Amica Newport Marathon to Advance Sustainability Efforts with Support from 11th Hour Racing

The Amica Newport Marathon and Half Marathon is continuing its partnership with 11th Hour Racing as the Official Sustainability Partner for the second consecutive year. Together, they are focused on minimizing the environmental impact of the Amica Newport Marathon race weekend while preserving Newport’s natural beauty for future generations.

The 16th annual Amica Newport Marathon, produced by Gray Matter Marketing, will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. It attracts thousands of runners and spectators each October to the scenic communities of Newport and Middletown. With a course that winds through iconic coastal landmarks, the Marathon is uniquely tied to the region’s environmental health and preservation. The partnership with 11th Hour Racing strengthens the event’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, implementing best practices before, during, and after race day.

“Supporting the Amica Newport Marathon means showing that simple, real-world solutions, like composting, reducing single-use waste, and encouraging low-impact transportation, can be part of a major event,” said Lorraine McKenna, sponsorship director at 11th Hour Racing. “This partnership builds on last year’s momentum to keep even more waste out of landfills, protect Newport’s coastline, and engage the community in climate action.”

This year’s initiatives, supported by 11th Hour Racing, include:

• Carpool, Bike, or Walk: Runners and spectators are encouraged to reduce vehicle traffic by sharing rides, using bike racks provided onsite, or walking when possible. Dedicated parking options at Second Beach and Aquidneck Corporate Park also help streamline transportation and lower emissions.
• Reducing Waste & Composting: Marked trash, recycling, and compost bins will be placed along the course and at the finish. A volunteer “Green Team” will ensure waste is properly managed, and participants are reminded that littering — including discarded gel packets — is grounds for disqualification. Composting will be facilitated through Remix Organics, and on-course cups will be composted this year.
• Smarter Hydration: Refill stations will be available to support participants who choose reusable bottles or hydration vests, minimizing the need for single-use cups. Thanks to our partners at Polar Beverages, we’re replacing plastic bottles with canned water — a far more sustainable choice. Aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable, with nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced still in use today, compared to less than 10% of plastic bottles.
• Respecting Coastal Environments: With a course that passes through sensitive dunes, wetlands, and shoreline, runners and spectators are required to stick to designated paths and keep all waste contained to protect these fragile ecosystems.
  

“Newport’s coastline is central to the identity of this race, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our event helps preserve it,” said Matt Gray, President of Gray Matter Marketing. “Partnering with 11th Hour Racing allows us to make meaningful changes that reduce our footprint, while also inspiring our athletes, volunteers, and community to protect the natural beauty that makes our hometown so special.”

“Amica is proud to lend our name to one of the premier marathons in the country,” said Ted Shallcross, Amica Mutual Insurance Company President and CEO. “This year, for every runner who crosses the finish line, the Amica Companies Foundation will contribute five dollars – one dollar for each of the Newport Marathon’s charitable partners – up to $25,000. This will help turn every stride into direct support for the communities we serve.” The nonprofits for the 2025 event are the Aquidneck Land Trust, Newport Tree Conservancy, The MLK Center, Boys Town New England, and the Newport County YMCA. 

The Amica Newport Marathon and 11th Hour Racing encourage every participant, spectator, and volunteer to participate in the effort. In 2024, the partnership successfully diverted close to 50% of the 1.32 tons of waste produced by the event, and this year, we aim to divert even more waste away from the landfill. 

For more information on the Marathon’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.newportmarathon.com/sustainability.