Newport News (VA) to Host Inaugural "One City" Marathon in March 2015

Although it shouldn’t be viewed as a move to secede from the Hampton Roads (VA) region, the founders of its newest marathon have opted to call the race which will begin and finish in Newport News, Virginia, the “One City Marathon.”

Surprisingly, fitting a marathon into this one city isn’t that hard of a feat. Starting at the far north end of town in Newport News Park, the race course makes some diversions into local neighborhoods, but still manages to follow a mostly north to south course which covers all 26.2 miles of the race. This becomes more understandable when one learns that the narrow city of Newport News measures about 24 miles from top to bottom.

Along with the self-identifying race title, the inaugural marathon has also been scheduled for March 15, 2015, exactly one week before the annual Shamrock Marathon in neighboring Virginia Beach.

Ironically, one person who may be vexed by this scheduling impasse is also one of the most visible spokespersons. Last year, Desiree Williams, the  representing the state as Miss Virginia 2013, completed her first marathon on the flat Shamrock oceanfront course. This year, as a Newport News resident, doctoral student at nearby Hampton University, avid runner and professional yoga instructor, and public figure, she was asked to help promote the One City race.

Asked whether she was planning on running the race itself, Williams wants to keep her options open. 

“I will be running an event as well as presenting at the Health & Wellness Expo, but I have not yet determined whether I will run the marathon or the 8K,” said Williams.

Desiree Williams will be involved with
the One City Marathon, as a
spokesperson, and runner, although her
race has not been decided yet.

I’m looking forward to the event. Although 33 years have passed since the last time I ran a marathon, it is inspiring to see an event which has the opportunity to enhance community pride, while encouraging physical fitness and spirited competition. One of my favorite memories of completing the Marine Corps Marathon three times was seeing the swarms of people who lined the course from Rte. 110 in Arlington, through Crystal City, over the Key Bridge into Georgetown, around the Capitol, into West Potomac Park, around Hains Point, back over the 14th St. Bridge and toward the finish at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Tens of thousands of people showed up and made the day for the thousands more competitors.

The One City Marathon has the chance to bring the community together, for this year, and hopefully many more to come. Stay tuned here for more race updates.