A Friendly Marathon? What Does That Even Mean?
This race packs the excitement of a world major and the ease of a small-town race into one exciting weekend. Come one, come all because Richmond, Virginia, is ready to show you why it’s home of America’s Friendliest Marathon!
Richmond, Virginia has gained fame for many reasons over the years and is quickly becoming a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, historians, and runners. With nationally-recognized restaurants, craft brews, historic architecture, beautiful trail systems, and plenty of museums—it’s the place to be! Add in running America’s Friendliest Marathon and you’ve got yourself the makings of a stellar runcation. The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, and VCU Health Richmond 8k will all take place on Saturday, November 11.
The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon celebrates its 46th running on Nov. 11. Discover more about America’s Friendliest Marathon on YouTube!
Each route treats runners to a unique and unforgettable tour of Richmond that ends with a renowned downhill finish on the riverfront! Not only are the rolling routes beautiful, but they’re fast too! The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon is a “Top Qualifying Race” for the Boston Marathon. Celebrate your finish line moment at the CoStar Post Race Party while soaking in views of the Mighty James River and cap it off with a complimentary Hardywood craft brew and a slice of Papa Johns pizza. The fall foliage will be on full display while you bask in your accomplishment and Brown’s Island never looks better than with a crowd of happy runners and their fans.
The party isn’t regulated to just the finish line—the course has entertainment for miles. No matter which distance you choose, you’ll be treated to unmatched crowd support, amazing course support, and operational excellence. After 45 years, the Richmond community and all involved in the event are proud to ensure that race weekend delivers on its reputation as America’s Friendliest Marathon. The spectator-friendly routes feature frequent live music, party zones, and spirit groups to keep the energy up at every turn. Aid stations are available every two miles and the well-marked courses are staffed with a cohort of seasoned volunteers on a mission to help you reach the finish line. In addition to your typical offerings, the full and half courses have a pickle juice stop and junk food stations. Pretzels, chocolate, gummy bears, soda, and more await to push you through those final miles.
Runners love their swag, and this race doesn’t disappoint there either. Participants in the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon and CarMax Richmond Half Marathon will receive a long-sleeved technical shirt, a finisher hat, a comfy fleece finisher blanket, and a medal. Plus, a special gift awaits those who realize their BQ potential. Those tackling the VCU Health Richmond 8k will receive a long-sleeved technical shirt and a medal.
This fall, discover why “America’s Friendliest Marathon” is all that and more on Saturday, November 11 at the 46th running of the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon.