Known as America’s Friendliest Marathon, the Allianz Richmond Marathon provides the superior race day experience you’ve come to expect when you run Richmond! With a reputation for excellence, Sports Backers takes pride in organizing and executing a top-notch event that ensures every step of your journey is meaningful and fun. From registration to packet pick-up, swag, on-course entertainment, aid stations, and more, they aim to make your experience unforgettable.
Come run in the capital of Virginia and see for yourself why RVA is a Travel + Leisure Top Destination! Each of the scenic courses showcases some of they city’s favorite attributes. With street art, river views, historic architecture, and beautiful parks, the race routes treat runners to a unique and unforgettable tour of RVA that ends with a renowned downhill finish and CoStar Post Race Party on the riverfront!
Run through scenic and historic sections of Richmond, including along and across the beautiful James River. The marathon course is great for first-timers and features some rolling hills. The marathon is USA Track & Field sanctioned and certified and is a top Boston Qualifier.
The CarMax Richmond Half Marathon takes everything runners love about the full and packs it into 13.1 miles. Along the course you’ll see beloved and historic Richmond locations and will be treated with the highest level of course support.
Or get in on the race day fun by conquering an 8K (4.97 miles) and run or walk through downtown Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. You’ll be first on the course to experience the awesome crowd support and enthusiastic spectators. Go your own speed, as this race welcomes all paces, from the super-fast, to those just starting out, and walkers as well!
During your race, you’ll also encounter live bands, DJs, spirit groups, and Party Zones that will offer plenty of encouragement and motivation. Need an extra burst of energy? You’ll be covered with junk food stops, wet wash cloths, and pickle juice (marathon and half participants only)! Once you cross the finish line, you’ll be greeted by a well-earned celebration on Brown’s Island complete with pizza and a Hardywood beer on the house!
Take some time to revel in your accomplishment, but don’t let your Richmond experience end there. Whether you’re a local or from out of town, there’s a whole city to explore. You might just decide you don’t want to leave!
Run Richmond once and you, too, will know why it’s “America’s Friendliest Marathon!”
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worth the trip
flew into Richmond and stayed at host hotel (Omni). highly recommend. took shuttle bus to the Richmond racetrack for bib/shirt/expo. Easy short walk to start of race, longer walk back … MORE
flew into Richmond and stayed at host hotel (Omni). highly recommend. took shuttle bus to the Richmond racetrack for bib/shirt/expo. Easy short walk to start of race, longer walk back to hotel from finish line. swag/medal was okay. race production was good. This was a huge race with good crowd support along course. more rolling hills than I anticipated and also warmer than expected, so my finish time wasn’t great. the food/beer lines were way too crowded, so I gave ticket away and walked back to hotel. thoroughly enjoyed my time in Richmond and surrounding area and glad I chose this race, but one and done for me.
First Race Ever, So Much Fun!
This was my first race ever and I had a ton of fun! I ran with a few friends without any problems. There are plenty of people cheering you on … MORE
This was my first race ever and I had a ton of fun! I ran with a few friends without any problems. There are plenty of people cheering you on and overall, it felt like a very supportive crowd. The course is fairly flat but the last 0.2 mi or so is downhill and by then I was flying without any brakes! Luckily, I didn’t wipe out but I know there were handful of runners who did so be careful. The after party was super fun — you get a free beer, a slice of pizza, and get to enjoy the beauty of Brown’s Island. I would love to do this race in the future again!
Great Crowd Support
I am not and never will be a competitive runner, so I look for fun races with great support and this one marks all the boxes. There was great support … MORE
I am not and never will be a competitive runner, so I look for fun races with great support and this one marks all the boxes. There was great support along the entire course and great energy from the crowd from start to finish. I would definitely recommend this race. The only thing I would like to see is a bigger medal. I’m all about the bling haha
Great well organized race!
Loved this race! Lots of aid stations and pretty course with spectators throughout! Some hills in the middle but the downhill finish is fab. Would highly recommend- holds true, friendly … MORE
Loved this race! Lots of aid stations and pretty course with spectators throughout! Some hills in the middle but the downhill finish is fab. Would highly recommend- holds true, friendly marathon!! If you are local to the area, would highly recommend joining sports backers marathon training team!
Amazing organization and support spectat
Nice scenery, great people, a lot of snacks along the race. It was my first marathon and I felt very supported by the people in the streets and by the … MORE
Nice scenery, great people, a lot of snacks along the race. It was my first marathon and I felt very supported by the people in the streets and by the other runners. I recommend this race for a first time marathon, I really enjoyed the race
Outstanding Half Marathon!
The half marathon was such a fun experience! I enjoyed the race as a second-time runner, just as much as the first! My favorite parts were running through the park, … MORE
The half marathon was such a fun experience! I enjoyed the race as a second-time runner, just as much as the first! My favorite parts were running through the park, seeing all of the beautiful scenery of Downtown Richmond, interacting with the friendly crowd, and sprinting downhill at the very end. I would highly recommend this race to anyone, especially new half marathon runners. I can’t wait to run the Richmond Half again next year!
RVA marathon is fantastic <3
Richmond is great but still gets a little hot in November. There are more hills than you'd expect as well. Pace yourself wisely in the first 9-10 miles, the run … MORE
Richmond is great but still gets a little hot in November. There are more hills than you’d expect as well. Pace yourself wisely in the first 9-10 miles, the run up to Forest Hill after the first bridge is a tough one. Main Street is always a party and the downhill finish is a gratifying end. Overall a super fun marathon!
Could be better but a fun marathon!
I've run this race 3 times now. Each time usually the same issues. The end is horrific. I've almost run into spectators running into the course every time and when … MORE
I’ve run this race 3 times now. Each time usually the same issues. The end is horrific. I’ve almost run into spectators running into the course every time and when you are running a marathon the end your legs aren’t perfect so having to stop and try to avoid people is awful. The finisher area is also so chaotic with how many people are down there and trying to get across that one bridge back to our cars is awful. The size of the marathon is the issue. Maybe moving the half and staggering it a bit more to balance the finish out some. But please emphasize with spectators to stay out of the way of runners this is our day and we love you being there but jolting in and out of the course is dangerous. If you haven’t run a marathon Richmond is great but the ending and getting back to your car sucks. The swag is fun the island is fun at the end of you can get around all the people. I recommend it with caveats of course.
A run to remember!
Amazing race! I flew up from FL to run this race because of all the good I heard about it. The Richmond half did not disappoint! The course was wonderful! … MORE
Amazing race! I flew up from FL to run this race because of all the good I heard about it. The Richmond half did not disappoint! The course was wonderful! Pretty flat until around mile 6-7 that’s when it started to get hilly for this Floridian. The route went thru a beautiful park that I must go back and visit now. The spectators were fantastic. It felt like I was running a major with the amount of support and cheers on the course. The only issue I saw was the amount of foot traffic right after I crossed the finish line. I got my bottle of water and immediately had to stand in a line that took 20 mins to get to the post race party. I just wanted to sit somewhere for a second but couldn’t. By the time I got there I just wanted my hat and blanket and I wanted out of there. There was so many people. Other than that no problems! The medal, hat and blanket were beautiful! Well worth running it and I will run it again! Put this on your bucket list!
Great race
The course was very well put together for the most part. However when the marathon people came up in the half marathon people there were half marathon people in the … MORE
The course was very well put together for the most part. However when the marathon people came up in the half marathon people there were half marathon people in the marathon path that required some bobbin and weaving.
The best day ever!
Richmond truly is America’s friendliest marathon! The course is beautiful, and the support along the way was inspiring! All things behind the scenes went perfectly as well! I would recommend … MORE
Richmond truly is America’s friendliest marathon! The course is beautiful, and the support along the way was inspiring! All things behind the scenes went perfectly as well! I would recommend this race to any runner – repeat marathoner or first-timer – as it was one of the most memorable and rewarding days ever!
Fun first race!
Very smoothly run I enjoyed how they let you defer your race and cancel unlike other races. Means they really care about us! The support on the race was fantastic … MORE
Very smoothly run I enjoyed how they let you defer your race and cancel unlike other races. Means they really care about us! The support on the race was fantastic as well! Great first marathon. Everyone was so kind and cheered for me when I said it was my first marathon
Challenging course and great crowd
I fully enjoyed the Richmond Marathon! There were great views around the river , good crowd support , and well stocked aid stations . The course was challenging at times … MORE
I fully enjoyed the Richmond Marathon! There were great views around the river , good crowd support , and well stocked aid stations . The course was challenging at times , but nothing crazy in terms of hills. I loved the downhill finish . Everyone was friendly and welcoming and I would come back! The only minor negative was the finisher tee was a terrible color and got a rip the first run through the wash so it was definitely very poor quality .
Friendly, Fast, and First Time Fun!
A race where I only have to wait in a port-a-potty line for five minutes at the start line is already a win in my book! Add in easy to … MORE
A race where I only have to wait in a port-a-potty line for five minutes at the start line is already a win in my book! Add in easy to navigate starting corrals, a wide berth on the course, and tons of friendly and energetic spectators – you’ll have a great run ahead! A few inclines and sharp turns were nothing compared to the mostly flat, spacious, and scenic course. The weather was perfect (and as a spectator the last four years, I can say that’s pretty consistent), and the after race festivities were a blast! I hit my goal pace by 8 minutes – qualifying in my age group for Chicago, Boston AND NYC! It couldn’t have been a better day. My husband (a long time marathon spectator) raved about how easy it was for him and others to navigate the course – a huge bonus!
Can’t Wait to Run Again
After an excellent training cycle I was feeling very confident until a month out when I fell badly during a half marathon. I recovered but was not myself for this … MORE
After an excellent training cycle I was feeling very confident until a month out when I fell badly during a half marathon. I recovered but was not myself for this race and know I could fly on the course when I’m feeling better! The downhill finish is epic! Getting around Richmond to and from the race areas was also a breeze!
Recommend this race to new marathoners!
This was my first ever marathon, and the crowd, atmosphere, and seamless management of the event all made this an incredible introduction to marathons. The course is beginner friendly, with … MORE
This was my first ever marathon, and the crowd, atmosphere, and seamless management of the event all made this an incredible introduction to marathons. The course is beginner friendly, with some challenging hills scattered throughout, making it a perfect first timer marathon to get your feet wet while also being challenging for seasoned vets. The weather was amazing and the post-race party was a well deserved celebration. I can’t wait to do this race again!
Great race for my first half marathon!
Overall, I had a great experience. There were several hype zones and good community support. As with all races, the water stops were a little congested. Additionally, I recommend runners … MORE
Overall, I had a great experience. There were several hype zones and good community support. As with all races, the water stops were a little congested. Additionally, I recommend runners share their location either through their phone or watch with spectators because the tracking app (RTRT.me) crashed at around mile 6.5.
A fun and friendly race
Overall, this was a top-notch event. The communication leading up to the race was excellent. I wasn't sure that I'd be able to attend the expo, so I had them … MORE
Overall, this was a top-notch event.
The communication leading up to the race was excellent. I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to attend the expo, so I had them mail my bib, which arrived at least a week before the race. I booked a hotel well in advance and was able to find an affordable option within walking distance from the start line.
Getting to the start line and corrals was very straightforward on race day. It felt crowded, but manageable.
During the race, the crowd was amazing. I haven’t experienced this level of support for a race yet, and to some degree, it felt like I could feed off of the crowd’s energy. It seemed like they positioned a lot of the crowds near key turns in the race and had excellent signage to keep the runners on course.
The half-marathon course was mostly flat with some very small hills around the middle of the course in Bryan Park.
The course support (and support from other runners) was amazing.
A great race vacation getaway
This was my first time running Richmond, and it was so well organized. The hotels near by the start/finish were great (recommend!) and the course was fun. Personally, I got … MORE
This was my first time running Richmond, and it was so well organized. The hotels near by the start/finish were great (recommend!) and the course was fun. Personally, I got sick halfway through and didn’t run my best, BUT the crowds the entire way, music, and amazingly stocked aid stations would make me
Run this again. Full Marathon here I come!
America's Friendliest for a reason!
From the crowd support, to water stops, Richmond is simply the best. Then add in the views from the James River, neighborhoods, and scenic bridges, it's a great marathon. Oh, … MORE
From the crowd support, to water stops, Richmond is simply the best. Then add in the views from the James River, neighborhoods, and scenic bridges, it’s a great marathon. Oh, and the downhill finish is much appreciated!