Inaugural Newport Winter 10k (Jonathan Clancy/Gray Matter Marketing)

The first-ever Newport Winter 10K made a strong debut Sunday as 538 runners crossed the finish line under clear skies and crisp temperatures, selling out its inaugural year.

Kyle Marshall of Portsmouth claimed the men’s title in 34:51, setting the first course record. Karolyn Bowley of Middletown established the women’s course record with a time of 41:15.

Presented by Fitzpatrick Team REMAX Results, the race benefited the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport. Participants and partners helped advance the center’s mission to nourish, educate and empower local families.

Spectators lined the course to cheer on runners as they took on Newport’s scenic winter shoreline in what organizers described as a festive and supportive atmosphere.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...