This was the first marathon I ever ran and it was a great first-time experience. Having never even been to a marathon race before, I had no expectations going in. … MORE
This was the first marathon I ever ran and it was a great first-time experience. Having never even been to a marathon race before, I had no expectations going in. I spent the night in Richmond, VA the day before and visited the expo that evening to pickup my bib and packet. The expo was very large with many vendors. If I recall correctly it was held at an athletic facility so there was ample parking.
For the start of the race I parked on a side street a mile or so from the start. I did not have any problems finding a place to park. That morning it was rather chilly and I remember the starting line being full of runners (again this was my first experience running any type of marathon, and the Richmond Marathon is a rather larger one).
The course and race itself were terrific. They call it “America’s Friendliest Marathon” and it lived up to the name. The course takes you from downtown Richmond through surrounding suburbs, across the river, through parks, and around and back into the city. Rarely is there no support along the course. Through the communities people come out to cheer on the runners, and at most mile markers there is either a DJ playing music or some type of live band. I remember the aid stations offering a variety of fuel as well.
I’m not sure if the course is still the same as when I ran it in 2012, but it ended with a good downhill portion which can help if you are looking to set a PR. The post-race area was very large and offered some nice food and beverages.
The Richmond Marathon was a wonderful first-time marathon experience for me and I would highly recommend it due to the easy course, organization, and awesome crowd support!
Please login to reply to this review.
Great First Marathon Experience
This was the first marathon I ever ran and it was a great first-time experience. Having never even been to a marathon race before, I had no expectations going in. … MORE
This was the first marathon I ever ran and it was a great first-time experience. Having never even been to a marathon race before, I had no expectations going in. I spent the night in Richmond, VA the day before and visited the expo that evening to pickup my bib and packet. The expo was very large with many vendors. If I recall correctly it was held at an athletic facility so there was ample parking.
For the start of the race I parked on a side street a mile or so from the start. I did not have any problems finding a place to park. That morning it was rather chilly and I remember the starting line being full of runners (again this was my first experience running any type of marathon, and the Richmond Marathon is a rather larger one).
The course and race itself were terrific. They call it “America’s Friendliest Marathon” and it lived up to the name. The course takes you from downtown Richmond through surrounding suburbs, across the river, through parks, and around and back into the city. Rarely is there no support along the course. Through the communities people come out to cheer on the runners, and at most mile markers there is either a DJ playing music or some type of live band. I remember the aid stations offering a variety of fuel as well.
I’m not sure if the course is still the same as when I ran it in 2012, but it ended with a good downhill portion which can help if you are looking to set a PR. The post-race area was very large and offered some nice food and beverages.
The Richmond Marathon was a wonderful first-time marathon experience for me and I would highly recommend it due to the easy course, organization, and awesome crowd support!
Great Race
As a first time visitor to Richmond, the race did a great job taking us through different and unique parts of the city. A great charity, very well run with … MORE
As a first time visitor to Richmond, the race did a great job taking us through different and unique parts of the city. A great charity, very well run with lots of volunteers who made you feel welcome – had a blast.
great city, sweet race
visiting from australia and was looking for a big small city race. richmond was recommended and didn’t disappoint. we caught the amtrak down from new york and stayed at an … MORE
visiting from australia and was looking for a big small city race. richmond was recommended and didn’t disappoint. we caught the amtrak down from new york and stayed at an airb&b just away from the city centre. big mistake, pay what it costs and stay near the start/finish area. we had big problems getting from the expo to our accom and then from our accom to the race start with uber letting us down big time……the expo was so so. get in, get your bib and get out. as I said we had big problems getting to the start line and ending up hearing the gun go while we were in a neighbouring street getting our clothes off and into running kit. it was freezing for the 2017 edition. don’t know if this is usual, but layer up. once we got going the race opened up pretty quickly. if I remember less than 5000 competitors, so not super crazy and nice friendly runners that allowed me through. nice local sights and amazing scenery down by the river. good volunteers and vocal, if small, course support. I liked richmond a lot. it just had a feel about it. you knew you were welcome and the finish was unreal…..a big downhill and open parklands for a great after party. good cash and prizes, I liked the blanket, medal and post race atmosphere. I also ran a three minute pr…..would I recommend richmond ? hell yeah….
Race worth your time & money
This is a home town race for me so no travelling but I hear the hotels downtown really cater to the runners. They even let the runners not staying there … MORE
This is a home town race for me so no travelling but I hear the hotels downtown really cater to the runners. They even let the runners not staying there hang out in the lobbies prior to race start. Which is awesome because that weekend can be pretty cold.
Plenty of water stops with tons of volunteers. Junk food, coke stops and bands along the route as well. Views along the course are good; city views and river views. Love it.
SportsBackers does a bus tour of the course, which is nice, especially for out of towners.
SportsBackers uses corrals to start to keep the race from being too congested. The amount of time between is perfect. You never feel claustrophobic or overcrowded. Bathrooms along the course are my only negative, if you really want to call it a negative. There are portapotties and within plenty of spaces. There just did not seem to be enough at each stop. About half a mile in there is a row of like 20 portapotties & you think “Wow, this is a great sign!” So my message to you, if you have to go then go and hope you won’t need to the remaining 25+ miles because the rest of the stops don’t have anywhere near that many. Lines were long, too.
The swag: the swag is pretty high up there on the “you will actually use these items” list. If you run the half or full you get a fleece blanket and medal. This year due to the 40th anniversary, you got a nice red aluminum cup. Also one randomly selected marathon medal had a real ruby. Sadly, it wasn’t me.
Last thing that I love about this race is the PR Bell & Boston qualifying prize. They have a bell set up that you can ring if your run was a PR. Also, if you qualify for Boston (they verify times) and you receive a prize of some sort. [can’t tell you what it is because I am not fast enough.]
Highly recommend this event!
A must do for any half marathoner
This race is touted as the friendliest half marathon in the country and it just may be! The community support was tremendous. I have never seen so many locals come … MORE
This race is touted as the friendliest half marathon in the country and it just may be! The community support was tremendous. I have never seen so many locals come out to cheer on a race. From the start to the finish, there were people with signs, making noise, and handing out treats to the runners. The post-race celebration was amazing: great food, music, and they even gave out blankets, which were a welcome sight on such a cold day. Well organized and fun, I would definitely run this one again.
Friendly and well organized
This is my local marathon but I've only run it once. It's very well organized, and feels like a much larger event than it really is in the sense that … MORE
This is my local marathon but I’ve only run it once. It’s very well organized, and feels like a much larger event than it really is in the sense that it’s got lots of crowd support and on-course volunteers. The route is pretty scenic for a city race, running through some cool spots around Richmond and the James River. The t-shirt was long sleeve and technical, which I love, and the medal was nice and high quality. The weather that year poured rain just before the start, but ended up being pleasant. The finish is downhill and it’s fun to hang out and cheer in the other runners. It’s a good Virginia option, especially if you can’t get in to Marine Corps, which is a different type of race altogether. Logistically, there are lots of hotels, restaurants, and parking areas for out of towners. My only complaint the year I ran it was that traffic to get into and out of the expo was ridiculous, though the expo itself was very good.
Yes, Friendly but it's also Beautiful!
Friendly - definitely lives up to the billing there! Neighborhoods came out and cheered throughout the 26 miles which was fabulous! Folks had boxes of tissues, leftover Halloween candy, and … MORE
Friendly – definitely lives up to the billing there! Neighborhoods came out and cheered throughout the 26 miles which was fabulous! Folks had boxes of tissues, leftover Halloween candy, and shots 🙂 . Tons of music entertainment, never boring!
But, it was also a beautiful course! Running down historical Monument Ave was beautiful, and then running along the gorgeous river with Fall Foliage!
Packet pick up a breeze and the Expo was a nice sized, fun one that was easy to get to and park at! Swag at the end appreciated too 🙂
Getting there easy – parked within 2 blocks of race start about 45 min before race start and then hung out in a hotel lobby staying warm. No sweat!
America's Favorite (Half) Marathon
This race was dubbed as America's Friendliest Marathon by Runner's World and it definitely lives up to it's reputation! Crowd support and volunteer support are top notch and is above … MORE
This race was dubbed as America’s Friendliest Marathon by Runner’s World and it definitely lives up to it’s reputation! Crowd support and volunteer support are top notch and is above and beyond friendly! The Richmond area has lots of nice architecture and history to look at while you’re running. This is a large running event that has an 8k, half marathon and marathon with a huge downhill finish.
Great half marathon
Had a great experience with the race--enjoyable course, nice fall weather, and LOVED the swag! Not only did we get a nice race shirt and medal, but also received a … MORE
Had a great experience with the race–enjoyable course, nice fall weather, and LOVED the swag! Not only did we get a nice race shirt and medal, but also received a nice fleece blanket and tech hat at the finish! I would definitely do this race again in the future.
Last 1/4 mile is downhill
I completed this race in 2012. I HIGHLY recommend this race. One of the best aspects of the race is the final ¼ mile. This portion of the race is … MORE
I completed this race in 2012.
I HIGHLY recommend this race. One of the best aspects of the race is the final ¼ mile. This portion of the race is completely downhill!
It is a smaller race but extremely organized. The race begins at 7am in downtown Richmond.
There are numerous spectators cheering on the crowds. Since the bibs are customized with your names, everyone call out and cheers your name.
The course takes you through the suburban city streets. A decent stretch of the race takes you down a street with gorgeous houses. A later part of the race takes you through a park.
Absolutely Loved this Race
This was my very first 1/2 marathon. My best friend and I ran it together and loved the large cheering crowds, "alcohol alley" and the ever changing scenery. It's a … MORE
This was my very first 1/2 marathon. My best friend and I ran it together and loved the large cheering crowds, “alcohol alley” and the ever changing scenery. It’s a great event for people needing the extra push brought on by the cheering crowds.
Americas Friendliest Marathon? Might be
Richmond was a very enjoyable race from the city to the course to the spectators. I don’t know if they are THE friendliest marathon in the country, but they’re definitely … MORE
Richmond was a very enjoyable race from the city to the course to the spectators. I don’t know if they are THE friendliest marathon in the country, but they’re definitely up there. It was a great experience and good result personally. This is one I’d highly recommend and might someday come back and race again. Running along the James River between miles 8 and 10 is serene and the best part of the course. Worth noting – this is the largest marathon I’ve done to date, with 4,509 finishers this year.
Perfect running weather
This is billed as a family race and it held up to it's name with up to four hours to finish the half. I liked that they also had an … MORE
This is billed as a family race and it held up to it’s name with up to four hours to finish the half. I liked that they also had an 8K for those who wanted to move up from running the 5k. I was warned about the parking and got there downtown as 6:00 with no problems with the parking. There were seperate starts for the half and the full although we did meet up at the end. Mostly flat course – highlights was the beer at mile 8 and at this point they had water stations every mile. Plently of folks cheering and a few with snacks to choose from. Would have wanted to run along the James River but we did the city streets. The race ended at historic Tredegar which was beautiful and nice to look at while you relaxed with Sierra Nevada beer. I received a nicely designed long-sleeve T-shirt, nice medal, a very cool finishers blanket and a cap. Nice touch when you got you bottle of water at the finish line, they switched the cap open so you did not have to struggle with – liked the bagel but the bananas were raw, trail mix was good but the question of the day – who thought of having pizza at the end of the race? This was only eatten by those runners under 30. It was a fun race overall and coming from Los Angeles, I was grateful to run somewhere that was under 60 degrees!