That’s a Wrap!! What an exciting weekend for the 3rd Annual One City
Marathon! With the anticipation of potentially inclement (read that as snow) weather, to the sunny and slightly above freezing temperatures, the enthusiasm that surrounded the weekend was infectious. Even the loss of an hour’s sleep due to daylight savings time did not damper the excitement.
Friday began the festivities with the Health and Wellness Expo presented by Riverside at Denbigh Community Center where runners and walkers alike could pick up their race packets. Race participants and the general public were able to visit the many displays and vendors that provided health and wellness information for people of all ages. The expo continued on Saturday as well.
Family Fit and Fun Day on Saturday provided the opportunity for residents and out of towners to enjoy free music, activities and games. The event, held at the Brooks Crossing, gave the city the opportunity to showcase some of the newest development in the area.
The Saturday night pre-race pasta dinner with keynote speaker Olympic Gold Medalist LaTasha Colander Clark and hosted by Newport News’ own Dr. Desiree Williams, Miss Virginia USA 2016, increased the enthusiasm and anticipation for the races on Sunday.
Sunday – Race Day! At 7:00 a.m. with brisk winds making the below freezing temperature feel even colder, the racers stayed warm in buses until it was time to start the 26.2 mile marathon and marathon relay from Newport News Park.
At 7:30 a.m., runners began the Maritime 8K in downtown
Newport News finishing at the Newport News Victory Arch and at 10:00 a.m., the Nautical mile began for those who preferred the much shorter course. All races were followed by the One City, One Celebration in Victory Landing Park where the party began early. Racers and revelers were treated to live entertainment, a food truck rally, interactive activities until early afternoon. There was even the chance to try the exclusive
One City Brew, the official beer of the One City Marathon brewed by Newport News' only craft brewery, Tradition Brewing Company.
The following winners for each race were announced at the Celebration:
Marathon –
1st Place –female – Greta Sieve
1st Place– male - Christopher Zablocki
