Amica Insurance Breakers Marathon
Newport, Rhode Island
Saturday, October 20, 2007

I race walked the Amica Insurance Breakers Marathon in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday, October 20, 2007. It is the only marathon held in Rhode Island. Even though rain was predicted for the first two hours of the race, somehow it did not rain at all, leaving 60 degree temperatures, overcast skies, and some wind. It turned out to be a nice race along a beautiful course. The scenic race started in downtown Newport along the yacht harbor, proceeded along the ocean past the old mansions and estates of the very rich and famous, paralleled the rocky coast and surfer’s beaches, traveled through a wildlife refuge and a bird sanctuary, and finished at Easton’s Beach. The gradual hills made a challenging course. Water and Gatorade stations were every three miles for the first two-thirds of the race, then every two miles for the last third. There were very few spectators.
The race was well organized with plenty of volunteers. The last third of the race required sharing the road with traffic; however, there was police control at major intersections. Whole Maine lobsters were served to marathon finishers. It made for a memorable event.
I even had the unique honor of being invited to the VIP pre-race dinner for the elite runners and other dignitaries. I was invited because I was the first person to enter this year’s event. Unfortunately, my flight arrived in Providence two hours late due to airplane maintenance in Atlanta and bad weather in New England. This caused me to miss the event.

Pictures of the sights along the course can be seen on later postings.