CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS ANNOUNCES 11TH ANNUAL ONE CITY MARATHON WEEKEND

National Black Marathoners' Association to host conference in collaboration with event

(Newport News, VA) - During the recent All-America City/Made in Newport News Celebration, the City of Newport News announced plans for its 11th Annual One City Marathon (OCM) Weekend, Feb. 28 - Mar. 2, 2025. The upcoming event will be held in partnership with the National Black Marathoners' Association (NBMA) Annual Summit.

"The 11th Annual One City Marathon Weekend is a great celebration of our community's commitment to health and wellness," said Mayor Phillip Jones. "This year's event is especially exciting with our collaboration with the National Black Marathoners' Association, which adds a dynamic and inclusive element to the festivities. From the 5K to the full marathon, each race reflects our city's spirit of achievement and unity. This event perfectly captures the energy and togetherness of Newport News, showcasing our dedication to both personal and community success."

Registration is now open for all races at www.onecitymarathon.com. Newport News Shipbuilding is the Presenting Sponsor for One City Marathon weekend and has been since the inaugural event in 2015.Races begin on Saturday, Mar. 1, with the Sentara Health Plans Maritime 5K in City Center at Oyster Point at 8 a.m., followed by the Nautical Mile presented by Ferguson Cares 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 OCM takes place Sunday, Mar 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.

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 at Coastal Fermentory 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 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The NBMA learned of the OCM from member Sika Henry, the first female to win overall in the One City Marathon's 10-year history. Henry is a Newport News resident who earned professional status as a triathlete, becoming the first African American female in the sport's history to earn a pro card.

"We're looking forward to bringing our members to this wonderful city," said Anthony "Tony" Reed, executive director of the National Black Marathoners Association. "We support the cities that support our members, such as Sika. We hope to encourage more local people to pursue distance running and walking due to our presence in your area."

The National Black Marathoners' Association is the largest and oldest national, not-for-profit organization that supports Black American distance runners. The group is open to everyone, regardless of athletic ability or previous marathon experience; more than 40% of members have never completed a marathon, and many are walkers. The NBMA's objectives are to:

• Encourage Black Americans and others to pursue a healthy lifestyle through long-distance running and walking.
• Serve as a vehicle for Black American distance runners nationwide to meet en masse at a single marathon.
• Recognize the accomplishments of Black American distance runners.
• Provide scholarships to high school distance runners.

Community partners make OCM Weekend possible, including BayPort Credit Union, Sentara Health Plans, and Ferguson as returning sponsors and Riverside Health System as the official health and wellness provider. This year, the race has a new philanthropic partner in BayPort Foundation. BayPort Foundation provides tuition assistance to those in need and has supported member students in funding their educational pursuits since 1961. Information on all the partners and sponsorship opportunities, including how to sponsor a mile marker in the city, can be found at onecitymarathon.com/sponsor.

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

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