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 … MORE
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.
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Well done
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 … MORE
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.
A great race as usual
Amazing course support coupled with great race organization. The race isn't the friendliest race for nothing. Race organizers will keep you informed adequately prior to the race. A blanket and … MORE
Amazing course support coupled with great race organization. The race isn’t the friendliest race for nothing.
Race organizers will keep you informed adequately prior to the race. A blanket and hat consisted of swag for 2018. The blanket is nice afterwards when it is usually a little chilly.
There is a significant downhill finish to be prepared for and is a lot of fun. It helps many with their BQ aspirations.
Come run it, you won’t be disappointed.
Hot day, fast pacer
I cannot blame the race for the temperature or the pacer taking the group out too fast. I faded but was able to set a then-PR. The downhill finish was … MORE
I cannot blame the race for the temperature or the pacer taking the group out too fast. I faded but was able to set a then-PR. The downhill finish was a chance for a fast finish. I would love to run this course again if I can fit it into my schedule.
The friendliest race
Marathon starts at 7:00, a lot of parking, no problems at all. The corrals are very well marked. There are UPS trucks for baggage check. You run through the nice … MORE
Marathon starts at 7:00, a lot of parking, no problems at all. The corrals are very well marked. There are UPS trucks for baggage check. You run through the nice looking downtown and along James river. The views are just stunning. The finish is in a park with plenty of food to get. There are buses to take you back to the start line if needed. You get a medal and a blanket, which may be very useful depending on the weather. I would recommend this race to everyone.
A great marathon choice
The crowd support was amazing. The views were lovely. The coaches of the training program would run up and down the course checking on everyone, even those who weren’t in … MORE
The crowd support was amazing. The views were lovely. The coaches of the training program would run up and down the course checking on everyone, even those who weren’t in the group. If you need something, they will most likely have it on them. They even called you by name. They were the best! Plenty of water stops and the junk food was great.
Lives up to "Friendliest Marathon"
Traveled from Florida with friends for this marathon. Good Expo with a nice mix of vendors. Loved having a free bus tour of the course on the day before the … MORE
Traveled from Florida with friends for this marathon. Good Expo with a nice mix of vendors. Loved having a free bus tour of the course on the day before the race. We had two wonderful “tour guides” that provided course insight as well as a bit of local history and information. Race day was festive and the atmosphere at the starting line was upbeat. The marathon started right on time and there was plenty of space so no one felt crowded. The course traveled through beautiful areas of Richmond with a great mix of residential and wooded areas. Our favorite sections of the course were the stretch along the river and the downhill run to the finish line. This was a well organized and executed race. One of my favorites of the 30+ that I have run.
Great Scenery and environment
I've ran the half and now full marathon in Richmond, VA. The scenery is so beautiful, running through the river. The crowd is so friendly and supportive. The organization is … MORE
I’ve ran the half and now full marathon in Richmond, VA. The scenery is so beautiful, running through the river. The crowd is so friendly and supportive. The organization is majestic and the registration fees are cheaper than other races. People in Richmond is very friendly, no wonder why its called the “Friendliest marathon in North America”.
Loved it and will run it again
Very beautiful course and not to difficult. A little windy but otherwise nice running weather. The support and volunteers on the course were amazing. MORE
Very beautiful course and not to difficult. A little windy but otherwise nice running weather. The support and volunteers on the course were amazing.
Great First Race
This was my first organized race other than a 5k I walked with my kids and I did the half marathon. The course is very flat with a downhill finish … MORE
This was my first organized race other than a 5k I walked with my kids and I did the half marathon. The course is very flat with a downhill finish ( don’t try to go too fast or you might face plant). I was able to finish with a five minute faster time than my fastest training run on an indoor track. There were a lot of encouraging spectators and funny signs. The course takes you through VCU campus, around the Diamond, and through Bryan Park before taking you back to the finish at Tredegar. There were a lot of water stations and an energy gel station. I think there was a junk food station too, but I was too focused on running that I missed it. Finishers get a hat, medal, blanket, ton of food, and a free beer. Weather was pretty mild, I think it was around 40 at race start and there was some wind. I liked it so much I signed up for the full next year.
Great scenery and encouraging spectators
The course does have a few hills that participants may not expect but the encouragement powers you through it. The downhill finish was amazing! MORE
The course does have a few hills that participants may not expect but the encouragement powers you through it. The downhill finish was amazing!
Such a great race I ran it twice!!
I ran Richmond in 2017 to check off my bucket list for running a marathon and I fell love!!! The course was fantastic. The perfect combination of scenery and city … MORE
I ran Richmond in 2017 to check off my bucket list for running a marathon and I fell love!!! The course was fantastic. The perfect combination of scenery and city scape. It truly is the friendliest course, with residents playing music, cheering us on in ALL the neighborhoods, and lots of fun party stops. This year I signed up for a virtual coaching experience and got way more out of it than I paid for! This race fueled a passion for running I didn’t know existed. I would recommend that anyone in the area and anyone traveling from a far distance to sign up for this race. You won’t be disappointed. Oh, in addition to the medal and swag at the end, the pizza and Sierra Nevada beer at the downhill finish is the best way to end the race!!!
Great Race
In the last 10 years, I’ve done all three distances this race offers, completing the marathon this year (2018). It’s a wonderful race, but the thing I remember most is … MORE
In the last 10 years, I’ve done all three distances this race offers, completing the marathon this year (2018). It’s a wonderful race, but the thing I remember most is that you never feel alone during the scenic race. Spectators cheer you on throughout the entire race (even bridges) and the last miles are downhill. There is constant race support and the finish line is well organized with lots of great swag. If you are used to hills, the rolling hills are no big deal. Great race.
Flat course with a downhill finish = PR!
- Very flat course for a half marathon. Only two or three very minor inclines. Wide streets most of the time, though it got a little tight in the park. … MORE
– Very flat course for a half marathon. Only two or three very minor inclines. Wide streets most of the time, though it got a little tight in the park.
– Crowd support was thin early on, but great at the end. Local residents set up their own aid stations including beer! 🙂
– Great aid stations including pickle juice, energy gel, gummy bears.
– Downhill and scenic finish was awesome. Incredible feeling.
– Post-race party was great. Free brew from Sierra Nevada.
– Expo was boring- just get in and out.
– If you can stay downtown, I highly recommend it. Parking and traffic pre/post race can be a headache.
– 2018 weather was great: sunny and 42 with a light breeze. The race collects and donates discarded gear, so consider wearing some old clothes to the starting line as it’s totally in the shade.
Run RVA- you’ll love it!
Great race and great swag
I entered this race to help a friend that I met through a running group on Facebook finish his first marathon. I figured I could help a brother out and … MORE
I entered this race to help a friend that I met through a running group on Facebook finish his first marathon. I figured I could help a brother out and check off another state on my way to 50. He had told me that he wanted to shoot for a 5 hour finish but the hills took a toll on his IT band so we had to take that last half pretty slow. I am typically a 3:30-3:45 pace runner but running at this slower pace gave me a chance to truly enjoy all the extras like the junk food stops and such. This race was a fun one and the participation of the community and volunteers was second to none. We even picked up a straggler along the way and helped her finish her first marathon as well. After crossing the finish line we were given the medal, a nice warm blanket and a finisher’s hat.
Beautiful weather and scenery
Awesome volunteers at the aid stations and great supporting fans. Snacks along the course including beer and pickle juice! Flawless event from Start to Finish with a cozy blanket after … MORE
Awesome volunteers at the aid stations and great supporting fans. Snacks along the course including beer and pickle juice! Flawless event from Start to Finish with a cozy blanket after crossing the finish line.
Well done, Richmond!
I ran this race yesterday (Sat, 11/10/2018). It was my 23rd marathon but first time running this one. This was also my third marathon in three months so I ran … MORE
I ran this race yesterday (Sat, 11/10/2018). It was my 23rd marathon but first time running this one. This was also my third marathon in three months so I ran this one “for fun” and wasn’t concerned about my finish time.
Expo:
They ran a free and frequent shuttle bus from downtown to the expo – very much appreciated! They offered a free bus tour of the course which I found worthwhile and helpful. Upon return I went to the expo that was well attended with vendors. I picked up my bib at the expo. After browsing around I found they had another aisle where drop bags and shirts were given out. If I hadn’t stumbled upon it, I wouldn’t have gotten those things. It seemed a little odd to me the bibs and shirts weren’t collocated. On the shuttle ride to the expo I learned from another runner there was a 3 mile shakeout run downtown earlier that Friday morning that I missed. I didn’t see that in the events calendar else I would have gone.
Race:
Race start was fine. There were ample water stops and restrooms along the course. Later in the course there were two junk food stops that I recall:
I noticed Skittles, gummi bears, M&Ms (plain and peanut). Great volunteers throughout! Cheer zones were well attended and did themselves proud! The route was mostly asphalt with cement on bridges obviously. The course had variety with hills, flats, neighborhoods, mansions, roads along the river, and the long bridge into Richmond. The day I ran temps were mid 40s with a 10-20 mph wind from the north which was unpleasant, though I felt I was sufficiently dressed for it. Finally the last ~0.5+ mile of the race is downhill that I admittedly grimaced through because my legs were beat.
Once you cross the finish line you are given a finisher hat and the fleece blanket. The food tent was fine. Entertainment was good. At the massage tent I waited an hour before my turn, but it was worth it. Thank you to the student volunteers who worked there!
All in all it was a good course and a well-planned event. I recommend it.
I'll be back!
I really enjoyed this race. I ended up going down solo, but had a good time. The expo was nice and organized. There are a good number of hotels with … MORE
I really enjoyed this race. I ended up going down solo, but had a good time. The expo was nice and organized. There are a good number of hotels with convenient access to stores, downtown, and the race. I thought the course was organized and very nice, volunteers were upbeat and did a good job, and the swag was excellent.
Note to participants, have cash for the parking garages near the start/finish. Traffic is a nightmare getting to them and most of them do not take cards.
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….