Christine McGrory's Staging Area

I signed up for One City last minute after Tokyo was canceled and I am very glad I did! It was my first small (<10,000 people) marathon so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have been training for a big PR and new this was supposed to be a fast course so hoping for the best.

– Traveling from out of town was easy. We flew into Richmond and rented a car for an easy drive. We didn’t get down to Newport News until late Saturday afternoon so had just enough time to get my bib before the expo closed

– We stayed in the hotel of the expo (holiday inn – hampton) and it was great. Despite the rooms not being ready after normal check-in but they were very accomodating and gave us restaurant voucher for our inconvenience. The check-in line for the hotel was also pretty long but the race staff was handing out snacks and water while we waited and one even offered to pick-up my bib for me so I would get it before the expo closed (my husband came to wait so I didn’t need them to)

– Long sleeve good quality race shirt came with registration

Race Day
– There are multiple buses leaving from the hotel – ones for half and one for the full. I originally got on the half bus and sat there for a few minutes until I realized. When I was getting on the next bus the driver specifically mentioned it was a bus to the full start – which I wish the other driver had done too. There are different starts for the half and full so be careful
– It was a cold morning. I brought sweats to donate since it’s what I’m used to but bag check seemed like it would have been super easy
– There were sections to line up based on pace per mile 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. and it was self-seeded
– Both porta-potties and full service bathrooms were available in the park where the start is. The porta-potties were right next to the start and there were plenty. The full-service were a short walk but close to where the buses dropped you off.
– It was a cold morning so the buses offered to let you stay on until 15 minutes before the start
– They had music at the start ‘village’ and despite being small it did have a good vibe like the really big races put on (obviously not to the full extent)

– Course was overall pretty easy. I would say generally flat but there were a few slight hills here and there, which I think is better than being a pancake the whole time. There are permanent mile marker road sides, which is cool, but easy to miss if you’re not paying atteniton
– I ran with a pace group – it was my first time ever doing this – and I am SO glad I did. The pacers were wonderful. We had 2 – they switched at the half. Both personable and really helped the miles fly. They were also super encouraging and the 2nd one did not let me give up at the end to get my time!
– Water stations were great – every 2 miles with gatorade at every other and gel at certain ones as well
– Spectators along the course were encouraging. They were not lined up along the entire way but there were definitely a lot more and a lot more energetic than I expected!
– My husband was a spectator and easily was able to drive to one point in the race we pre-determined and also get to the end to see me finish
– They had photographers along the course as well and some good pics

Post-Race Party
– Free beer, free food, free massages! The event coordinators really put their all into this race and it shows

Great event. I would highly recommend for a PR and fun small race!