Course Map
About this Race
The Providence Marathon is Rhode Island's largest marathon and half marathon weekend, now organized by Rhode Races & Events and based at Bold Point Park in East Providence after a two-year hiatus and a change of organizer following the cancellation of the old downtown edition. The mostly flat course loops along the waterfront with views back across the water to the Providence skyline, a boutique-sized field capped at 2,500 runners rather than the crowds of its earlier downtown incarnation. Held in early May, it typically offers cool, pleasant spring conditions well suited to steady racing. The atmosphere is relaxed and community-focused rather than big-event spectacle. It suits runners who want an accessible, scenic New England spring race with skyline views, in a smaller, more personal event than its old downtown Providence edition.
Course Insight
Providence's marathon now starts and finishes at Bold Point Park in East Providence, tracing a mostly flat waterfront course with views back across the water to the Providence skyline. With the smaller field and relocated course, the atmosphere is more relaxed and community-driven than the race's earlier downtown incarnation. May conditions are usually mild. Pace the modest rises by effort and don't bank too much speed early. The waterfront setting makes for pleasant, rhythmic running with the city skyline as a scenic backdrop rather than a bustling downtown route.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 229m
- Elevation loss
- 232m
- Highest point
- 44m
- Lowest point
- 2m
- Net elevation
- -3m
- Start
- Bold Point Park, East Providence, RI
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Race History
The Providence Marathon was founded in 2007 and grew into Rhode Island's largest marathon under organizer Ventures Endurance, drawing around 5,000 runners through downtown Providence. The 2024 race was cancelled after permit and safety concerns forced a hiatus. It returned in 2025 under new organizer Rhode Races & Events, relocated to Bold Point Park in East Providence with a smaller, boutique-sized field. Held each May, it continues as a community-focused waterfront event.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- T.F. Green/Rhode Island (PVD), Boston Logan (BOS)
- Best area to stay
- East Providence for proximity to Bold Point Park and the start/finish, or downtown Providence across the water for fuller hotel options and a short drive to the start.
- Getting to the start
- The start and finish are at Bold Point Park in East Providence, across the water from downtown Providence; driving or rideshare is recommended as it's no longer a downtown course.