After a two-year hiatus, an official marathon will return to Providence on May 4 this year.
The marathon, organized by Rhode Races and Events as part of the Providence Rhode Races, will serve as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. A half marathon and 5K race will accompany the marathon, as well as a post-race festival featuring music, food and race vendors.
The new marathon route avoids the Washington Bridge, which shut down in December 2023 — a factor contributing to the cancellation of the Providence race last year. This year’s route will start and finish at Bold Point Park in East Providence…