Newport News readies for 11th annual One City Marathon; city projects record turnout

City Manager Alan introduced an update on preparations for the 11th annual One City Marathon, and Owen Miller, the city’s chief strategy officer, told the council the event is projected to exceed last year’s participation and will highlight the city to regional and out‑of‑state visitors.

Miller said the marathon, which began in 2014, is traditionally held the first weekend of March and is intended “to promote civic pride and unity.” He said the full event weekend includes multiple races and pre‑race health and wellness pop‑ups open to the public.

The council was told the 2024 event drew 3,039 registrants, three short of the record, and staff are projecting roughly a 10 percent increase for 2025 across the races. Miller said participants in recent years have come from many states—39 in 2024—and that the race has a strong reputation as a “fast and flat course,” producing a historically high Boston Marathon qualifier percentage (roughly 17 percent historically).

Miller described the marathon course as a point‑to‑point route running from Newport News Park to Victory Landing Park downtown and said the organizers want to add more course‑side activity in quieter stretches, with continued participation by Newport News Public Schools and other community groups.

For 2025 the city will host the National Black Marathoners Association (NBMA) as part of its summit designation; Miller said “several hundred” NBMA members are expected and that the organization selected Newport News as its summit site this year. He also announced a new charitable partnership with title sponsor BayPort Credit Union: the BayPort Foundation will provide scholarships related to the race, a revival of the event’s former charitable giving component.

Miller thanked sponsors and volunteers—he said about 500 volunteers typically support the event—and said registration will remain open online through race weekend to accommodate late signups. He also reminded council that city employees, and council members, can register to participate at no cost.

Council members asked about local economic impact and visitor services. Miller said the city conducts a post‑race survey to capture data such as restaurant and lodging use and that hotels typically sell out for the weekend; he described this as “anecdotal evidence” the race brings outside spending to Newport News.

The city will hold shorter races and family events Saturday at City Center and the longer races Sunday across the city, with post‑race activity centered at Coastal Fermentary in the Yard District. Miller said marketing will highlight the city’s recent All‑America City recognition during race weekend.