Nearly 5,000 runners are expected to take part in the 2012 Amica Marathon in Newport this weekend. The event kicks off with the Amica 5k on Saturday, followed by the Amica Marathon and the UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon on Sunday.

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

As a warm-up for Sunday's races, the Amica 5k race will be held Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at Brenton Point in Newport.

The Amica Marathon and the UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon begin Sunday at 8 a.m. Participants will follow a historic and scenic 26.2 mile course. Both races start at Easton's Beach in Newport. The first half of the course takes participants past Newport Harbor, along picturesque Ocean Drive and down historic Bellevue Avenue. The second half of the course follows the Sakonnet River, finishing at Easton's Beach.

Full descriptions of the Amica Marathon and UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon courses are available at AmicaMarathon.com.

The Amica Marathon is a 2013 Boston Marathon qualifier.

There is still time to register for the Amica 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 12 to 7 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