Why run the Richmond Marathon?

By Henry Howard

As a runner, I like to challenge myself with different types of races throughout the year while also getting in my annual qualifier for Western States.

Over the summer, I finished the Kettle Moraine 100, securing ticket number four in December’s drawing for entry into the 2025 Western States. Securing my qualifier well ahead of the early November cutoff allowed me to choose some races in what I consider my “sweet spot,” around the marathon and 50K distances.

In planning my races after Kettle, I set out to do three that would offer some challenges and maintain my fitness going into 2025 and whatever that year will bring. First up was the Oakadoke 18-mile trail race in August, where I finished fifth overall. In late September, I ran the Hungerford Trail Races 45K, which turned out to be an adventurous day (race report here).

Up next: the Richmond Marathon, only my second road marathon since Boston in April 2019. (My Blue Ridge Marathon in April 2023 was another unique racing experience, as I wrote about here.)

Why run the Richmond Marathon?

Since the Hungerford race was the final weekend of September, I planned to do my next race about eight weeks out. That would give my body enough time to recover, rev up again and be ready for the next challenge.

Another consideration was to knock out my final race of the year before winter weather likely showed up. I looked at races in mid- to late November while wanting to steer clear of any races too far away that would coincide with the heavy Thanksgiving travel season.

Running a road marathon was also appealing as I have not done one in quite a while. A road marathon would be a good gauge of fitness and could also land me a qualifying time for a big city marathon if I would choose to go that route.

As I narrowed my search, the Richmond Marathon popped up on my radar.

I quickly discovered there was a lot to like about the Richmond Marathon. The course is relatively flat with rolling hills, very well supported, easy to access, and the online reviews indicate the race is very well organized.

The timing was also perfect as it preceded my birthday and would be a great way to celebrate another trip around the sun and another year of races in the books.

About the Richmond Marathon

"America's Friendliest Marathon" offers race distances of 26.2 miles, a half marathon and an 8K. The race, which is in its 47th year, attracts thousands of runners annually.

It is a Boston Marathon qualifier. In fact, it is among the top marathons in the U.S. for Boston qualifiers.

There are plenty of aid stations along the course. And while I plan to carry all my own hydration and fuel, other runners won’t be lacking for support.

And swag? The marathon delivers the goods. Finishers receive a medal, long sleeve technical race shirt, finisher hat, their famous fleece finisher blanket, beer and pizza.

It’s not too late to sign up, if you are looking for a flat, fast and fun fall marathon. Here’s where you can register.

Wishing you a successful conclusion to your 2024 racing and a great new year of adventures!