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Newport News prepares for 11th annual One City Marathon; organizers expect record turnout
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Summary
City officials briefed council on the One City Marathon weekend, reporting growth in registrants, a point‑to‑point course through the city, a new charitable partnership and the National Black Marathoners Association summit.
Owen Miller, the city’s chief strategy officer, told the Newport News City Council at its Jan. 28 work session that preparations are under way for the 11th annual One City Marathon, scheduled for the weekend of March 1–2, and that registration is running about 10% ahead of last year.
Miller said the marathon grew out of a goal to “promote civic pride and unity” and described the event as a point‑to‑point race that will start in Newport News Park and finish near Victory Landing Park in downtown. He said last year’s overall registration was 3,039 and that roughly half of registrants come from outside Hampton Roads. “We currently…are projected about 10% higher than we were last year,” Miller said.
The Marathon weekend includes shorter races on Saturday — the Sandler 5K and the Ferguson Cares Nautical Mile in City Center — with start times around 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and the half and full marathon on Sunday. Miller said both the half and full marathon finish at Coastal Fermentary in the Yard District and that the races begin about 7 a.m. and the final runners typically finish by about 2 p.m. Online registration will remain open through race weekend, Miller said.
Why this matters: the event draws runners and visitors statewide and nationally, providing a chance to showcase city assets, support local businesses and promote the city’s health initiatives.
Miller highlighted several points for 2025: the National Black Marathoners Association will use the One City Marathon as the location for its annual summit, bringing “several hundred” participants; BayPort Credit Union and its BayPort Foundation will serve as title sponsor partners and will pilot a scholarship‑giving feature tied to the race; pre‑race health and wellness pop‑ups will continue; and the city will use marketing tied to its recent All‑America City recognition.
Miller also described the marathon’s reputation as a “flat and fast” course that produces a relatively high Boston Marathon qualifier percentage (historically near 17%). He said the 2024 race drew registrants from 39 states and that some international runners also attend. Miller thanked sponsors, staff and about 500 volunteers who help stage the event each year.
Council members asked about local economic impacts and visitor services. Miller said the city tracks anecdotal post‑race survey results on dining and lodging and that hotel blocks routinely sell out for race weekend. He said the city’s tourism office is coordinating with race organizers and with the NBMA summit attendees on hospitality and local tours.
