One City Marathon Races Take Place This Weekend

ONE CITY MARATHON RACES TAKE PLACE THIS WEEKEND

(Newport News, VA) - The 11th annual Newport News One City Marathon Weekend, presented by City of Newport News in partnership with the National Black Marathoners' Association (NBMA), takes place this Saturday and Sunday with races, celebrations, and activities for everyone. Those who aren't participating in the races are encouraged to come out to enjoy the festivities and cheer on the runners!

Kick off race weekend with two special documentary screenings that close out Black History Month and usher in Women's History Month. On Friday, February 28, guests can visit the Holiday Inn Newport News in City Center to watch We Are Distance Runners: Untold Stories of African American Athletes, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.) and come back Saturday, March 1 for Breaking Three Hours: Trailblazing African American Women Marathoners, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.). The films feature runners who have made history by setting and breaking world records including a few from the Hampton Roads area. Following each screening will be a moderated panel discussion featuring the films' director and runners featured in the film including Sika Henry, a past female winner of the One City Marathon. This event is free with limited seating, so registration is encouraged. To learn more about the films and to register visit the city's website.

This year's race will feature runners from 35 states, France and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Another interesting aspect of the marathon is an attempt at a Guiness Book Record. Michael Warden, an Ultra Marathoner, will try to break the world record for the fastest

marathoner dressed as Forrest Gump. Warden is a part of our elite field and tackling the 5K on Saturday before he goes the distance Sunday

The fun begins on Saturday, March 1, with the Sentara Health Plans Maritime 5K in City Center at Oyster Point at 8 a.m., followed by the Ferguson Nautical Mile Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. Free family-friendly fun can be had at Tradition Brewing Company in City Center Saturday from 8 a.m. - noon.

The One City Marathon takes place Sunday, March 2. Beginning at 7 a.m. in Newport News Park, runners traverse the entire length of the city, with the Victory Arch in The Yard District downtown serving as the finish line. Along the way, the certified 26.2-mile flat and fast Boston Marathon-qualifying course takes runners past various cultural amenities, educational institutions, businesses, and neighborhoods. Sunday's events also include the BayPort Credit Union Half Marathon, which starts at 7 a.m. at Menchville High School.

Community partners make One City Marathon Weekend possible, including Presenting Sponsor Newport News Shipbuilding, BayPort Credit Union, Sentara Health Plans, and Ferguson as returning sponsors and Riverside Health System as the official health and wellness provider. This year's philanthropic partner is BayPort Foundation. BayPort Foundation provides tuition assistance to those in need and has supported member students in funding their educational pursuits since 1961.

Again, this year, runners can participate in more than one race or register for one of two multi-race challenges to earn additional medals, a special challenge finisher item, and bragging rights.

The weekend concludes with the One City Celebration in The Yard District. The entire community is invited to 23rd Street to congratulate runners and enjoy food, live music, activities, vendors, and drinks from Coastal Fermentory from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Online registration closes at Midnight on Tuesday, Feb. 25th, but walk-up registration is available at packet pick-up, 12 -7 p.m. Friday Feb. 28, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 at the Holiday Inn Newport News-Hampton.

For complete information about races and activities, including street closures, please visit www.onecitymarathon.com.