Newport Rhode Races

Event overview

The Newport Rhode Races take place in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The event program includes the following distances:

• 26.2 mi Marathon
• 13.1 mi Half Marathon
• 5K
• Beach Mile

The marathon and half marathon courses are USATF certified. The marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying race. The event partners with the Newport Daffodil Days Festival and the courses pass through areas with large daffodil plantings.

Course, logistics and community impact

All races start and finish at Easton’s Beach, Newport. The full marathon route totals 26.2 miles with a reported total ascent of about 747 ft and a maximum elevation near 16 ft; the half follows the first 13.1 miles of that route. The 5K and Beach Mile use separate shorter loops and an out-and-back on Easton’s Beach for the mile. Aid stations are placed roughly every 2 miles and provide water, Nuun hydration, and at some stations Gu energy gels and bananas; port-a-potties are available at every aid station. Time limits are enforced for official finishers: marathon 6 hours, half marathon 3.5 hours, 5K 1 hour, Beach Mile 30 minutes. Parking is organized in Middletown with shuttle service to the start; on-course roads remain open with lane restrictions. The event is R.I. Department of Environmental Management green-certified and lists several local charities among its community partners.

Amenities and awards

Registration includes a gender-specific tech shirt (sizes limited after January 1), free race photos, RaceJoy live tracking, and finisher medals for half and full marathon finishers. Post-race recovery features food and beverages, a runners-only recovery area, a beer garden offering one complimentary beer to participants of legal age, free post-race massages, and shower access through a local YMCA. Age-group and overall awards are distributed across standard age categories for all three race distances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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