Robert Cooper's Staging Area

This is an excellent choice for 50 staters seeking to run a race in Maryland. While the weather can be questionable (it poured rain the day before the race – but race day was cold, in the 30s, and dry), the course is an easy paved trail route with only 250-300 marathoners.

Starting from Severna Park High School, we headed south for 6.5 miles, with the first few miles running on city streets before hitting the trail. The trail pavement in 2024 was in great shape – and drained well from the rain the day before. A few spots where the asphalt had pushed up were clearly marked with yellow spray paint. Most miles were marked with standing placards; if not, a close look at the pavement showed the mile marker lines. There is a hill from just after mile 6 down to maybe 6.75 before a turn around and a run back up the same hill – about 100 feet in elevation.

The course then heads north for 19 miles, with half-marathoners branching off at about 12.75 miles and the marathoners continuing on the trail. The trail is wide, and I had no problems navigating the two-way traffic on the course.

At mile 19, the course turns back south to about mile 25.8 where it turns back onto a sidewalk to the Severna Park High School finish line.

I took advantage of the early start (30 minutes) option since I enjoy a little more space and wasn’t in the running for any awards. This did mean I was constantly being passed for most of the race – but again, the path was wide enough it wasn’t an issue. Runners can gather in the HS cafeteria before the race to keep warm and use the indoor facilities. There were also 4 (there were 6 but 2 blew over the day before the race) port-o-potties outside.

There was ample food and beverage after the race (no alcohol), and again, the cafeteria to keep warm or get a massage. The rest stops were a little further apart than I like (2.5-3.5 miles), but they all had Gatorade and water. Not all had port-o-potties so plan your stops well if you need to use the facilities – they are far between.

Great swag included a hooded sweatshirt, reusable tote/grocery bag, hat, and 5 pounds of Kachava. Registration/packet pick-up was also at the school and was easy the day before or the morning of the race. Be aware that many Navy Midshipmen run the race – overall times are a little faster than a race of this type would indicate.

The course is predominantly flat, with only one overpass that resembles a hill at the midpoint, but it’s not particularly significant. The rollers near the last 2-3 miles gain importance due to their placement in the race. It’s a very fast race, especially when weather conditions are favorable. The 2024 race experienced optimal temperatures in the 40s, leading to the establishment of multiple elite records, including the Women’s Half – North American Record, American Women’s Half Record, and Men’s Full Course Record. Personally, it marked my fastest time in the last 15 races.

The event, despite its large size, is well-organized. Opting to stay downtown near the start/finish/convention center is recommended as everything is easily accessible by foot. Race check-in provides a nice towel, while the shirt, medal, and beer mug are awarded as finisher rewards. Aid stations are abundant along the course, ensuring hydration is always within reach. The back half of the race receives significant support from the crowds.

Organizers enhance the race experience by placing multiple speakers along stretches, such as the hill at 13 and the wall at 21-22, providing a musical backdrop for miles. It’s important to note that participants are assigned to corrals based on expected finish times, with corrals starting approximately 10 minutes apart. For instance, Corral C, for 4-5 hour finishers, began 25 minutes after the race start. Corrals lack porta-potties, trash cans, or aid, but these facilities are available just before the start and in the first mile. Quick stops are possible in the first mile with no waiting if needed.

The Richmond Marathon presented runners with an exceptional course against a backdrop of favorable weather—cool, dry, with minimal wind and intermittent clouds. The course, while featuring minor hills, thoughtfully engaged various muscle groups, particularly utilizing a gradual downhill stretch around mile 21, allowing for a consistent pace. However, participants should anticipate a challenging short uphill section approximately half a mile before the steep downhill finish for the last 0.40 miles.
The race’s well-spaced aid stations, initially positioned every two miles until the 20-mile mark and subsequently every mile, offered essential resources such as GU, ensuring consistent support. The local neighborhood’s enthusiastic backing, providing junk food and even beer, added a unique and spirited element to the event.
A notable highlight was the convenience of facilities, notably the provision of an array of 8 port-o-potties near mile #2, significantly reducing wait times compared to the typical one or two units found at most race aid stations.
Starting at 7 am provided an optimal start time, allowing participants to begin the race in cooler conditions. While parking was easy to find, it necessitated a brief walk from the finish. The differing start and finish locations approximately a mile apart required participants to make parking choices. However, the event day pricing ($10) at the garages listed by race organizers offered a convenient and appreciated option.
Packet pickup, though conveniently located, was distant from the course at the Richmond Raceway, requiring transportation if staying downtown without a car. The setup in the NASCAR garage area behind the pits provided a unique experience for participants.
The race swag, including a long-sleeve shirt (received at packet pickup), a hat, blanket (obtained at the finish with the bib stub), and the medal, added a touch of class swag to the race experience.
Post-race festivities at the park were busy, especially for participants finishing around the 4:30:00 mark, drawing both full and half-marathoners. Despite the apparent crowds, there was an abundant supply of food and beverages, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to refuel and celebrate their accomplishments.
The Richmond Marathon stands as a testament to well-organized logistics, engaging course features, and a vibrant post-race atmosphere, solidifying its position as a must-attend race for running enthusiasts.

Nice racecourse that is net downhill but has enough uphill to relieve the quads. Easy check-in and a fair number in the goodie bag. Director strives to give you the number corresponding to the state # you are completing if you are a 50-stater, just let them know when doing the online registration. Cars on the roads with runners but not enough to be distracting. Good locations for family and friends to watch and then move to the next location along the course.

This race course is one of the fastest in the US. Although not as steep as others, the steady decline and the elevation closer to sea level make it a very fast run. The trail is hard packed gravel, some loose stone and outcropping rocks may cause difficulty for runners who are pavement only. However, I didn’t find the footing difficult after exiting the tunnel.
The start of the race passes through a 2.3 mile tunnel. Make sure your headlamp is especially bright and stay to the middle of the course – the sides have water filled potholes that are ankle high.
The “expo” was simply tables outside the Nike Outlet in North Bend. The line can be long to get your bib if showing up at a prime time. The shirt is a technical tank – nothing special. Buses to the start were school buses, but the ride is only about 35-40 minutes. Unfortunately, the organizers mistimed the buses and race started 20 minutes late. The support on course was tables of water and Gatorade (not every station) – and that is all. No nutrition so bring your own. Trash bags at the mile markers helped keep the trail clean.
The scenery is spectacular! Wide views of the mountains across the valley. The noise from I-90 is noticeable in some places. The trail is not closed, so expect hikers and bikers. Additionally, spectators on bikes are allowed and can cause some traffic issues. One spectator would pass me, stop ahead and cheer his runner (must have been near me) and then 5 minutes later would be passing me again. Staying on tangents is impossible when yielding to bikes in both directions.
Amenities at the finish were adequate but nothing special. Water, milk, PB&J, bananas. The medal is nice with tunnel doors that open to show two runners.
Overall, an exceptional course that would benefit from better race management. If you have the option, research other races that run this same route.

Buffalo runs a great race. Fireworks at the start add to the excitement. Knowledge of the course is important as you cross a high point (North Street) several times. Knowing the course is uphill toward North and downhill away, will help your pace if you don’t overcook going up to North. It is not a big hill, but will wear away at your legs. The section out to the lakeside park has a nice view of the BFD boat shooting off its water cannons! The post race party was upstairs in the conference center instead of being down at race level. If you want anything other than water and a recovery drink, be prepared to go upstairs into the event hall.

Revel Races runs a great race. I hadn’t done any of their races, but I found their production extremely well done. Tons of communication leading up to the race. Great race app that talks to you during the race – even you friends can text you cheers (converted to voice). Downhill course is very fast but can be difficult for novice runners not accustomed to declines. Over 5100′ of downhill, with the top part of the race very steep (4%). Also, with elevation, comes temperature change. The start was 25 degrees, and the gather location was surrounded by deep snow. The finish was upper 60s, with bright sun and a very dry southwest breeze; layering was key. Buses to the start were easy (although ours got lost and we arrived a little closer to the start time than I like). The road was closed, and any local traffic was well controlled by state and local police. Excellent aid stations well stocked.

Good course with relatively little elevation change. There is on overpass climb near the end of the race that can be a challenge, but otherwise no significant hills. A long twisting road around a lake from miles 5-10 provides great scenery. The second half of the marathon, like many marathons, is not as scenic as the half. However, the neighborhoods were easy to run, and sections of shade helped with temperatures.