Sun, Oct 11 · 2026Newport, RISince 2010

Newport Marathon (Rhode Island)

Newport's point-to-point course winds past Gilded Age mansions and along the Rhode Island coastline in the heart of fall foliage season. It rewards patient runners who respect the rolling miles before the finish.

RollingOpen
NEWPORT · US
Newport
SUN, OCT 11
2026
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Race Overview

EST. 2010

Newport in October is genuinely one of the better settings for a fall marathon. The course runs point-to-point across Aquidneck Island, passing close to the Gilded Age mansions along Bellevue Avenue before working its way toward the water. The finish is at Easton's Beach, and coming into it with the coast in view is the moment the whole morning builds toward. It's a mid-size field, which means you actually have room to run your race from the start.

The course isn't a PR machine on paper. Net zero elevation with 847 feet of gain means you're rolling the whole way, not grinding up one big hill and coasting down. Be patient in the first half, because the rises feel small and it's easy to go out faster than you should. October in Newport usually cooperates on temperature, but the back half along the coast can get breezy, so factor that in. Registration is open, tiered pricing means early sign-up saves you money, and charity spots are available if the standard slots sell out. It's a hard ticket closer to race day, so don't wait.

Field size
~4.5k
4,500 finishers
BQ rate
Boston qualifier
Time limit
6:00
Tight cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:32:36
Chris Vashon
2025
Women
2:48:53
Kelsi Chappel
2024

The Course

847 ft total gain
Total ascent
847 ft
Total descent
847 ft
Net elevation
0 ft
Highest point
105 ft
Lowest point
3 ft
Course shape
Point to point
Different start and finish

Net zero elevation sounds flat, but 847 feet of gain spread across a point-to-point course means constant rolling. The highest point is only 105 feet, so no single climb is severe, but the terrain rarely lets you lock in. Expect short punchy rises through the first half as the course moves through Newport's inland sections, with some relief on downhill stretches toward the coast. The back half tends to be more exposed near the water, where wind can be a factor in October. Even pacing is rewarded here. Going out hard on the early descents will cost you later.

DIFFICULTYHILLYPR-FRIENDLYNO

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
51°F
High
62°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 4560°80°
What to expect

Early October in Newport usually starts cool and finishes mild. You'll want a throwaway layer in the corral, but most runners are comfortable in singlets by mile five or six. The bigger variable is wind. The back half of the course runs near the water, and an October sea breeze can make the last few miles feel harder than the splits suggest. It's generally a good window for racing, but check the forecast in the final days and plan accordingly.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration with tiered pricing. Early bird ($120 marathon, $80 half) through December 31. Charity partners including Lymphoma Research Foundation offer guaranteed entry for fundraisers.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in
Closest airport
BOS
63 mi
from the start
99 min transferManageable drive
What to expect

Nearest major airport is Providence (PVD), about 40 minutes away. Newport is a coastal destination on Aquidneck Island; consider staying downtown or nearby to experience the Gilded Age mansions and Cliff Walk. Shuttles provided from designated parking areas to start/finish at Easton's Beach.

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