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Newport Marathon organizers report international field, lower registrations after date change; volunteers needed
Summary
Organizers of the Newport Marathon updated the county May 7: the 26th running will include runners from six countries and 35 states, but registrations were down about 14 percent to 881 after the race moved to Sunday; organizers requested continued road‑closure and volunteer support and named Mike Kavanaugh as volunteer contact.
Tom Swinford, race director for the Newport Marathon, gave the Board of Commissioners an update May 7 on event planning, participation and volunteer needs for the 26th annual marathon.
Swinford said the race will draw runners from six countries and 35 states but that registration was down after the competition was moved from Saturday to Sunday to avoid a conflict with the OSAA state track meet; registrations stood at 881, about 14 percent below the usual figure and below the event’s typical 1,000‑plus field. Swinford said the change to Sunday was necessary because some volunteers and high‑school teams would be at the state track meet on Saturday.
Swinford said roughly 250 volunteers support the event and the race provides sponsorship money to local student teams to avoid fundraising burdens. He named Mike Kavanaugh as the volunteer coordinator for the weekend and said members of the community can contact the race for volunteer placement; Kavanaugh is the parks and recreation staff member who coordinates assignments.
Commissioners praised the event’s economic and civic benefits and encouraged residents to volunteer. Swinford said community participation remains strong and emphasized the race’s role in youth engagement and local economic activity; the board did not take formal action.
