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 391 to 401]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 > ]

 

A Runner from Washington, D.C. (6/26/2001)
"What a great marathon to run!" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I only run one marathon a year.I ran this one in 1999 and 2000 and I'm stuck on it. Its scenic and fast route, its friendly staff, great organization and people along the route make it one of the primary marathons in the country for its size. If you run more than 1 marathon a year, this is a must.
 

A Runner from Durham, NC (11/21/2000)
"Great race for a first time marathoner" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon ever, and I'm hooked!! I plan to run this race next year and hopefully for many years to come. Course was flat with only a few small hills. Mostly scenic route, although a few areas were a bit boring. Water stops had people there, even for us running at the back of the pack. Floating folk festival was really great, although it would have been nice to have the musicians near the end for those of us who are not speedsters. Lots of folks along the route who were very enthusiastic and cheering for the runners. The folks in the historic distric were out in there pajamas drinking bloody marys! I'd recommend this race for anybody who wants to run a marathon and have fun while they're running
 

A Runner from southwestern Virginia (10/25/2000)
"On the right track" (about: 1998)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Ran this race in '98, its first year 'under new management' (I'd run the Richmond Newspapers Marathon as my first marathon way back in '80), and the new folks are doing a good job! There were a few minor glitches, especially with packet pickup, but I'm told those have since been fixed. Good organization and course, with some nice stretches through historic areas and along the river. Looks like this marathon is back on track.
 

A Runner from Richmond, Virginia (8/16/2000)
"Great race, and getting greater!" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The past two years of this race have provided an absolutely astounding turnaround from prior years! A new major sponsor took over in 1998, and in a decision worthy of Solomon, wisely made the local running club the race organizers. The race organization is some of the best I have seen, in all aspects. This is a race for runners organized by runners, and it definitely shows in their attention to detail and flavor, for all runners. This event caters to the unique needs of the elite speedsters they are pulling in as well as the weekend warriors, and every type of runner in between! The organizers take advantage of everything the locale has to offer. The course, less hilly now, provides a variety of area scenery: from the downtown start and finish, to urban neighborhoods, to forested parks, to bridges crossing the James River (twice), to suburban neighborhoods, to historical sights. And, all the fans that go with the scenery. These fans, although not huge in number, are definitely loud, encouraging, and helpful along the whole course, providing lots of local flavor. There are numerous musical entertainers sprinkled along the course. The host hotel, Marriott, is right at the start/finish line. In addition to providing rooms, it hosts the pre-race carbo dinner, expo, speakers, and post-race ceremony and party. Several other quality hotels with special race rates are in the area within walking distance. Water stops for both races (there is also a 5 mile race) are plentiful and very well stocked. Bonus - the race will be using the ChampionChip system! Double bonus - Bill Rogers will appear for 2000 to race and to speak!! This is a great race to run and to watch, and it has big plans to get better - it seems these folks are just getting warmed up!
 

A Runner from Cleveland, Ohio (8/15/2000)
"A great race for both first timers and veterans" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The Richmond Marathon is among one of the best organized races that I have run in. Having run several marathons over the years, I can say that the Richmond race is among the top of my list. It is obvious to this runner that a lot of detail is put into this race to cater to the runners - both first timers and veterans. There are plenty of water stops and porta-johns along the course as well as great community support. In talking to a local runner, I heard that the organizers created a contest among local civic associations who are impacted by the race to see who could demonstrate the best support out along the course. It worked!! There were so many people cheering the runners on that it makes the 26.2 miles seem a little easier. I'd recommend this race to someone who is looking to do their first marathon and to anyone looking to add a great fall race to their marathon schedule.
 

A Runner from Richmond, Virginia (8/14/2000)
"Fun, well organized and recommended for all." (General Comments)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I participated in this marathon years ago and although enjoyable lacked the attention to runner issues such as, time of the year and start time, with respect to weather. I am happy to say that the race management has vastly improved the event. The course, scenic and runner friendly, is well equiped with water, restroom facilities and time clocks. The race previously held in October is now held in the pleasant November morning. The support of the community can be measured through the increasing number of participants. In general I would highly recommend this marathon to the new or old marathoner. The experience will be one to remember.
 

A Runner from New Jersey (8/13/2000)
"Great up-and-coming race!" (about: 1999)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Last year's Richmond Marathon was my first 26.2-mile race. My friend who ran with me is an experienced marathoner and had run Richmond before, when it was the Richmond Newspapers Marathon. As a first-timer, I thought it was a really good course. The start/finish (and host hotel) are downtown and a new convention center was/is under construction next door, meaning the area is a little torn up. I thought the race organization and volunteers were great. From what I was told by long-time race participants, the new race organizers have done a fantastic job of turning the event around and have even more great things planned for the year's ahead. I am now a regular marathoner (3-4 per year) and will be making Richmond an annual part of my race calendar. Keep up the great work!
 

A Runner from Ellicott City, MD (8/10/2000)
"Great fan support, good marathon to run again" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


It was much different when I ran it in 1999 than 5 years ago when I ran it. I thought the marathon was well organized, with water stations everywhere (much different than before), many friendly volunteers and great fan support along the course. I wouldn't have suggested it in 1994, but now I definitely would. They also had music along the course to make the run less painful.
 

A Runner from New Jersey (8/10/2000)
"A very runner-friendly race." (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Last year's race was my first marathon and my friend's umpteenth. Both of us loved this race. The course is nice, with many very scenic portions, including along the river. My impression is that this is a very up-and-coming race. Other runners I talked to mentioned how much better everything (course, volunteers, organization, expo, etc.) has gotten in the last couple years and how much they were looking forward to coming back. I am definitely going to make this an annual part of my (growing) race calendar.
 

A Runner from Richmond, Virginia (7/8/2000)
"Not over-crowded, pleasant small city race." (General Comments)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Greatly improved race from years past. I recommend it for first timers. Clocks on every mile. There are plenty of water stops, sponges, and GU when you need it most. Scenery is pleasant and historic. Host hotel is NOT in the ghetto. Though sparse for now, the Richmond running fan-base is quickly growing. Those out there already are enthusiastic and supportive.
 

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