Richmond Marathon

Location: Richmond, VA

Country:  United States
Website:  https://www.richmondmarathon.org/
2025 Marathon Date:  15/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  14/11/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:20:16

% Sub-3s:  2-5%
# Sub-3s:  100-499
Total Runners: 3-10k

The Richmond Marathon, widely known as “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” is a long-established autumn race offering a fast, scenic and welcoming experience through Virginia’s historic capital city. First held in 1978 and run every year since, the event has grown into one of the United States’ most popular mid-sized marathons, celebrated for its supportive atmosphere, efficient organisation and signature downhill finish onto the downtown riverfront.

The race begins on Broad Street just west of 1st Street, setting runners off through the heart of Richmond. Early miles take participants past downtown landmarks and into the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, before transitioning into The Fan District and the stately, tree-lined avenues around Monument Avenue. These neighbourhoods provide a mix of historic architecture, vibrant autumn colour and some of the most enthusiastic supporters on the course. Numerous spirit groups, music stations and community cheer zones line the route, contributing to the event’s reputation for friendliness.

The course profile is gently rolling, with an approximate total elevation gain of 490 feet and a highest point around 272 feet. Compared with more demanding courses in the region, Richmond is considered relatively fast, making it a popular option for first-timers and for runners targeting Boston-qualifying times. Mid-race, the route leads through quieter residential areas and sections of Richmond’s park system, offering a shift in tone from urban energy to calm, wide-open roads. Several miles provide views along or across the James River, reinforcing the scenic variety that defines the marathon.

The defining feature of the Richmond Marathon comes in the final mile: a long, sweeping downhill onto 5th and Tredegar Street, finishing near Brown’s Island and the Canal Walk. This descent is widely regarded as one of the most enjoyable closing stretches in American marathoning, allowing runners to gather speed and finish with momentum. At the riverfront, a lively post-race celebration welcomes finishers and offers space to reflect, recover and enjoy the setting.

With its mix of history, supportive crowds, crisp autumn conditions and fast profile, the Richmond Marathon remains a standout race for runners seeking an enjoyable and performance-ready course in an atmospheric city setting.