North Tidewater News

The Newport News One City Marathon Weekend is set to take place this Saturday and Sunday, marking its 11th annual occurrence. The event, presented by the City of Newport News in collaboration with the National Black Marathoners’ Association (NBMA), will feature races and activities open to all. Non-participants are invited to join in the festivities and support the runners.

To kick off the weekend, two documentary screenings will be held, coinciding with the conclusion of Black History Month and the start of Women’s History Month. On Friday, February 28, attendees can view "We Are Distance Runners: Untold Stories of African American Athletes" at the Holiday Inn Newport News in City Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 1, "Breaking Three Hours: Trailblazing African American Women Marathoners" will be shown from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. Both films highlight historic achievements by athletes, including some from Hampton Roads. Each screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring the films' director and featured runners such as Sika Henry, a past female winner of the One City Marathon. Attendance is free but requires registration due to limited seating.

This year's marathon includes participants from 35 states as well as France and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, Michael Warden, an Ultra Marathoner, aims to set a Guinness World Record for running dressed as Forrest Gump during Sunday's marathon after participating in Saturday's 5K.

Saturday's events commence with the Sentara Health Plans Maritime 5K at Oyster Point's City Center at 8 a.m., followed by Ferguson Nautical Mile Fun Run at 9:30 a.m., accompanied by family-friendly activities at Tradition Brewing Company until noon.

The main event takes place on Sunday, March 2, starting at Newport News Park at 7 a.m., where runners will traverse a certified Boston Marathon-qualifying course ending at Victory Arch in The Yard District downtown. The BayPort Credit Union Half Marathon also starts on Sunday morning from Menchville High School.

Sponsors include Newport News Shipbuilding as Presenting Sponsor alongside BayPort Credit Union, Sentara Health Plans, Ferguson as returning sponsors, and Riverside Health System serving as official health provider. BayPort Foundation is this year’s philanthropic partner providing tuition assistance since its inception in 1961.

Participants have options to compete in multiple races or register for multi-race challenges that offer additional medals and special items for finishers.