The 9th annual Newport News One City Marathon Weekend, presented by Newport News Shipbuilding, takes place this Saturday and Sunday with races, celebrations, and activities for everyone. Those who aren’t participating in the races are encouraged to come out along the courses and cheer the runners on!
Runners from 33 states, Washington D.C., Canada, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will participate in the One City Marathon Weekend races and celebrations. Back to defend their 2022 titles are husband and wife Luciano Medina and Marie-Ange Brumelot. Medina was the men’s first finisher, and Brumelot bested her husband by seconds to become the event’s first female overall marathon winner.
The fun begins on Saturday, March 4, with the Optima Health Maritime 5K in Newport News City Center at 8 a.m., followed by the Ferguson Nautical Mile Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. Free family-friendly fun can be had at Tradition Brewing Company in City Center Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon.
The One City Marathon takes place Sunday, March 5. Beginning at 7 a.m. in Newport News Park, runners traverse the entire length of the city with the Victory Arch in downtown’s Yard District serving as the finish line. Along the way, the certified 26.2-mile flat and fast Boston Marathon-qualifying course takes runners past various cultural amenities, educational institutions, businesses, and neighborhoods. Sunday’s events also include the BayPort Credit Union Half Marathon, which starts at 7 a.m. at Menchville High School.
The weekend concludes with the One City Celebration in the city’s Yard District. The entire community is invited to 23rd Street in downtown to congratulate runners and enjoy food, drinks, live music, activities, and vendors from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Online registration for all races is now closed. The Maritime 5K has sold out, but in-person registration for the marathon, half marathon and fun run is still available, as long as spots remain. Registration can be done Friday, March 3, from noon – 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 4, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Newport News. Runners can also register at the starting lines of each event if spots are available.
For complete information about races and activities, including street closures, please visit www.onecitymarathon.com.