May 20, 2024
Current Year Results
Results Search
Biggest/Best Boston Qualifier
2024 Results
2023 Results
2022 Results
2021 Results
2020 Results
2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results
2015 Results
2014 Results
2013 Results
2012 Results
2011 Results
2010 Results
2009 Results
2008 Results
2007 Results
2006 Results
2005 Results
2004 Results
2003 Results
2002 Results
2001 Results
2000 Results
☰
Richmond Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Richmond Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 4.5
Number of comments: 401 [displaying comments 331 to 341]
|
S. Z. from Annandale, VA
(4/9/2004)
 "Intimate run; great for first-timers" (about: 2003)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Richmond Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A great alternative to Marine Corps lottery losers -- only 2 weeks later and 1 1/2 hours away. This was a nice mid-sized race. The course was mostly flat and lovely, save the total of about 2-3 miles through city streets. The last 1/2 mile was downhill; great for a newbie like me. Clocks at just about every mile and pit stops at least every 2 miles, including Gatorade at all stops, were amongst the many diversions distracting you from the task at hand. The mid-40s weather was perfect, and is apparently a feature nearly every year. The musicians and the fans in general were numerous, extremely supportive and genuinely enthusiastic to most of the passing runners. Be very wary about the video of the race a company offers for a fee to runners at the expo, advertised to include the individual runner; 6 months later, apparently no one has received their video, and the company is not returning calls or emails. This is not the organizer's fault; they too seem to have been blind-sided. | |
|
A. D. from New York, NY
(1/23/2004)
 "Good Course For Beginners" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The course is relatively flat, the fans were very supportive. The only negative comment I would make is that in the back stretch (i.e. miles 22-24-ish) you are running on a main road; B/C of the traffic (caused by the marathon), you are pretty much breathing car exhaust! Overall, though, for a city marathon I would give it high marks. | |
|
M. D. from Atlanta, GA
(1/19/2004)
"Everything works with this race!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my 4th marathon, and the best experience so far (I've run Chicago, Huntsville, and Top of Utah). The only downside, which is why I didn't rate the organization as 5-star: the t-shirt was surprisingly lackluster. Note to the organizers -- check out your local artists, they can do wonders for your t-shirts! The upsides: very scenic and very fast course, although some of the hills were understated in the literature and website. (No biggie, I still PR'd by 33 minutes on this course.) The run through the historic district and across and beside the river was simply gorgeous! There was a good little incline at mile 10, which was reputed to be a major hill, but it was short and easily managed. At mile 14 we were treated to some abortion protesters with very graphic signs, but there were plenty of race volunteers on hand with even larger generic race signs to block the views (thanks for taking care of us, it was very much appreciated). Lots of musical entertainment along the way -- some bands (some were really very good), and some soloists. The crowds were well organized, very supportive and plentiful. Aid stations were very well stocked. (Another note to organizers: place the aid stations at least 100 meters from the mile markers, so we don't have to juggle our liquids while hitting the split buttons on our watches. This only happened at two of the mile markers, not a big deal unless you're very anal about your splits, like me.) The weather was terrific, high 30's at the start and low 50's at the finish. The final mile is a nice downhill, and the final 300 or so yards is very downhill, so I had a great finishing kick. The post-race festivities were unmatched by any marathon I've run so far... a terrific variety and supply of goodies (bagles, fruit cups, juice, water, Twinkies (!), cookies), and a really good band was playing, all located in the lovely historic Shockhoe district. A great event for non-running support crew as well. The medals were very nice, very detailed. Lots of things to do and see while you're visiting Richmond. Easy to travel to. I had a great time, and I'd do this one again. | |
|
J. J. from Kingsport, Tennessee
(12/27/2003)
"my favorite small race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Wow! I was so impressed with this race. I loved the course, although it is rolling hills - nothing major. There is a beautiful stretch along the river. You never run through that 'industrial' section so many big races put you through. Not a lot of spectators but those that are there are great. Several local shops have there own food stops with people handing snacks and drinks. There is a nice downhill finish at the end. Overall, just a great run. The organization was just superb. | |
|
D. G. from Patuxent River, MD
(12/22/2003)
"Definitely the friendliest marathon!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and after months of training my running partner ended up hurt in the last week prior to the race. To avoid running by myself I signed up with the 4:15 pace group. I met the pace group leader at the expo Friday night (which was easy to get to and well organized). He was very helpful, had a great personality and helped to relieve some pre-race nervousness. On race day I was amazed at how helpful/nice all the volunteers and runners were. The course had very few hills, which was great for me as a first-time runner. There was more than enough water/GU stops. I'm so glad I chose this marathon for my first and I would recommend it to anyone! | |
|
C. B. from St. Louis, MO
(12/6/2003)
"I loved the Richmond experience!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and it was very important for me to have a great 3 day experience... and Richmond was an excellent choice! Arrived early enough on Friday to pickup at the expo and have an easy walk to Shockoe Slip for an awesome pasta lunch. Bus tour was VERY helpful... although the tour guide got on my nerves with his tales of personal glory/agony in previous races. The course was great... I loved the neighborhoods and running along the river... the sound of rushing water and waterfalls will be an experience forever ingrained! There were a few parts of the course that weren't as scenic and too close to traffic, but the good outweighed the bad by far! I was following the 4:30 pace group 'til we crossed the first bridge, and I think they were ahead on time and held back. Got in with a great group of new-found friends and we stuck together for close to 20 miles. The finish (4:25 - yeah!) was awesome with great fan support. But as I mentioned it wasn't just the race that was important, but the experience, and this is when things got very cool. Sitting in a converted tobacco warehouse-now-bar/restaurant with huge picture windows overlooking the finish area, I got to kick back with my wife and a few other runners & spectators and enjoy a cold brew and the sights and sounds of a very festive area. I had the unique opportunity to meet the winner, who was in fact meeting up with the group we had been hanging out with! He is a class act and I will be rooting for him to win his next race in Boston. GO ELLY!! Best thing about a Saturday race: booked a late flight out on Sunday which let us be tourists in a town with great tourist attractions within easy walking distance. Hit the Civil War museum, the Confederate White House, and an awesome cemetery overlooking the St. James that has 2 (3) former Presidents, Tyler and Monroe (& Jefferson Davis). Great for history buffs! If you are looking to run a great race AND have an awesome weekend - go to Richmond!! | |
|
S. W. from Mashpee, MA
(11/28/2003)
"Excellent Marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 6th marathon. While I did not PR, I did run well. This marathon has a lot of upsides. The course is a good mix of hills and flatland, not much hills in last 10K to kill you, nice downhill finish. I thought traffic control was excellent, I was never bothered with exhaust fumes or worried about getting hit as some other runners have said. The bus tour of the course the day before was excellent. The pasta dinner was first-rate. The particular area of Richmond around the Omni is nice, several nice restaurants within walking distance. I also thought the course was very scenic. I could have done without the abortion protestors--why do they target a marathon of all things?? There were 3 spectator party zones set up which were very nice to run through. And the finish area and water stops were well managed. The only other downside I saw was that outside of party areas the spectators were limited, but the ones that were there were very enthusiastic. I would do this one again. | |
|
wally dunn from asheville, nc
(11/28/2003)
 "Great mid-size race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 On the whole - outstanding! The only negative about the whole weekend was running along stopped traffic between miles 17-20. Race spokesperson said they are trying to fix that. The post-race set-up was fine. Great food spread. Anyone who complains about having to walk a few yards to the food is nuts - it was a short block to walk! | |
|
P. R. from Arlington, VA
(11/24/2003)
"A first-class experience!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Let me just say that I was both pleasantly surprised and extremely impressed with this marathon. Having done many of the major marathons - Boston, NYC, Marine Corps - and many smaller sized marathons, these guys in Richmond know what it takes to put on a well organized marathon. Their attention to detail is quite obvious to this seasoned marathoner! I sometimes gauge a marathon's organization by how well they do with their water stops. Not only does Richmond have plenty of them, they are well organized and the volunteers are very spirited and really appear to be having fun. To me, this is an indication that the community not only supports the event, but they take pride in putting on what they feel is America's Friendliest Marathon. After running it, I am convinced that they definitely fit that title. Having read others opinions of where the food at the finish line was - which was about a block and half, not 5-6 blocks - I prefer to have the food a little ways from the finish line. For me, walking some after I cross the line is the best thing for tired muscles. I don't like having to get my food right after finishing. So I hope the organizers don't change this because of a few people who prefer to cramp up while getting their food immediately upon finishing. For those looking for a first-class experience where runners are treated so well - be sure to check this race out. You won't be disappointed. | |
|
R. L. from Ashville, North Carolina
(11/24/2003)
"Best of 4 Marathons Run" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my fourth marathon and it was by far the best organized event I've ever run. The course has a lot of variety and takes you through great neighborhoods, along the James River, past historic monuments and has a great downhill finish. And, the post race area was an amazing celebration. There were two live bands in the post-race area and the area was really cool with restaurants and shops. Post-race food included bottles of Powerade, pizza, bagels, Twinkies, bananas and other stuff. All in all this race makes it convenient for you to run a fast time. The weather was near perfect with the temperature hovering between 45 and 49 with overcast skies. I definitely recommend this marathon if you don't want the crowds and hassles of a major race. |
Quick Links
Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools
© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC
