Nearly 5,000 to Run in 2011 Amica Marathon in Newport Sunday

Nearly 5,000 runners, ages 14 to 88, are expected to participate in the  in Newport on Sunday, Oct. 16. The event includes the Amica Marathon and United Healthcare Half Marathon.

“We have a variety of participants, including experienced runners, first-time marathoners and those who want to run a shorter distance,” said Brewer Rowe, race director for the Amica Marathon. “The course is beautiful. We can expect a great event on Sunday.”

Portsmouth residents to race Sunday include Mark Godridge, Kelly Whelan, Gina Black, Patrick Holland, Larry Gibbons, Holly Buchanan, Brian Fortier, Andre Carrier, Kirsten Casey, Kimberly Gittings, Carol Mitchell, Matthew Stewart, Erin Platt, Andrew Mack, Susan Isacco, Katie Humphrey, Lauren Blaess, Tracey Hackley, Amanda Hook, Norey Jumaoas, David Hook, Kelsi Chappell, Kateri Chappell, Patrick McGee, Cheryl Coelho, Christine Higgins, Kristen Smith, Janet Sutherby, Kially Ruiz, Webb Mcdonald, Bonny Courtney, William Clarke, Lorenzo Zanetti, Caitlin Gavin, Kevin Callahan, Dallas Shultz, Lori Allan, Penny Carrier, Aura Ryder, Spencer Austin, Marlith Austin and Robyn Wicks. 

As a warm-up for Sunday’s races, a 5k race will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 a.m. at Brenton Point in Newport. 

The Amica Marathon and UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon begin Sunday at 8 a.m. Participants will experience a historic and scenic course. The route begins at Easton’s Beach in Newport, runs past Newport Harbor, along picturesque Ocean Drive and through historic Bellevue Avenue. The second half of the 26.2-mile course is along the Sakonnet River. The finish line is at scenic Easton’s Beach. Full descriptions of the Amica Marathon and United Healthcare Half Marathon courses are available at amicamarathon.com. 

The Amica Marathon is a 2012 Boston Marathon qualifier.

Notable participants include:

Geralyn Hoffman and Larry Ducady, a couple from Cumberland, RI, who will run together for 26.2 miles and get married after they cross the finish line. They have both lost loved ones to cancer and are members of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training. They have asked guests attending their reception to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in lieu of gifts, saying their gift is the gift of helping others.

Mark Kruger, a contestant from Season 5 “Biggest Loser,” who lost 129 pounds and was the runner-up when he competed on the NBC show in 2008. His participation on the show has long since ended, but his goals of living a healthy lifestyle and keeping the weight off remains a big part of his life. In 2011, Mark completed numerous running events, including a 100-mile race, three full marathons and two 50ks. He has run a total of more than 1,600 miles this year. Mark will run the Amica Marathon. He will also be on hand at Health & Wellness Expo at the Newport Yachting Center on Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Lynn Edwards, at age 88, is the oldest participant in the 2011 Amica Marathon. Edwards began her running career at age 55. She competed in her first Ironman triathlon at age 69 and won her age group while competing in that event the following year in Hawaii. Despite suffering from ovarian cancer a few years ago, she continues to remain active and lace up her running shoes every chance she gets. She is currently writing a book about being motivated and staying active.

Team Dave was created by Nathan Hobbs in honor of his father-in-law, an active man who discovered in January that he had rare spinal tumor. Dave, who had run 12 marathons (including a personal best 2:37) was immediately confined to a wheelchair and passed away in June.

Jason Pina at one time in his life tipped the scale at 370 pounds. Through diet and exercise, he has lost 145 pounds. Pina, who’s the assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students at the University of Rhode Island, will be running his first half marathon.

Runners can register at the at the Health and Wellness Expo at the Newport Yachting Center on Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Race-day registration will be held Sunday at Easton’s Beach from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m.

Amica Insurance is the title sponsor of the Amica Marathon. Proceeds will benefit the Providence Ronald McDonald House and the March of Dimes.

For more information visit amicamarathon.com.