Newport News readies for 11th annual 1 City Marathon; National Black Marathoners Association to hold summit

Newport News officials told the City Council on Jan. 28 that preparations are underway for the 11th annual 1 City Marathon, scheduled for the weekend of March 1–2, and that the event will host the National Black Marathoners Association (NBMA) this year.

"This year will be our...11th annual 1 City Marathon," Owen Miller, the city’s chief strategy officer, told the council. He said last year the event drew 3,039 registrants and this year registration was running about 10% ahead of 2024 projections.

The marathon is a point-to-point race that starts in Newport News Park and finishes near Victory Landing Park downtown. Miller said the full and half marathons begin at 7 a.m. Sunday, with course operations and final finishes wrapping up around 2 p.m. Saturday events include shorter races at City Center — a 5K and a nautical mile — followed by a public celebration at Tradition Brewing. Both the full and half marathons finish near Coastal Fermentary in the city’s Yard District.

Why it matters: City officials said the race draws participants from across the country and supports local economic activity through visitor spending, volunteers and sponsorships. The city estimates roughly half of registrants come from outside the Hampton…