Shenandoah Half Marathon
Stanley, VA
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Shenandoah is a scenic road race near Shenandoah National Park. The event starts at Hawksbill Recreation Park in Stanley, VA and ends at Lake Arrowhead Recreation Park in Luray. This is a challenging uphill course with great scenery, quiet farm roads, hilly roads in the foothills, and a gorgeous finish … MORE
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Not as Great as Other VR Races
I normally am a huge fan of Vacation Races, but this race felt thrown together. The expo and finish line were not as large as other races, but I ran … MORE
I normally am a huge fan of Vacation Races, but this race felt thrown together. The expo and finish line were not as large as other races, but I ran in the first or second year and it might grow. The scenery was ok. The best part of visiting for this race was exploring Shenandoah.
Rolling Hills, Close to National Park
This is my 5th Vacation Races race I have done and it was one of the smaller ones they have done. The course had rolling hills so there were plenty … MORE
This is my 5th Vacation Races race I have done and it was one of the smaller ones they have done. The course had rolling hills so there were plenty of ‘ups” but what goes up also must go down. Country roads do mean that there were plenty of roadkill (including a stinky deer) but the course was overall nice. The water stations are well spaced and the medals are always really nice with VR races. The finish line parking lot was crowded and our spectators were turned away from the parking lot. The main downside seemed like the neighbors along the course were not happy with the roads being closed, but all the volunteers and people working the road closures were doing a great job trying to calm the unhappy drivers.
Wonderful
This was great. The course was scenic. Not overly hilly considering the location and still plenty of downhill to balance out the ups. Despite taking photos and enjoying the course, … MORE
This was great. The course was scenic. Not overly hilly considering the location and still plenty of downhill to balance out the ups. Despite taking photos and enjoying the course, took plenty of photos while running and still managed to run my best time. Staff, volunteers, coordinators were more than exceptional to add to a wonderful weekend. Also volunteered the day before to help runners get their swag. Medals look amazing. Shirts top tier. Highly recommend.
Well organized and beautiful views
The first couple of miles is uphill but after that it is smooth sailing with on and off flat roads and downhill fun. Lots of farms with animals to look … MORE
The first couple of miles is uphill but after that it is smooth sailing with on and off flat roads and downhill fun. Lots of farms with animals to look at. The views were so beautiful. The aid stations were well supplied and the restrooms were clean and well supplied too. Amazing support from the pacers and the expo volunteers.
Shenandoah Half Marathon
I vividly remember the Inaugural in 2017. It was pouring rain and cold when I attended. The run began at Hawksbill Recreation Park. This time around, it was quite the … MORE
I vividly remember the Inaugural in 2017. It was pouring rain and cold when I attended. The run began at Hawksbill Recreation Park. This time around, it was quite the opposite. The run started at Arrowhead Recreation Park with a steep incline, followed by rolling hills toward Hawksbill Recreation Park. I had a great time during the run. It was well-organized, with plenty of porta-potties and water stations along the course. I really enjoyed every minute despite not having much time to train. I participated to have fun, not to struggle. The sunrise greeted the runners, with the fog rising and passing by cows, dogs, roosters, and red barns along the way. The quiet country roads provided a fantastic backdrop of Shenandoah National Park. I enjoy participating in vacation races because the organizers are experts in their field. I have completed five half-marathon Vacation Races and believe they are worth the money. I especially appreciate the finisher’s medals. The organizers take good care of the runners, from bib pick-up to providing snacks and drinks.
Scenic Rolling Hils
As usual, Vacation Races does a great job organizing and managing races. The course was rural, scenic and a nice mix of uphill and downhill stretches. Luckily the weather was … MORE
As usual, Vacation Races does a great job organizing and managing races. The course was rural, scenic and a nice mix of uphill and downhill stretches. Luckily the weather was great – cool start and clear skies. Love the area and will be back!
Rolling Hills with a wonky finish line
As usual for a Vacation Race, the scenery was great. The race support on course was solid. Aid stations were well spaced and had what you needed when you needed … MORE
As usual for a Vacation Race, the scenery was great. The race support on course was solid. Aid stations were well spaced and had what you needed when you needed it.
Race swag was a bit less than normal but I also think that was due to race location and it was only the second time for the race and the last time it was held was 7 years ago.
The only objectionable thing about the race was the last probably .2 miles coming into the finish line. Heavy vehicle traffic caused you to lose sight of where you even needed to go for the finish and felt a bit unsafe. Hopefully, next year they will make adjustments to this maybe flip the course back to the way it was the first year it was held.
But overall it was a great event just like all Vacation Races events are!
Where it all began!
My husband and I ran this race when they first had it in 2017 as a one and done just so I could say I've done a half marathon. I … MORE
My husband and I ran this race when they first had it in 2017 as a one and done just so I could say I’ve done a half marathon. I enjoyed it SO MUCH that I’m now 33 half marathons and 1 marathon later. Everything about this race was wonderful. Great communication. Smooth start and finish lines. Beautiful course no matter how hilly. Ample amount of aid stations and food/drink at the end. Fingers crossed that this race returns because so will I!
Highly Recommended
The Shenandoah Half Marathon is a fantastic, well-organized event. The communication from Vacation Races (from registration to pre-event to bib pick-up to post-event) was excellent. I have no complaints about … MORE
The Shenandoah Half Marathon is a fantastic, well-organized event. The communication from Vacation Races (from registration to pre-event to bib pick-up to post-event) was excellent. I have no complaints about aid stations, course safety, or race swag. But in my opinion, the main reason to attend any race organized by Vacation Races is the location — the opportunity to run amazing courses with beautiful scenery.
Really Pretty Run in VA-
The Race Medals from VR are always the best. Rolling hills Road race, but happy the road didn't bank one way, mostly a very flat road. Got the feeling the … MORE
The Race Medals from VR are always the best.
Rolling hills
Road race, but happy the road didn’t bank one way, mostly a very flat road.
Got the feeling the locals were not happy we were there, but the race hadn’t run there in a few years, so perhaps they didn’t know
A very pretty race!
I loved that there was plenty of parking and drop off at the start line. The race was much prettier than I expected! It was actually very peaceful, with the … MORE
I loved that there was plenty of parking and drop off at the start line. The race was much prettier than I expected! It was actually very peaceful, with the clouds hanging low on the mountains and listening to the birds sing. Not being in high altitude was also nice! It was a bit hillier than I expected, and the gravel in the last tenth of the mile going to the finish line was not super amazing. Parking and pick up at the finish line was a nightmare, since they used one road for people to come in, leave, and the race course! That was super poor planning. But overall, I really enjoyed this race and felt it was well organized!
Perfect first race with Vacation Races!
This was a great first race with VR - the course was easy to navigate and the location was beautiful without breaking the bank. I loved the community aspect of … MORE
This was a great first race with VR – the course was easy to navigate and the location was beautiful without breaking the bank. I loved the community aspect of the race as well and have already signed up for another!
This race was mostly downhill/flat with a few uphills, the steepest in the first few miles. Perfect time of the year to run in this area as well!
Loved my first half!!
This was my first ever half marathon! I loved it and will definitely sign up for another one! Great location and people. I could feel the love and support from … MORE
This was my first ever half marathon! I loved it and will definitely sign up for another one! Great location and people. I could feel the love and support from all, plus a great getaway for the weekend.
Shenandoah Vacation Race Half
Very pretty and a little hilly race in Luray, VA 2024 Shenandoah Half Marathon. Paved road with lots of beautiful fields, pastures, farm animals and kind spectators to keep you … MORE
Very pretty and a little hilly race in Luray, VA 2024 Shenandoah Half Marathon. Paved road with lots of beautiful fields, pastures, farm animals and kind spectators to keep you going . Vacation races is known to give the runner a wonderful experience:) It feels like we are one big family, enjoying a little time away from the everyday grind. Shenandoah Is a small and friendly town. Heart of America vibe. It feels to be there to give support a lot of small business owners. Nice eating spots with a cozy place to stay. Bonus was visiting the Shenandoah National park even if it was for just a bit . So lovely ! Their races are scenic, well organized, highly runner supported with a great quality shirt and medal. I’m a big fan of VR:) They are helping us achieve our goal of racing in every state. Thank you VR 🙂 #halffanatics #DoubleAgent #marathonmaniacs #medalmonday#50halfstatesclub #marathonmaniacs phil4:13🙏🏼❤️
They should do this more often!
This was my 7th VR event. VacationRaces sets the standard for race organization. And the Shenandoah Half was pulled off over and above the standard they set. Good pre-race communication. … MORE
This was my 7th VR event. VacationRaces sets the standard for race organization. And the Shenandoah Half was pulled off over and above the standard they set.
Good pre-race communication. The expo carried a good array of swag. VR also added 100 percent cotton tshirts for purchase commemorating the race.
Ample parking at the start line. And plenty of portables too.
The race started on time. Water and Gu stations were well-placed and well-stocked.
The hilly course was a bit undersold. I write this as a flat-lander. This course was much more of a challenge than the pre-race materials advertised. Within the VR series, Shenandoah rates as tough as Rainier and certainly more of a challenge than Zion Half.
Overall with the proximity to the SNP and pastoral setting, Shenandoah has earned its place among the VR Annual Series. Hopefully it will attract more runners for 2025.
The race was very well organized.
The location is awesome and scenic route and the Race difficulty level should be a minimum of 3 because of a couple of climbing hills during the course (2,3, 5, MORE
The location is awesome and scenic route and the Race difficulty level should be a minimum of 3 because of a couple of climbing hills during the course (2,3, 5, 6 miles)
Always the best!!!
Everything, their thoughts behind the race and sustainable approach , keeping the National park safe for the habitats, The swag , the gels and the post race snacks.. Awesome!! MORE
Everything, their thoughts behind the race and sustainable approach , keeping the National park safe for the habitats, The swag , the gels and the post race snacks.. Awesome!!
Beautiful course, slightly challenging
This is a beautiful course and although challenging I would definitely recommend it to any racer. The area is visitor friendly and the company vacation races puts on a great … MORE
This is a beautiful course and although challenging I would definitely recommend it to any racer. The area is visitor friendly and the company vacation races puts on a great race!
Scenic and simple
If you've never run an event with Vacation Races, or a half marathon for that matter, Shenandoah is a perfect first. All of their races are well organized. The locations … MORE
If you’ve never run an event with Vacation Races, or a half marathon for that matter, Shenandoah is a perfect first. All of their races are well organized. The locations are well chosen with interesting surroundings. You can’t go wrong taking part in a Vacation Races event!!!
Incredible race!
This was my first 1/2 marathon and Vacation Race. I absolutely LOVED everything about it. The scenery was breathtaking, the course overall fairly easy (mostly downhill). The set up and … MORE
This was my first 1/2 marathon and Vacation Race. I absolutely LOVED everything about it. The scenery was breathtaking, the course overall fairly easy (mostly downhill). The set up and organization was great and lots of communication and ease to the whole event. I would HIGHLY recommend! I will be doing many more in the future!