Daniel Brown's Staging Area

After having several races canceled I was just glad that Richmond pulled this off. Under the circumstances they did a great job. This got moved from the downtown route to Eastern Henrico. It started in a park, required crossing the road at a few points and watching for oncoming cars, but after mile 4 you just stayed on the paved Capitol trail for the next 8 and then returned-keeping an eye out for bikers. No fans, no music, stretches of miles where you at most saw a runner or two-not the same experience, but still well done. Mile.markers were clear, route was scenic,water stops were much quicker than expected, swag was excellent. Nice medal, awesome tech shirt-white was a good choice for the color, and marathon blanket. Check in was easy. The course was even hillier than expected. The first 14 miles I was on pace to have a sub 4 time and then the hills got to me. Miles 5-8 were rolling hills at first, but each succeeding hill got worse. At mile 15 I hit the wall. The last 11 was pure will power to complete the race without stopping..Still, the marathon did a great job running this during the pandemic and I was grateful for the opportunity

Well, ran a little slower than previous half marathon by about 12 minutes but given that I fractured three ribs just weeks earlier I will take it. Very glad they moved the time to 6:30 for the start. Not only was it a much cooler day than previous year, but the earlier start made the run easier. Route is solid, no real need to change it, as you start off on Pacific Avenue and then move over to Atlantic. From the Atlantic you cross the Rudee inlet and eventually cut through Camp Pendleton. On the run back you hit the boardwalk is nice. Better prepared this year so I left the race and immediately took a dip in the ocean afterwards. The medal is fine, although medals are not a big deal to me. Shirt color was a nice change from previous year and logo of Saturn with race ran and date was very cool. Exhibition was ok, easy to get registered, but not as many vendors this year with racing gear (unless you want items specifically stating the Rock N Roll logo). Was only at exhibition for about ten minutes and headed out. You can book early and get a room on the beach if you are coming in from out of town. I stay at a nicer and much cheaper and hotel in Norfolk and do the drive in (Parking for the day is only ten dollars so a bargain).

This is a must do race, at least one time, if you live in the Richmond area. The expo is well organized with a decent # of vendors. The course itself is fine-flat with only two main turns early on and then a uturn at the halfway point. There are tons of soectators-Richmonders really turn out for their bigger races. Also plenty of bands along the route. Medal is ok, but cotton t-shirt is kind of lame (year before I ordered and paid more for a quality Brooks tech shirt, but was not about to do it this year. Who chose that awful flourescent color?). Medal was ok although was not a concern of mine. Mostly used this race to prepare for a half marathon the following week. My big problem with this was the crowdnof runners and people who clearly did not get assigned the right corral. This was not the workers fault this goes back to registration. I understood the first year where I did not put a registered time down, but this year I was still placed back behind my actual time. Then as tou start to run into people walking, holding their sides from exhaustion and you are not even a mile in the race. This continues for the rest of the race. I think I ran at least an extra .4 miles dodging walkers. Hard to get up steam for the last mile because the crowd of runners was so tight. Parking can be a problem for some so I would recommend the shuttle if you are coming in from out of town and not stsying at a hotel close to the start line. I work in the area so I was able to park there and walk the few blocks to the start line. Glad that I have had the experience of doing this now twice, but due to the organization of runners by time, the mass of runners, and dodging the walkers I am not certain I will do this again. In fact leaning against it right now. The race has simply gotten too big.

The half marathon and marathon by Richmond is on par with the Va Beach Shamrock as two of the best organized races that I have done. Expo was fine, tons of support from the crowd at beginning and through the Bellevue neighborhood. Largely flat other than the hills in Bryan Park. The hills really aren’t that bad. More of a problem at this juncture is that roughly a mile before the park and definitely in the park it becomes extremely congested. Hard to pass at this point some of the stragglers who overestimated their time. Either get out in front early or make up some of your time ince you exit the park. Course ends with an extreme downhill run for the last half mile. Some do not like this, but I definitely like the downhill run to end the race. When you cross you receive a blanket, runners cap, and medal. Tech shirt was ok as well so swag overall is well done. There is enough basic food and water at the end. Parking can be a bit iffy so arrive early-about two hours early. There are shuttle bases to take you to your vehicle, but I have never used them. I walk back 4-5 blocks to my car. Temp can vary at this time of year. This year it was perfect running weather, but previous year was cold as heck (car door lock was frozen when I got back from the race.