The Newport News One City Marathon concluded its 11th annual event with a weekend of races and community gatherings. The marathon, organized by the City of Newport News in collaboration with the National Black Marathoners’ Association, took place on March 1-2. Participants from 35 states, France, and the U.S. Virgin Islands joined the event, which featured a Guinness World Record and a new course record.
This year’s marathon saw 3,211 registrants across all races, marking the highest participation since its inception. Ultra-marathoner Michael Wardian set a Guinness World Record for running the fastest marathon dressed as Forrest Gump with a time of 2:35:25. Wardian also participated in the 5K race on Saturday before completing Sunday’s marathon.
The weekend began with two races on Saturday: the Sentara Health Plans Maritime 5K and the Ferguson Nautical Mile Fun Run. In the Maritime 5K, Dylan Gearinger finished first among males with a time of 15:15.01, while Bethany Spector led among females at 18:21.41. In the Nautical Mile Fun Run, Jake Larkin topped male finishers at 5:00.10 and Sofia Baker led female participants at 6:01.15.
Sunday’s events included the One City Marathon and BayPort Credit Union Half Marathon on a Boston Marathon-qualifying course through Newport News. Bryan Flynn won the men’s marathon in 2:26:29, while Serena Burla led women at 2:43:56. Dan Forry claimed victory in the men’s half marathon with a time of 1:06:13, and Katja Goldring set a new course record for women at 1:13:46.
A notable highlight was this year’s Boston Marathon Qualifying rate of 21.8%, surpassing previous records from past years.
Community celebrations were held to conclude each day’s events, including gatherings at Tradition Brewing on Saturday and The Yard District at Coastal Fermentory on Sunday where runners enjoyed live music and refreshments.
The event was supported by sponsors such as Newport News Shipbuilding, BayPort Credit Union, Sentara Health Plans, Ferguson, Riverside Health System as health provider, Holiday Inn Newport News as host hotel along with many others who contributed to its success. The BayPort Foundation continued its philanthropic efforts by providing tuition assistance to students in need.
