Newport News One City Marathon: A Weekend of Record-breaking Wins

The 11th Annual Newport News One City Marathon (OCM) Weekend, presented by the City of Newport News in partnership with the National Black Marathoners' Association (NBMA), concluded with an exciting and successful weekend filled with races, celebrations, and community spirit. Held on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2, the event saw participants from 35 states, France, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as an unforgettable Guinness World Record and a new course record.

Record-Breaking Moments: This year saw a record-breaking 3,211 registrants, across all the races, the largest number since the OCM's inception. This year's marathon featured an exciting Guinness World Record by ultra-marathoner Michael Wardian, who set a record for the fastest marathon run dressed as Forrest Gump with a time of 2:35:25. Wardian took on the 5K on Saturday before going the distance on Sunday's marathon, making history along the way.

Races & Top Finishers:

Saturday, March 1:
The weekend began with the Sentara Health Plans Maritime 5K and the Ferguson Nautical Mile Fun Run.

• Maritime 5K Top Finishers:
  • Male: Dylan Gearinger 15:15.01
  • Female: Bethany Spector 18:21.41
• Nautical Mile Top Finishers:
  • Male: Jake Larkin 5:00.10
  • Female: Sofia Baker 6:01.15

Sunday, March 2:
The One City Marathon and BayPort Credit Union Half Marathon took place on Sunday, with runners traversing Newport News on the certified Boston Marathon-qualifying course.

• Marathon Top Finishers:
  • Male: Bryan Flynn 2:26:29
  • Female: Serena Burla 2:43:56
• Half Marathon Top Finishers:
  • Male: Dan Forry 1:06:13
  • Female: Katja Goldring 1:13:46 (new course record)

Additional Highlights: This year's marathon had a 21.8% Boston Marathon Qualifying rate, marking the highest percentage yet, surpassing previous years (21.5% in 2018 and 21.3% in 2020).

Community Celebrations & Support: One City Celebration was a great conclusion to the weekend races. On Saturday families enjoyed the post-race celebration at Tradition Brewing and to wrap up race weekend the community gathered in The Yard District at Coastal Fermentory on Sunday. During the celebrations, runners were congratulated for their achievements and enjoyed live music, food, and drinks, with activities and vendors celebrating the spirit of the One City Marathon.

Sponsors & Community Support: The OCM Weekend was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Newport News Shipbuilding, BayPort Credit Union, Sentara Health Plans, and Ferguson, along with Riverside Health System as the official health and wellness provider. Holiday Inn Newport News served at the race's official host hotel. The city would also like to thank the many other sponsors who participated in this year's event. BayPort Foundation, the event's philanthropic partner, continued its legacy of providing tuition assistance to students in need.

Additionally, leading up to the race, the city partnered with sponsors and local businesses to host several pop-up health and fitness workshops to engage the Hampton Roads community in January and February. Workshops included soul line dancing, Dinner with a Dietitian, salsa dancing, a youth financial workshop, and more. These workshops helped to highlight the city's non-race health and wellness efforts. The city will host its final community pop-up, a Container Plant Giveaway and a Farmers Market on Saturday, March 15, at the Newport News Early Childhood Center (1500 Jefferson Ave.) from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The free event will feature a grow-your-own food workshop for youth and adults, free potted vegetable plants and seeds, community organizations providing resources, and local farmers with items for sale. This event is open to the public.

Looking Ahead: The weekend's success has set the bar high for next year's race. For full results and updates on future races, visit www.onecitymarathon.com . Thank you to all the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who made this year's event one to remember!