This was my first marathon so I may not know what to expect or what is typical at most races. Overall I had an enjoyable time. I really enjoyed running on the roads through the farms. Very scenic with a lot of trees to provide shade along the roads. Definitely not a flat course. I was surprised to see as many spectators as I did while running out around the farms. That was nice to give a spark of motivation. The volunteers were very nice and I felt like there was enough water and gel stations.

That being said, there were a few things I wish were different (and was surprised by). I was surprised that there were no porta-potties on the course. Luckily it didn't affect me but I saw many people take detours off the course behind trees. And even that wasn't easy since we were running past private farms and many of them had fences. There weren't even any porta-potties at the beginning of the race - or if there were, I couldn't find them and neither could some others. I ended up using a porta-potty with other racers that was behind a store going through renovations.

The final run through the mall area was a nice idea but I can't say the cones to mark the path were very clear for people who weren't running the course. The runners were looking for the path but many patrons in the mall didn't seem to realize or worry about the fact that they were walking across the course. My legs were about to give out and the last thing I wanted to do was dodge some people.

And at the end of the race, there wasn't much there. The area to hang out at was small. There was plenty to drink but nothing really to eat. The end of the race gave me no reason to hang around. A bit disappointing for finishing my first marathon. I wanted something that felt like a reward. :)

Overall I really enjoyed it. Plenty of things to look at while running and the shirt design was nice, so I actually wear it.

I feel this is the most scenic and well run race in the U.S.A.! You can tell that the organizers really cared about each participant....

Hi,

I've run my share of races and I must say that Charlottesville was just so much fun! The folks there really made me and my friends feel special and the course was just the most scenic route I've ever experienced.

Thanks again to the race's organizers for all their hardwork and it was nice to meet the kids from the local YMCA and Boys & Girls Club who benefit from this event.

After completing many marathons, this one definitely is part of my top 5. The course, springtime weather and blooms made the race one of the most beautiful and unique of my life. The last mile passed throught the historic Downtown Mall. Spectators were sitting outside having lunch and enjoying the day... I had never seen anything so exhilarating!
The volunteers and course organizers did a perfect job, and took care of the runners almost like family, trying to make everyone feel at home. The finishing medallion is a handmade ceramic medallion, by far the most unique finishing awards I have ever received. Even though the course had a few hills, I still ran one of my best marathons in 3:18.
I will be back without a doubt, hopefully with all my friends!

This marathon simply reminded me why I love running so much. The course was so scenic that the distance flew by, and I still ran a very fast time. There were flowers blooming, no portion of the course was unattractive, the last few miles were the most unique I have ever run, and the finish line looked like a postcard. The volunteers and post-race celebration alone were worth the trip. I look forward to coming back next year.

What an incredible experience. The grand stables and vineyards are wonderful to cruise by. The hills sure spice things up. The race workers were outstanding. The weather was spot-on perfect. Finishing in the historic downtown was icing on the cake. The unique finisher's medal was spectacular. This marathon is a must-do event and it is only three years old.

That said, it had some infancy hiccups. The mile markers were not perfect. The end of course turns were difficult to find (maybe impossible were it not for the awesome volunteers). The t-shirt needs to be redesigned, or at least dated, and maybe separate the marathon from the half on the shirt.

By the way, I set a PR. So much for flat equaling fast.

I still cautiously recommend the race, but I want to amend my earlier review to dock one more star for organization.

I learned this week that the course was not certified after all. Now, after thinking about it for a couple of days, I realize that I'm bothered by this. I ran maybe the race of my life, posted a Boston qualifying time, but now I will be ineligible to run Boston next year. I don't even know if the course was 26.2 miles.

With the missing and mis-placed mile markers, the unmarked turns on the course, and now this certification snafu, I have to say the race organizers let us down -- those of us who came out for a road race.

Here are a few of my thoughts as a first-time runner of the Charlottesville Marathon.

Course: WOW! They weren't kidding, this is the most beautiful place I've every seen, much less run. The dogwoods and redbuds were all in bloom :) Very cool place...

Organization: I just loved the way all the volunteers made you feel like they knew you; they would greet you by name at the water stops and at the finish the race director and his wife spent time with my friends and I just to make sure we had a good race - nice touch! Also, having one of their charities working the finish area (Boys and Girls Club) made us all feel we had helped this worthy group a little.

Spectators: The race reminded me of when I ran the Napa Valley Marathon; spectators were generally located around the water stops because of the scenic nature of the course, but they were all very enthusatic.

Overall, this is a terrific run that we plan to attend again and again...

Great job Charlottesville! My friends and I from DC plan to come back each spring...

Keep up the great work!

I have to add a few comments after running my second Charlottesville Marathon. This is a terrific race, well organized over what I believe to be the most scenic course in the USA!

I have seen over the past two year this race just get better and better and predict the Charlottesville Marathon will become a favorite of many for years to come.

Also, as a member of the local YMCA in Miami, FL I would like to thank the Charlottesville Marathon for all that they to for their YMCA as the charitable partner for this event. THANKS!