The race is called the Newport Celebration Run, and it’s a celebration of America’s independence with a 13.1-mile, 10K, 5K and a one-mile fun run for kids, all of which start and finish near Rogue Brewery along Southeast Marine Science Drive.
From there, the half marathon unfolds past many of the picturesque sights that are highlights of this gorgeous coastal city, home to the Hatfield Marine Science Center, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the aforementioned NOAA Marine Operations Center.
Most of the race is run on paved surfaces — about 7.87 miles, organizers point out — but the remainder of the race, about 5.28 miles, unfolds entirely along trails, especially in the second half of the race.
While the 5K and 10K routes are “flat, PR courses,” the organizers say, the half marathon features some hillier stretches, especially in the second half of the race along the single-track trail portions.