calendar icon May 10, 2024

Richmond Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Richmond Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 401 [displaying comments 381 to 391]
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A Runner from Fredericksburg, Virginia (2/18/2002)
"Best organized marathon" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I've run 12 marathons and this is the best organized of them all. I'd give the course five stars but you spend a lot of time running next to idling cars caught in the traffic (maybe the race could be switched to Sunday to cut down on the traffic). The fans who come out are very enthusiastic. I grew up in a community which is larger than Richmond (Louisville) but its marathon doesn't come close to Richmond's quality. If you want to run a fast time on an interesting course with a great crowd of runners pick Richmond.
 

A Runner from philadelphia (11/21/2001)
"Good smaller alternative to NYC & Marine Corps" (General Comments)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


2001 race was on a sunny mild day, and the course combined city running with a long stretch through the woods along the James River in the middle of the race. Crowd support was strong, and its proclaiming itself the 'friendliest marathon' was justified for me when I saw people in cars held up by the race rolling down their windows and cheering us on.

The best part of the race was the last quarter mile, which is a straightaway drop (on an otherwise relatively flat course) that let me pull out a spurt to sneak in under 3:13 for a PR.
 

A Runner from Richmond, Virginia (11/18/2001)
"Excellent mid-major marathon" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Most of my observations about the Richmond Marathon have already been expressed by others: nice course with only one significant uphill (around mile 10) and a 9 block downhill stretch to the finish; wonderful, runner-friendly organization with plenty of well staffed water stops, two Gu stops and a nice, easily accessable post-race smorgasbord; friendly crowd support in the numerous historic neighborhoods (though crowds will never be confused with Boston or New York), and bands spread out throughout the rest of the course; the route is set up so that friends and family can easily catch their favorite runner 5 or 6 times along the way; and this race is the best I've run in regards to facilities at the start and along the course. There are enough runners in the race so that you always have plenty of other competitors to run with, but not so many that you feel hemmed in once you get past the first mile marker or so. Only complaint: Ultima. The organizers should fix this, since so few runners seem to like the stuff, and since they do so much otherwise to look after the runners' best interests. Despite this, if you are looking to qualify for Boston, this race would be an excellent choice.
 

A Runner from Richmond, VA (11/13/2001)
"great course, perfect day!" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This is only my third marathon, so I don't have a huge base by which to compare, but I must say this race was a definite winner! The course was altered slightly from last year, and I found this year to be better -- especially the final downhill stretch. I am not a fan of ultima, but there were plenty of cheerful volunteers handing out cold water and ultima. Definitely, the Omni was well equiped to handle that size crowd and, I thought, did it well. I was not staying there, so I don't know if they made allowance for late check out time for marathoners (I know I found it frustrating at the Baltimore Marathon that the hotels didn't make any exceptions to check out time). Fans were great, when they were there, and many of the neighborhoods had loudly cheering fans, however, there were some areas where there was little to no fan support. Still the weather was perfect and made for a great run. Food and drinks at the end were well supplied and the 15 min massage was absolutely wonderful! Will definitely run it again!
 

A Runner from charlottesville, virginia (11/12/2001)
"Fantastic race for first time marathoners" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This race is very well organized and their is a lot of support from all the people who come out to watch. I really enjoyed the pasta dinner and the opportunity to meet other runners. The course is flat which is great for first timers. There is also a scenic part around mile 8. There are plenty of water stops and towards the end they hand out power gels. I have already signed up for next year. Thanks to all who helped make this a memorable experience. Toni
 

Dave Warlick from Oakton, VA (11/12/2001)
"Great experience!!" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This race is as professionally run as any. Here is what I really liked: packet pickup in a grand hotel, cheap daily parking ($3), free deluxe gym bag, bright orange metals and t-shirts, lots of liquid and GU, plenty of food at the finish, and a great band just past the chutes.
 

ed jacob from northwest ohio (11/11/2001)
"beautiful course!!" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


The 10 hour drive was well worth it after running this beautiful course. The rolling hills were a concern but nothing too tough. Great organization and traffic control. Only 2 negatives: ultima is gross stuff and the hotels need to have late checkouts like most all other marathons!!
 

A Runner from ohio (11/11/2001)
"a must run" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have run a lot of marathons,and this is the best medium sized marathon that I have run. The course/organization/volunteers/etc are superb....it was also a nice day. Do it!!!
 

A Runner from Northern Virginia (11/11/2001)
"Enjoyable course" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This is a great course for a first time marathoner. I thought there were about two hills of any significance. After running Baltimore this was a relief. The course offered an urban view and secluded woods view feel. The water stops, sponges, and snack food stops were great.
The best view was turning a corner and seeing the finish line 80 feet downhill!
Also, enjoyed looking at the statues along Monument Dr. Having the finish line next to a plaza was great for meeting family. Thanks to the police, volunteers, organizers, and fans cheering my Redskins t-shirt.
If you can't get into the Marine Marathon, pick this above Baltimore!!
 

A Runner from Pennsylvania (11/10/2001)
"Great Race" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I just ran the race this morning and can't say enough good things about it.
Well-organized from registration to the post-race area. Great volunteers. Very fair course with a downhill finish (one of my favorite things in a marathon). Excellent weather. I was still tired from a week-long bout with the flu, but this race experience carried me to my second best time ever.
 

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