Is the course really flat?

For the most part yes. It starts at about 60 feet above sea level, does 2.8 miles at about that level with short rises and falls through a residential neighborhood then drops quickly to sea level and runs along the bay the rest of the way. There is a short steep hill (about 40 feet) at mile 4 but other than that, it's essentially flat to the finish.

Why is there a limit to the number of entries?

We work very hard to provide a quality marathon experience to all our participants, not just "front of the packers". In order to do this we need to know how many marathoners we're dealing with. Limiting entries also keeps the race intimate and the course fun.

Does the race sell out in advance? 

Generally, yes. We have sold out as early as mid-March so it's not a good idea to wait until the last minute to register. When the race is full we will post that information on the homepage so check back for updates. 

Can I register on-line? 

You can and most of our  participants do!  Go to Active.com and follow the instructions.

Do you send out a notice confirming my registration?

No. If you register by mail your cancelled check is your receipt and confirmation. If you register on-line at Active.com you will be given a confirmation number before you log off. If you really want a mailed confirmation enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your registration.

Does the race use the chip timing system?

No. We are a small race compared to most marathons and the chip timing system is very expensive. There is really no reason for us to use it since our timing and results have been quite accurate without it. There have been questions about whether chip timing is required to qualify for the Boston Marathon. We have sent hundreds of runners to Boston over the years and have never been advised by the Boston Athletic Association that chip timing is required, just that the course be certified by a recognized measuring authority (our race is USATF Certified). If chip timing does become a requirement for Boston qualification we will look into it again.

How is the weather on race day?

The Oregon Coast is known for its unpredictable weather but early June is generally cool (50° - 60°). Hot days are unlikely as are significant storms.

How close is the start to the finish?

 About a mile. The race starts at Yaquina Bay State Park west of Highway 101 at the mouth of the Bay and finishes across the street from Race Headquarters at the Embarcadero Resort Hotel.

Is the course certified?

 Yes, by the USATF, certification# OR98014-LB.

I registered but now I can't run. Can I get a refund or transfer my number to a friend?

 Sorry, no. Try to imagine the race directors life if that was possible. Everyone who even thought they might be interested in running would sign up. The race would sell out even earlier than it does now. Then, as race day approached, people would start dropping out. We would not be able to reopen registration and a lot of earnest runners and walkers would miss out because registration had already been closed. Bookkkeeping would be impossible. Check out other races. Registrations are universally non-transferable and non-refundable.

Is the course fast?

It really is. Almost half of our finishers record P.R.'s.

I heard there was a World Record set at the Newport Marathon. Is that true?

 Yes, it is. Herb Phillips of Burnaby B.C., Canada ran a 2:47:28 in 2004 breaking the single age World Record for 63 year old males of 2:48:11 set by Clive Davies in 1979. Told you the course was fast! Way to go Herb!

How about aid stations?

 About every two miles. Each one has portable toilet facilities, water and Heed. Additionally two have cut fruit and one (at mile 15) has energy gel. Our aid stations are sponsored by business and community groups and are staffed by enthusiastic, supportive people. Marathoners love our aid crews.

Are there really oysters on the course?

 You bet! At mile 11 and 19 Oregon Oyster Farms offers world famous Yaquina Bay Oyster "shooters" for all race participants. A record of 48 eaten by one runner was set in 2007!

How many years has the Newport Marathon been run?

 In our first year (1999) we had 318 registered participants. In 2000, that number climbed to 600. In 2001 there were 650, 700 in 2002 and 2003 and  750 since then. We've had entries from all 50 states as well as lots of runners from Canada, Europe and Central America. 

How do I get to the starting line?

 You can drive, walk or take a shuttle bus. If you drive you may not park within the borders of the Park itself. Its drop-off only. Shuttle buses will run from Race Headquarters (adjacent to the finish area) starting at about 6:00 AM until about 6:25 AM. Check the runner instructions at packet pick-up for details.

What is there to do in the Newport area?

 We would need another web page to list it all.  Take a look at  www.newportnet.com  and www.DiscoverNewport.com   for more resourceful information on Newport..  The Newport area is a tremendous place to spend some time. There's lots to do for families and adults as well. Contact the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-COAST44 for information specific to your needs.

Is the awards ceremony worth attending?

 You bet. We give away lots of door prizes as well as plaques and trophies. The race sponsors and local business community make it worth your while to attend. Age and gender winners who cannot attend may have their awards mailed by leaving $5 and their name and address with a race official. It's efficient, but they miss all the fun.

Is there a pre-race sports expo?

We do not plan an expo for the 2009 race. We do make space available at packet pick-up for our sponsors to promote/sell their products and services. There is also lots of great marathon merchandise available there at very reasonable prices. 

How is the finish area?

Caring and concerned volunteers, lots of food, as well as beer and great clam chowder for finishers. There may even be a few surprizes. We get lots of compliments on our finish area. We do not allow spectators and non-participants in the recovery area. 

Why isn't there day-of-race registration and packet pick-up?

We start the race promptly at 7:00 AM and day-of-race registration and number pick-up means more volunteers, very early registration times, and many headaches. It's just not feasible.