Unitedhealthcare Marathon

So I’ve done 2 marathons on 2 consecutive days. Let’s do it again!
That’s what I said. And speaking from experience, I couldn’t believe it when I found myself crossing the finish line on the 2^nd day and lived to tell about it — on the US east coast. While my performance was anything but stellar, it was a marathon finish that I would never thought possible, if it wasn’t for the prodding and coercing nature of a few marathoner friends whom do this sort of thing all the time. I had done this before, but I found myself looking ahead and seeing what else I could do and do often enough to the point where this is pretty easy stuff to do. I proudly can say that I finished the 2012 version of the Amica Rhode Island marathon in Newport, RI. It was my 2^st «double» out of 6 of them completed over the course of my 50 states marathon journey. This was my 44^th lifetime marathon and 28^nd marathon state in a bid to knock off 50 marathons in 50 states from Hawaii. It was great to be in Rhode Island actually. It was quite amazing to be in this state, especially when I could be in Las Vegas or something. We all have our destiny. Here I was running a marathon in Rhode Island. It was meant to be.
The Amica Rhode Island marathon (back in 2012) isn’t what I would call a «well oiled machine», but it caters to everyone — runners and walkers alike. It’s a small town race, but it is well organized and has that small town feeling. Everyone and anyone can participate, providing that they register officially up until the expo closes the day before the event. Now, its called the Newport Rhode Races, where the current sponsor is United Health Care. The marathon and half marathon is typically held in mid October, typically when autumn is in full effect and the weather is downright epic for a personal best and just great running weather. Cool conditions are expected and everyone has a fun time for all. It was about upper 40’s at the start that fateful morning and warmed up to about mid 60’s. It was almost ideally perfect for me. The Amica Rhode Island marathon starts and finishes in a beach park area between Easton Bay and Easton Pond. A few of the course highlights would be mile 6 where we got to run along the Atlantic Ocean coastline. It was pretty windy, but at least it wasn’t rainy. About mile 12, we got to run close to the fabled Newport mansions, so that was pretty darn awesome.
The last half of the marathon was particularly taxing, when we had a hilly out and back section of the course. From mile 15 – 17 was a two mile deserted out and back along the water front, before heading into some residential areas. From mile 18 through 24 was really mentally and physically challenging, since out and back courses, you see the same stuff twice and I don’t like that. Rolling hills and just the fact that I just was really out of it after mile 18 gave me pause to what I was really doing out here. I was already half way towards my goal, so I just have to keep going. There were no live music on the course and the aid stations were 2 miles apart, so that was a saving grace. Thanks to the volunteers who make marathons so much amazing. Crossing the finish line was particularly gratifying, especially when I was a little tired from the day before and I just wanted it all to be done. It was really nice to see parts of Rhode Island that I would not have done so on my own. I probably would not have been here, if it wasn’t for this self imposed marathon challenge that I have.
Everything was pretty organized, so I can’t complain. There were really no spectators during the marathon, which was kind of disappointing. There was pockets of people along the route — mostly local folks and passersby, but I wouldn’t count them as spectators. The finisher’s medal was great. It was a decent design and just an above average marathon for the city and community of Newport, RI to rally around and support. And so, if you would like to run a small sized marathon on the Eastern Seaboard USA in the middle of October, do give this one a chance. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what Newport, RI can offer you. I didn’t have a rental car on this one, but do feel free to explore the area before and after the race. This can be a destination race for y’all who want to run a fall race but don’t want to travel too far. I would recommend the Newport Rhode Races to anyone and everyone who wants an enjoyable marathon or half marathon. If you need Rhode Island for the state of RI, consider this one too. Whether you want to BQ or PR, or just finish your first race ever, this one has it all. Check it out!
Run more!
Support local!
B+