facilities. There will also be fruit at some aid stations, though you are encouraged to bring your own aid. Aid stations are on course approximately every two miles. There will be complimetary food and drink at the finish line as well as the option for a shower at the nearby high school for a small fee. Awards will be presented at 11:00AM for half marathon finishers and 1:30PM for full marathon participants.

Start your summer out right with the Newport Marathon or Half Marathon and you’ll have the whole rest of the summer ahead of you!