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.
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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!