Tia Pettygrue's Staging Area

Race had good communication. There were several hotel options within walking distance of the start/finish. I registered late so stayed near the airport and it was an easy drive, about 15 min. Parking was also easy, there was plenty of parking.
Lots of port-a-lets, so you didn’t wait in line too long, even right before the race. Gear check was easy.
This was my first time to Richmond and I enjoyed the course. Lots of crowd support throughout the race. Definitely several hills but nothing to big or long, and downhills made up for them. I can see why it would be a PR course. I wouldn’t say it was super scenic but there were some really pretty parts.
Race afterparty was nice, lots of food options: pizza, popcorn, fruit, bars, Titos Vodka (lol). Nice swag: hat, blanket, log sleeve shirt and medal was very nice.

I’ve run this race every year but once since it started in 2017. And the only reason I missed one year is because I was running a marathon. This race is top notch. You can tell they have the city’s support. It’s a PR course for sure. The venue is beautiful on the water. No hills, other than a tiny incline around mile 9. Nice outdoor Expo with enough vendors. Several tents for run clubs. The swag is some of the best ever: tumbler, soft bamboo shirt, seat cover. Lots of food options: pizza, pasta, Acai bowl, fresh fruit, beer, bloody mary bar, Kombucha and more. Plus food trucks if you want to purchase something. Largest massage area I’ve ever seen. Relaxation areas to sit, lively DJ and stage area. I can’t say enough about how much I love this race! Weather can be “iffy” as it is Florida. So I’ve run it when it’s been 50 degrees and 80 degrees. This year it started in the 60s and got into the 70s, so never got really bad, and humidity was low. Highly recommend.

If you want to PR, do this race either the half or full. Weather is usually cool so good for running. Lots of waterfront scenery and nice neighborhoods. Not much crowd support if you need that. Race is well organized. The organizers are very experienced and typically put on a flawless event. Post race offer pasta with meatballs. I mention the meatballs because it’s rare to get protein after a race, which is when you need it. They also have wonderful brownies and other good post race food. Medals and shirts are nice, shirts are tech. If I’m in town, I will always run this race.

Great communication before the race.
Packet pickup was simple and easy.
Race morning parking was plentiful and easy.
Race area was nice at a park. Plenty of port-a-lets. Great atmosphere with music.
Race ran a couple miles thru the park and we saw many deer which was awesome.
Course was perfect, enough turns to keep it interesting. This is not a completely flat course but the inclines were gentle and not long, and the declines were great. So this also made for a good course.
Course went thru neighborhoods, main streets and parks. Lots of great scenery especially when you were near the water.
Course support was amazing! So much police support, you felt completely safe, even on the roads that weren’t “closed”.
Loved the turn into the finish line! Great atmosphere.
Awesome medal and finish line party with great food options from local food trucks.
I have nothing but good things to say about this race! I’m glad I chose it to run a Personal Best and a Boston Qualifier. And while the race can’t control this, the weather was absolutely perfect, low 40s to start with almost no wind and sunny skies.